AURORA — A 23-year-old homeless man at a McDonald’s earlier this month had a replica firearm, Chief Nick Metz said Thursday.
The shooting happened about 7:30 a.m. on May 1 at the McDonald’s at 14251 E. Colfax Ave.
“It was made to look like a real firearm,” Metz said.
Police had not previously said the man had a replica weapon, the firearm only as a “handgun.”
Metz released the new detail at about the third shooting involving Aurora police officers this year. That shooting happened last week and left 35-year-old Stephen Schuster .
Investigators said the homeless man with the replica gun was shot in the wrist by officers who responded to reports he had shown a weapon to employees after being asked to leave the restaurant.
Police arrived and found the man in the bathroom, Sgt. Chris Amsler, a police spokesman, said.
Two officers were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the shooting, which is routine.
Denver police are assisting in reviewing the case.
Investigators have not released the homeless man’s name or said what charges he faces.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
