Aurora Police Release Details After Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting at Airport Parking Lot

AURORA, Colo. — An Aurora Police Department patrol officer was involved in a fatal shooting Monday, May 12, after responding to a call about a suspicious person trespassing at an offsite airport parking facility in northeast Aurora.

At approximately 3 p.m., Aurora911 received a report of a man checking vehicle door handles and refusing to leave the 19900 block of East 56th Avenue. By the time officers arrived around 5:15 p.m., employees told police the man remained on the property and had become increasingly aggressive.

According to the department, the officer located the suspect and attempted to speak with him. About a minute into the encounter, the suspect reportedly charged the officer, leading to a physical altercation. Aurora911 dispatchers then received multiple calls reporting that an officer was in need of assistance.

Police said the officer deployed less-lethal options in an effort to subdue the suspect, but those attempts were unsuccessful. Despite multiple verbal commands, the suspect continued to resist. During the struggle, the officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect.

Additional officers responded to the scene and immediately rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office following next-of-kin notification.

The officer sustained minor injuries during the encounter and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Per department policy, the officer will be placed on paid administrative leave following medical release.

The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is conducting an independent investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were legally justified. Simultaneously, the Aurora Police Department’s Internal Investigations Bureau is conducting a separate administrative review to ensure the officer’s response adhered to department policy and training standards.