Chief Metz has released the following statement today, December 3, 2018, in regards to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 30, 2018 at 10609 East Montview Boulevard:
"On July 30, 2018, Aurora Police officers were involved in a tragic incident where Richard “Gary” Black was shot by police. Officers responded to reports of an intruder attacking a child. The officers approached Mr. Black’s home upon hearing shots fired from inside. Officers then saw a man with a gun and a flashlight in hand. For reasons unknown to those officers, the man did not respond to commands to drop the weapon and an officer shot him. At the time, the officers did not know the man was Mr. Black and he had just shot the intruder who was viciously attacking his grandson.
The case was referred to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office, who issued a “declination” letter earlier today, which can be found here. The District Attorney has determined the evidence in this case does not support the filing of any criminal charges against the officer in discharging his weapon in the fatal shooting.
We understand the public’s interest in this tragic case. The Department weighs this along with its responsibility to protect the child victim, as well as the family’s privacy interests. In consult with the family, we are sharing a mutually-agreeable portion of the involved officer’s body-worn-camera in this chaotic incident.
The officer who shot Mr. Black currently remains in a non-enforcement role. With the release of the DA’s declination letter, an internal investigation will begin.
This was a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mr. Black’s family and those involved."
Information previously released on August 2, 2018
UPDATE: On Thursday August 2, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Aurora Police Department Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with the 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman and the18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler to address updates that can be released.
Chief Metz opened with a heartfelt statement, and acknowledged Mr. Richard “Gary” Black’s distinguished life such as being a Vietnam War Veteran, a purple heart recipient, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Mr. Black’s family attended a private viewing of the body worn camera footage and listened to Mrs. Black’s 911 call with members of the Aurora Police Department Command Staff. As a result of this, the family made a public statement requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release Mrs. Black's 911 call. They wished to be allowed to grieve, and did not want Mr. Black’s life to be remembered in this way.
The 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman spoke to their stance on requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release the body warn camera at this time.
A copy of all 911 calls, with the exception of Mrs. Blacks, a copy of our Officer-Involved-Shooting Directive, the International Associated of Chiefs of Police guidelines on Officer-Involved-Shootings, the statement from the Black family, and the entire video of this press conference will be uploaded onto your YouTube channel and/or at the below links:
Statement from the Black Family
Aurora Police Department Officer Involved Shooting Directive
IACP Officer Involved Shooting Guidelines
Statement Regarding Psychological Services After OIS Events
911 and Police Radio Traffic Recordings
Press Conference Packet
Aurora Police Department Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
[email protected]
Information previously released on July 30th, 2018:
On July 30, 2018, at approximately 1:29 a.m., the Aurora Public Safety Dispatch Center (PSDC) received multiple 911 calls advising there was a disturbance in the area of North Iola Street and East Montview Boulevard.
The PSDC received another 911 call from an adult female at 10609 East Montview Boulevard advising an adult male intruder was breaking into her home.
Aurora Police Officers arrived to a very chaotic and violent scene at 10609 East Montview Boulevard. While on scene officers heard gunshots fired from inside the home, and encountered an armed adult male. An officer discharged his firearm striking the armed male who was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The officers then cleared the home to ensure the scene was safe. Inside, officers found an injured juvenile and the deceased adult male intruder on the bathroom floor. The injured juvenile was later transported to a local hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, caused by the deceased intruder.
Further investigation revealed the armed male encountered by the officer was a resident of the home. Our preliminary investigation has revealed the deceased intruder on the bathroom floor was fatally shot by the armed adult male resident.
The names of the decedents will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The involved officer has been placed on administrative reassignment with pay as per Aurora Police Department Policy.
The investigation into this incident is being handled by the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 15-219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer involved shootings. We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the officer-involved shooting to contact Detective Randy Hansen at 303.739.6710
We are working jointly with the Denver Police Department and the 17th Judicial District to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. However, at the request of the 17th Judicial District, we cannot provide any additional details at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, and all who are involved. We anticipate a more detailed press conference later this week once all officers involved have been interviewed.
This is a very heartbreaking and tragic situation for everyone involved. We are providing assistance through our victim advocates to help the family of the deceased resident through this very difficult time.
Chief Nick Metz
Aurora Police Department
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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