On February 9, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at 820 North Dayton Street. Information obtained was that a suspect pulled out a gun on numerous people and fired shots in the parking lot, striking a 26-year old man. Immediately following that shooting, the suspect forcefully stole a vehicle at gunpoint in that parking lot. The suspect then left the scene and got into a hit and run accident at East 13th Avenue and North Dayton Street at approximately 3:57 p.m.
At approximately 4:10 p.m., the Aurora Police Department began to receive calls about an armed robbery at a liquor store, located at 728 North Peoria Street. As officers arrived, they were given a suspect and vehicle description that identically matched the suspect and the vehicle he stole.
Just a few minutes later, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to another vehicle forcefully taken at gunpoint near Interstate 225 and South Parker Road. The suspect description, including the vehicle that was abandoned, identically matched what was given from the liquor store robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect was no longer on scene.
Approximately 4:40 p.m., Two District 3 Patrol Officers, riding in the same vehicle, were in the area of South Parker Road and East Jamison Avenue. Officers spotted the vehicle that was taken by gunpoint a few miles away near Interstate 225 and South Parker Road. After observing the vehicle going eastbound on East Jamison Avenue, The Officers activated their emergency lights and siren, the vehicle stopped, and shots were fired. The suspect was then transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries. There were no injuries to any of the officers. A gun was recovered from the scene.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will confirm the suspects identity. It is believed that the deceased is Jose De Jesus Montoya-Villa. He is the suspect in the shooting that happened at the Iglesia Faro De Luz Church on Friday night. Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit and the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team have been working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect since Friday night's homicide.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert County. The Aurora Police Department will investigate the crimes leading up-to the officer-involved shooting.
The two Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department issued body cameras which will be used as part of this ongoing investigation. They have both been placed on paid administrative leave.
We want to thank our partners from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Police Department, Rocky Mountain Falck and South Metro Fire Rescue for their quick response and assistance during this incident.
Tweet from Chief Wilson regarding tonight’s incident.
Link to our press briefing.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095