An Aurora police officer is expected to survive multiple gunshot wounds, but his assailant eluded an extensive search tonight.
The officer was not named, and Aurora police did not immediately have a description of the suspect.
The officer returned fire, but it was not clear whether he hit the man he encountered the 1500 block of North Emporia Street at about 8:15 p.m., police said.
The shooter was described as a black man in his 20s with short hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with red lettering, black jeans and black shoes.
He was last seen in a newer red four-door car with a temporary tag in the rear window, police said.
Police are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest and conviction, said Detective Bob Friel.
Friel said he did not have information about the circumstances that preceded the gunfire.
Dozens of officers with rifles and drawn pistols went door-to-door in nearby apartments off East Colfax Avenue for more than two hours. An automated phone message warned residents to stay indoors.
“”We’re hoping he’s still in the perimeter, but the reality is, he may have slipped through,” Friel said just before 10 p.m. “If that’s the case, we have a manhunt on our hands.”
The officer radioed for help, saying he had been hit and had returned fire, Friel said, Aurora Fire Department medics rushed him to a local hospital, Friel said.
“It appears he will survive this violent encounter,” Friel said.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com
