DENVER (KDVR) — Aurora police held a press conference on Monday to discuss an incident where officers shot a man, killing him, on Oct. 3.
Last week, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said that officers were called to the area on a report of a fight or dispute that started at an apartment complex in the 11900 block of East 16th Avenue, where the road intersects with Oswego Street. The Aurora Police Department said in an initial release of information that the call appears to have originated at Brent’s Place, a safe-clean housing facility for families.
However, the incident spread to nearby properties after one of the parties produced an AR-platform rifle. Police arrived and saw a man in a black hoodie armed with an assault-type weapon.
Officers approached the suspect and asked him “several” times to drop his weapon, according to Chamberlain. That’s when gunfire was exchanged, and the individual was struck. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Chamberlain said the armed man appeared to be starting arguments in the area. An assault-style weapon was recovered at the scene.
Chamberlain also said two officers were “involved,” but did not know if both had fired weapons. He said residents had been allowed into their apartments and were safe. A nearby school was also not locked down for the shooting.
“The officers’ actions really prevented what I think could have been an even more tragic event,” Chamberlain said on Oct. 3.
The area is near Colfax and Nome Street, and near to an apartment complex, the Fitzsimons apartments, that the city closed for over a dozen code violations.
The shooting is under investigation by the Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Critical Response Team. At least one officer has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, which is the agency’s policy.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
