AURORA | An unidentified man was fatally shot by an Aurora police officer at an off-site airport parking lot Monday afternoon after the man charged the officer, police said in a statement.
Police were called to the Parking Spot lot, 19901 E 56th Ave., at about 3 pm. by employees who said a man was going car to car checking door handles and refused to leave.
A police officer went to the lot about 5:15 p.m.
“Once at the scene, staff members reported the suspect was still on the property and was becoming more aggressive with employees,” Aurora police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement.
The officer then located and confronted the man.
“About one minute later, the suspect charged the officer and there was a fight,” Moylan said.
Employees at the parking lot called dispatchers and said the officer needed help.
“The officer attempted to use less lethal devices to gain control of the suspect,” Moylan said. “The officer also gave the suspect multiple commands, but the suspect refused to follow the officer’s directions, and an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
Additional police and rescuers provided first aid to the man, and he was taken to a nearby hospital.
“The suspect died shortly after his arrival at the hospital,” Moylan said.
The officer was injured during the fight and taken to a hospital. That officer’s name and details about his tenure were not immediately released.
“He will be placed on paid administrative leave upon his release from the hospital, which is in accordance with agency policy,” Moylan said.
The shooting will be investigated by APD detectives as well as internal affairs.
An outside investigation by a Critical Incident Response Team, led by the 17th Judicial District, will determine whether the officer violated any laws during the shooting.
Police said anyone with information can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000, police said.