Aurora, Colorado – June 14, 2025: A domestic disturbance escalated into a critical police incident in Aurora, resulting in a man sustaining life-threatening injuries. The event occurred in the 15800 block of East Arkansas Drive and involved an officer-involved shooting. The Aurora Police Department responded swiftly to a 911 call reporting a family dispute that had intensified to a dangerous level.At approximately 5:45 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to the residence following a report of a heated domestic dispute between a husband and wife. Upon arrival, officers took immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and separate the involved parties to better assess the circumstances. The husband and wife were successfully separated without physical confrontation, and officers began interviewing both individuals to determine the nature of the disturbance.
According to the preliminary investigation, the husband, a 58-year-old man and longtime Aurora resident, walked into the garage while officers were attempting to mediate and gather more information. One or more officers followed him into the garage area to continue the conversation and maintain oversight, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. It was during this interaction that the situation suddenly turned volatile.
While inside the garage, the man reached into a toolbox and produced a handgun. Officers on the scene immediately responded by issuing multiple verbal commands, instructing the man to drop the weapon and attempting to prevent the situation from becoming lethal. Despite the repeated directives, the man pointed the firearm at the officers, prompting an urgent and defensive response.
In the moments that followed, one of the officers discharged their service weapon. The man was struck by the gunfire and quickly incapacitated. Officers immediately provided medical assistance at the scene while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. The 58-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries. As of the latest update, his condition remains critical, and no further details have been released regarding his prognosis.
Fortunately, none of the officers involved in the incident sustained any injuries. The fast actions of the officers likely prevented further harm, but the situation is now under thorough review by both the Aurora Police Department and the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. This team has assumed investigative responsibility, as is standard procedure for incidents involving police use of forceThe officer who fired their weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with departmental policy. This measure is a routine part of the post-incident protocol and is intended to support a full and impartial investigation into the shooting. The officer’s identity has not been disclosed at this time, and the department has not indicated how long the administrative leave will last.
The Aurora Police Department has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in all critical incidents, especially those involving use of force. The department will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and plans to release body-worn camera footage to the public once all appropriate reviews have been completed.
This incident underscores the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of domestic disturbance calls, which are among the most volatile situations law enforcement officers encounter. It also highlights the quick decision-making officers must employ when faced with life-threatening scenarios.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to withhold judgment until all facts are available. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Aurora Police Department or the Critical Incident Response Team.
