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Aurora Police Department release:
Armed Suspect Fatally Shot During Hostage RescueAurora, 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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