Two shooting incidents about 3 hours apart in Aurora left two people in hospital Monday evening.
Based on preliminary information, investigators have not identified any indication the incidents are related or pose an ongoing threat to the broader community.
According to police, at approximately 6:06pm members of the Aurora Police Department’s Special Operations Group were patrolling in the area of Bonner Avenue and North Loucks Street when they heard gunfire. ShotSpotter technology simultaneously detected multiple rounds in the same location.
Officers immediately responded and located numerous fired cartridge casings in the roadway in front of a residence in the 1100 block of Bonner Avenue. The home was struck multiple times by gunfire, but the residents inside were not injured.
Later that evening, at approximately 9:10pm, Aurora Police received reports of a second shooting involving two vehicles traveling southbound on Douglas Avenue near Melrose Avenue.
Preliminary investigation indicates the occupants of a red sedan became involved in an encounter with a dark-colored sport utility vehicle, during which gunfire was exchanged. Detectives have learned the SUV pulled alongside the sedan and fired multiple rounds, and the driver of the sedan also discharged a firearm before both vehicles fled the immediate area.
Two juvenile passengers inside the sedan sustained gunshot wounds and were driven to a local hospital. One victim suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to another area hospital and remains in critical but stable condition. The second juvenile sustained a non-life-threatening injury, while the two additional occupants were unharmed.
The suspect SUV remains outstanding. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the encounter and whether the occupants or vehicles were known to one another prior to the incident. Officers and detectives canvassed the area for evidence and witnesses, and investigative efforts remain ongoing.
“These incidents reflect the serious risks associated with gun violence,” said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. “The presence of officers strategically patrolling in the area allowed for an immediate response in the first incident, helping protect those involved and the surrounding community. Our detectives are actively working to determine what occurred and identify those responsible for both cases while we remain focused on sustained enforcement and long-term violence reduction across the city.”
Both investigations remain active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at 630-256-5500.
