Grandfather With Gun Shot By Aurora Cops Responding To Break-in

AURORA, CO – An Aurora resident shot and killed an intruder in his home, but then was shot and killed himself by Aurora police officers responding to a 911 emergency call, police said Monday.

Around 1:30 a.m., emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls about a disturbance near East Montview Boulevard and North Iola Street. A woman called from 10609 E. Montview Blvd. to tell police a male intruder was breaking into her home, Aurora Police said.

Related: Aurora Police Shooting Incident: Intruder Named

Related: Grandfather Killed By Aurora Cops Was Vietnam Vet, Lawyers Say

When police arrived they found, "a very chaotic and violent scene" at the single-family home and heard "gunshots fired from inside the home," a police statement said. An officer saw the man who lived in the house holding a gun and shot his firearm, striking the man. The resident of the home was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries.

The officers then cleared the home, police said. Inside, they found a seriously injured child and the dead adult male intruder on the bathroom floor. The child was taken to a hospital for "serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, caused by the deceased intruder," the police statement said.

The male intruder had been shot and killed by the man who lived in the residence, police said.

Denver7 reported that neighbors told them the intruder had been strangling the child, identified as a grandchild of the homeowners. The news station also reported that the intruder was about 25 years old and had recently been released from prison. Neither man was identified by Aurora Police.

The names of the two dead males will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office, police said.

"This is a very heartbreaking and tragic situation for everyone involved," said Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz. "We are providing assistance through our victim advocates to help the family of the deceased resident through this very difficult time."

The officer involved was placed on administrative reassignment with pay according to Aurora Police Department policy.

As with all Colorado officer-involved shootings, a neighboring law enforcement agency will investigate. The investigation will be handled by the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit along with the Denver Police Department. The 17th District Adams County District Attorney's office will also investigate the case.

"We are working jointly with the Denver Police Department and the 17th Judicial District to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation," Metz said in a statement.

No further information was available, but the Aurora police said the department would release more details later in the week, after all involved officers were interviewed.

Colorado's Make My Day law, passed in 1985, allows a homeowner immunity from prosecution if they shoot an intruder who threatens them in any way.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting should to contact Detective Randy Hansen at 303.739.6710, police said.

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