Aurora police have increased the reward for information leading to a suspect who stole a “puffer” car and shot an officer Friday night during a routine traffic stop.
The reward is now $7,000, according to a release. “Investigators continue to work on this case but have been unable to develop a solid description of the person(s) responsible for the shooting,” the release said.
Around 9:05 p.m. Friday, a patrol car with two uniformed patrol officers pulled a car over for a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Fulton Street, according to Fania.
At the time, the officers did not know that the driver had just stolen the puffer car a few blocks away.
A puffer car is one the motorist starts, usually in cold weather, and leaves running unattended. A target for thieves, such cars are easily stolen.
As the officers were walking up to the suspect’s car to make contact with the driver, the suspect fired several shots from the driver’s side window, striking one of the officers. The second officer returned fire, shooting multiple times as the suspect sped north on Fulton.
The car was abandoned two blocks later, at East 19th Avenue and Fulton, and the suspect fled.
Aurora police set up a command post near Fulton and East Montview Boulevard.
“That was a huge perimeter and we couldn’t find him,” Officer Frank Fania said at the time. “We’re hoping to get a break from someone calling in.”
Denver police and Jefferson County authorities assisted Aurora police. Officers set up what they called “an expanding perimeter,” and dozens of officers flooded the area, searching cars and knocking on doors. A helicopter was deployed and police K-9 units aided in the search.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671, tmcghee@denverpost.com or
