Full Breakdown
Aurora Police Fatally Shoot Teenager After Threatening 911 Call
9/19/2025, 9:09:52 PM
Incident Overview
On the evening of September 18, 2025, a 17-year-old male suspect was fatally shot by Aurora police officers after he called 911 threatening to "shoot up" a gas station located in the 200 block of South Havana Street. The suspect, who was unarmed, reportedly stated he had a gun and intended to open fire at the business and responding officers. The confrontation escalated rapidly, leading to the officer-involved shooting.
Sequence of Events
The incident began around 7:30 p.m. MDT when the teenager called 911, claiming he was going to open fire. Shortly thereafter, the gas station owner also contacted authorities, expressing concern for his safety and locking himself inside the business. Officers arrived on the scene approximately ten minutes later, where they encountered the suspect, who ignored commands to show his hands and get on the ground.
Initially, officers deployed less-lethal foam projectiles in an attempt to subdue the suspect; however, these had no effect. As the suspect charged at the officers, one officer discharged their firearm, striking the teenager. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.
Official Statements & Investigations
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain described the event as a "tragic" situation, emphasizing the rapid nature of the officers' response to a perceived active shooter threat. He stated, “This is a tragic event. There is no getting around it,” highlighting the concerning nature of the suspect's threats. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave, as per standard protocol, while the 18th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team is conducting an investigation. Aurora police are also performing an internal review of the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns regarding the police response, particularly in light of the ongoing scrutiny of the Aurora Police Department following a 2021 consent decree that found the department engaged in racially biased policing and excessive force. The lack of a weapon at the scene has also prompted questions about the necessity of lethal force in this situation. Mental health crisis intervention officers were dispatched but did not have the opportunity to engage before the situation escalated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While multiple sources confirm the suspect's threats and the absence of a weapon, discrepancies exist regarding the exact timing of the 911 calls and the specific details of the officers' actions. Some reports indicate the suspect was seen "waiting for the officers," while others describe him as charging aggressively. The investigation is ongoing, and further details, including body camera footage and witness accounts, are expected to clarify the events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you have a suspect himself who calls and says that he plans on shooting up a location and he also has a gun and he wants to shoot at police officers, that's concerning.” — Todd Chamberlain, Aurora Police Chief
- “This is not an event that any officer wants to be a part of,” — Todd Chamberlain, Aurora Police Chief
The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
