Aurora Police Detective Mike Thomas was shot and killed at noon today at the corner of Montview Boulevard and Peoria Street, Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said at a media briefing Wednesday night.
A suspect, Brian Allen Washington, 27, of Denver, is in custody.
Oates said Thomas was on duty and in his personal vehicle, traveling from one training site to another. He stopped at the intersection and was shot in the left side at least once.
An Aurora officer, two correctional officers and passersby held the suspect and attempted to give first-aid to Thomas. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12:34 p.m.
“It’s a terrible and tragic day for the department,” Oates said.
Washington has a lengthy criminal history, Oates said, and is currently wanted on a Denver warrant in connection with a Sept. 18 incident in which he allegedly fired into a car. He is currently in the Adams County Jail being held without bond. His first court appearance is 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Adams County.
Thomas “was beloved by the department,” Oates said. The officer had a “distinguished career,” including time with the canine unit, narcotics, and his last assignment as a detective with District 3. Thomas received more than a dozen awards over his career, including the department’s highest honor, the medal of honor, in 1992.
Services for Thomas have not been set, but Aurora police planned to hold a private memorial among themselves at 8 p.m. Wednesday night.
Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer said Thomas’ family had the “support of the community,” and Tauer thanked those who stepped in to help at the scene.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call RJ Wilson at 303-739 6106.
