Daniel Garcia ID'd as alleged hostage taker killed in gunfight with police on E. 1st Drive in Aurora

Update: The Aurora Police Department is identifying the man who was shot and killed in a gunfight with officers after allegedly taking two hostages as Daniel Garcia, 25. Neither the hostages nor a police sergeant injured in the exchange have been officially named to date, although the APD confirms that the latter is recovering at home. Look below to see a larger look at Garcia's mug shot, as well as our earlier coverage. Original item, 7:34 a.m. March 15: Shots were fired -- plenty of them -- in a hostage drama that began unfolding late last night in the parking lot of an apartment complex on the 14200 block of East 1st Drive in Aurora. The final count after the bullets stopped flying: One dead (an armed suspect) and two wounded (a hostage and a police officer). Thus far, no names have been released, but the Aurora Police Department is sharing the outlines of this lethal confrontation.

Look below to read an APD release about the incident, followed by an interactive graphic showing the area near the scene; if you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map."

Aurora Police Department release:

Armed Suspect Fatally Shot During Hostage Rescue

Aurora, Colo. -- Aurora Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a hostage situation which began late Monday night.

On March 14, 2011, shortly after 11 p.m., Patrol Officers were dispatched to an Aurora motel located in the 14200 block of E. 6th Avenue on a report of a woman being threatened with a gun. As Officers responded to the motel, updated information was received by Officers that the individuals involved in the initial call had driven to a nearby apartment complex.

Officers located the vehicle of interest in an apartment complex parking lot in the 14200 block of E. 1st Drive. Officers received additional information that two hostages were being held against their will by a man armed with a gun. Officers set up a perimeter around the vehicle and requested additional assistance.

The Police Department S.W.A.T. team and the B.E.A.R. (armored rescue vehicle) were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts. However, prior to S.W.A.T. taking control of the situation, Officers heard at least one gunshot. Upon hearing the gunshot, a team of Patrol Officers approached the vehicle containing the hostages and the armed suspect in an effort to rescue the hostages. As the rescue operation was unfolding, several additional shots were fired. Three individuals including a hostage, the armed suspect, and an Aurora Police Sergeant, were struck by gunfire. All three individuals were transported to a local hospital. The injuries sustained by the hostage and the Police Sergeant were determined to be non-life threatening. The suspect was fatally wounded and died from his injuries.

Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives and personnel with the Crime Scene Investigation Unit (CSI) responded to the scene of the shooting, the hospital, and Aurora Police Headquarters to take charge of the investigation.

The deceased suspect is not being identified at this early stage of the investigation. Additionally, the hostage and the Police Sergeant who were injured during the rescue operation are not being identified.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact MCU Detective Craig Appel at (303)739-6207.

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