AURORA, Colo. -- An aggravated motor vehicle theft suspect wanted by police was shot by an Aurora police officer after he tried to get away, police said late Saturday afternoon.
Police are not releasing the suspect’s name, but they say he suffered serious injuries.
It all started at around 3 p.m. when police spotted the suspect near Colfax and Sable.
“Our officers were conducting surveillance,” said police department spokeswoman Diana Cooley. “They attempted to make an arrest and during that time the suspect did flee.”
Cooley said the suspect drove down into an excavated construction zone.
Four bullet holes were plainly visible in the rear window of the SUV.
“We did have an officer that fired shots,” Cooley said. “At this time, it’s still under investigation as to why.”
One witness, who lives nearby, said he heard three or four shots in succession.
“I heard a pop, pop, pop,” he said, “then I saw four or five officers in a line aiming their guns at the vehicle. They yelled at the woman to get out and then ordered the suspect to get out and walk up the hill, backwards.”
The witness said he then saw police applying gauze to the suspect's wounds.
When asked if there was an exchange of gunfire, Cooley said, “That’s still under investigation. I can say that this suspect is known to be armed and dangerous due to his history.”
She also said there was a juvenile female in the car who was not injured.
Sable Boulevard was closed between Colfax and 17th Avenue during the investigation. Because the shooting involved an Aurora officer, Denver police are investigating the shooting.
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