Example: A suicidal man shot by CU-Denver police last night died even though his wound was inflicted approximately 100 yards from the on-campus hospital.
We've got the latest on the story below.
At about 7 p.m. last night, according to the Aurora Police Department, which is investigating and coordinating information on the incident, CU-Denver police officers were dispatched to a parking garage on the campus following a report of a suicidal male.
Once the cops arrived, the man immediately hopped into his car and drove off. Here's a look at the vehicle courtesy of 7News photojournalist James Dougherty, whose tweets provide the best look we've gotten of the scene thus far.
This is the SUV involved during an officer involved shooting at Univ of CO Hospital in Aurora. Looks like Saturn SUV pic.twitter.com/grMgu814yr
— James Dougherty (@Dougherty7NEWS) March 20, 2014The CU-Denver officers pursued the man and stopped him at the intersection of East 16th Avenue and North Quentin Street.
Seconds later, shots were fired, and the man was struck.
The University of Colorado Hospital was just 100 yards away from the intersection, as estimated by 7News. However, the thus-far-unidentified man was subsequently pronounced dead.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene in force, as witnessed by this Dougherty tweet....
This is the scene at University of CO Hospital in Aurora. A CUPD Officer involved in a shooting, says @AuroraPD pic.twitter.com/1BbQrYXvei
— James Dougherty (@Dougherty7NEWS) March 20, 2014...and this one:
This is from my viewfinder. You can see evidence markers next to this CU Police vehicle. O.I.S. being investigated. pic.twitter.com/yJLf175M9u
— James Dougherty (@Dougherty7NEWS) March 20, 2014Meanwhile, the folks at CU-Denver rushed to assure students and others. A statement from the university reads in part: "Please be assured that the campus -- including the hospitals on it -- is safe."
The officer who pulled the trigger is being placed on paid administrative leave pending the already ongoing investigation -- standard procedure in cases like these. Among the questions that will no doubt be asked: Given the man's reported state of mind, did he commit suicide by cop?
Anyone with information about what happened is encouraged to phone Agent Mike Prince at 303-739-6127 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. In the meantime, our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the man who lost his life in the incident.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.
More from our News archives circa January 22: "No charges against Boulder County deputy in apparent suicide by cop."
