No Charges Filed in Aurora Police Shooting of man Holding Replica Rifle
AURORA, COLORADO – An Aurora police officer will not face charges after fatally shooting a man who authorities say pointed a replica rifle at them on October 4, 2024. The decision, announced Friday, concludes the investigation into the death of 31-year-old Kevin Dillard, sparking renewed calls for transparency and accountability from his family.
The shooting occurred after officers responded to a report of a man with a weapon near East Colfax Avenue and Havana Street. According to police, Dillard refused commands to drop the firearm before being shot. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding police use of force and the challenges of identifying realistic-looking replica weapons. The case is now closed, but Dillard’s family is planning a vigil and maintains that the officer’s actions were unjustified.
Aurora police displayed an image of Dillard at a news conference,showing him in the moments before the shooting. Investigators reviewed body camera footage of the encounter, which Dillard’s family also viewed at the Aurora Police Department earlier friday. The family alleges that Dillard’s back was turned to the officers when he was shot, a claim authorities have not addressed publicly.
Dillard’s family is seeking further investigation into the incident and questions the necessity of the use of lethal force. They plan to hold a vigil to honor Dillard’s life and advocate for police reform.
Christa Swanson, a Digital Media Producer at CBS Colorado, reported this story.
