(Nov. 15, 2024) – The Aurora Police Department has concluded its administrative investigation of a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in May in the 300 block of South Ironton Street and has determined the involved officer did not violate agency policy.
The shooting occurred Thursday, May 23, when the Aurora Police Department SWAT Team attempted to arrest 37-year-old Denver resident Kilyn Errin Lewis. Lewis was wanted on an active warrant out of Denver for attempted first-degree murder for the May 5 shooting of a 63-year-old man who was struck by gunfire while Lewis was involved in a rolling gunfight with another motorist.
During the May 23 interaction with SWAT officers, Lewis failed to comply with directions to get on the ground, made furtive movements and produced an object from behind his back. Officer Michael Dieck fired one shot, striking Lewis.
SWAT officers immediately provided aid to Lewis until medical responders arrived at the scene. Lewis was taken to a local hospital, where he died two days later. The object in his hand was later determined to be a cellphone.
The 18th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team conducted an independent investigation into the shooting to determine whether the officer’s actions complied with state law. The Aurora Police Department’s Internal Investigations Bureau launched a parallel investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions complied with agency policies and training.
On Oct. 11, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office determined Officer Dieck’s use of force was not in violation of state law. The case was also presented to the Arapahoe County Grand Jury, which found insufficient evidence to charge based on the totality of the situation.
Earlier this month, the Aurora Police Department’s Force Investigations Unit presented the incident to the Force Review Board, which includes the chief of police, as well as the Independent Consent Decree Monitor. The review concluded Officer Dieck was not in violation of agency policy or misconduct. Officer Dieck is a 13-year member of the Aurora Police Department and is presently assigned to the Electronic Support Section.
The incident was a focus item of the Independent Consent Decree Monitor’s latest report, which was issued Oct. 15. Prior to the Consent Decree Monitor’s report, Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain has been reviewing all agency operations, which includes an assessment of SWAT functions.
“As with all department functions, we will ensure that the operations not only align with industry best practices, but also with our mission to make the city of Aurora a safe community to live, work and raise a family,” said Chief Chamberlain. “The review is being done in the spirit of the principles of the consent decree including transparency, continuous improvement and accountability to our residents.”
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095