(June 20, 2024) – Today, we are releasing a critical incident video relating to an officer-involved shooting that occurred May 23, 2024.
We aim to release these types of videos within 30 days of an incident, taking into account that we cannot legally release them to the public until 72 hours after an affected family has viewed them. Our Victim Services Unit continues to offer support and resources to affected families.
Interim Chief Heather R. Morris has implemented a new information-sharing process following a critical incident involving our officers. The goal is to increase our agency's transparency and accountability. These videos are intended to provide our community with a better understanding of what occurred based on the information we have at the time of their release.
“Any loss of life is a tragedy for an individual's family -- our community -- and the officers involved, no matter the circumstances.
Critical incidents like these are difficult to watch. They involve real people -- people with family and friends who love them. I know that nothing I say can ease the pain this family is feeling. What I can do is ensure that a complete and thorough investigation is conducted and share those findings with our community. We are committed to transparency, and we will always seek ways to improve how we serve the people of Aurora.” – Interim Chief Heather R. Morris
We understand you may have other questions. Chief Morris is committed to a complete and thorough investigation. We will share any additional findings once the following investigations are complete:
- The 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is conducting an independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting to determine whether the officers’ actions complied with state law.
- Concurrently, the Aurora Police Department’s Internal Investigations Bureau is conducting an administrative investigation of the entire incident assessing compliance with agency policies and training.
Until these active and ongoing investigations are completed, we will not be providing any additional information or comments.
Information previously released
(May 30, 2024) – An Aurora police officer was involved in a shooting last week while attempting to arrest a wanted attempted homicide suspect.
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Aurora Police Department SWAT Team was assisting the Denver Police Department Fugitive Unit with surveillance of a suspect with an active warrant out of Denver for attempted first-degree homicide. The SWAT Team was called to assist when the suspect was located driving a red sedan in Aurora.
Law enforcement officers followed the suspect to an apartment complex in the 300 block of South Ironton Street. The suspect arrived at the apartment complex just before noon. After the suspect parked and exited the sedan, SWAT officers approached to make an arrest. During the interaction, an Aurora SWAT officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect.
A SWAT Team medic provided medical care to the suspect until emergency medical responders arrived at the scene. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. No officers were injured during the incident.
The suspect died at the hospital Saturday, May 25, 2024. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the individual’s identity.
One Aurora police SWAT Team officer was involved in Thursday’s officer-involved shooting. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with agency policy.
The Aurora police officer is:
•Officer Michael Dieck, a 12-year veteran of the police department. Officer Dieck has been assigned to the SWAT Team for more than eight years.
As part of standard protocol, the following investigations are running concurrently: The 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is conducting an independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting to determine whether the officers’ actions complied with state law. The Aurora Police Department’s Internal Investigations Bureau is conducting an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions complied with agency policies and training. The investigations are active and ongoing.
The information contained in this release is preliminary and subject to change as additional details are obtained during the investigation.