POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Aurora PD Issues Press Release on Colorado Theater Shooting

When the suspect was arrested, police recovered one rifle, one handgun and a gas mask. A third gun is still inside the theater. The suspect is an adult male Aurora resident in his early twenties.

July 20, 2012

Aurora Police are investigating a shooting at the Century 16 movie theater, located at 14300 E. Alameda Ave., involving approximately 50 victims with at least 12 confirmed dead. On Friday, July 20, at about 12:39 a.m., police received numerous calls of the shooting. Officers arrived on scene moments after the first calls and arrested one party at the rear of the theater.

Police were told the suspect "appeared" at the front of one of the theaters, threw some type of gas or explosive device and started shooting.

Ad Loading...

When the suspect was arrested, police recovered one rifle, one handgun and a gas mask. A third gun is still inside the theater. The suspect is an adult male Aurora resident in his early twenties. He offered no resistance when he was arrested. At this time, the police have no evidence that any additional suspects were involved other than the person arrested.

The police department confirmed that 12 people died—the bodies of 10 victims are still at the crime scene inside the theater. At least two more victims died at area hospitals. The police department previously released a preliminary number of 14 dead, but only 12 can be confirmed at this time. Approximately 50 total persons were shot, including the deceased.

Victims were transported to at least six area hospitals. Many were rushed immediately to hospitals in police cars by responding officers. The injured and dead include a wide age range. The conditions of the injured also vary, with some suffering very serious wounds.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting in this investigation. Officers and deputies responded from almost every local police and sheriffs' department in the metropolitan area.

Police are using Gateway High School, located at 1300 S. Sable Blvd., as a meeting location for family members seeking to reunite with loved ones.

Read the release on the Aurora (Colo.) PD Website .

Related:

Colorado Theater Shooting: More Details Emerge

Police: Colorado Theater Shooting Suspect's Apartment 'Booby Trapped'

Colorado Batman Movie Shooting Suspect Was Ph.D. Student

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Thumbnail for POLICE video From theShow Floor: Traka
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 30, 2025

From the Show Floor: Traka

Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.

Read More →
image of conference stage top left, inset image of two men standing at right, and lower left logo for Team Wendy
PatrolOctober 29, 2025

Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium

Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.

Read More →
Images for three athletes - discus, weightlifting, baseball, and inset image of San Diego highway sign and logo for 2026 US Police and Fire Championships.
PatrolOctober 28, 2025

2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event

The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of police officers and a firefighter with FOX & Frends logo.
PatrolOctober 27, 2025

FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day

In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.

Read More →
patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
black background with graphic image showing how police response times can be shortened and officer better informed.
PatrolOctober 26, 2025

Axon Ecosystem Advancements Connect Critical Moments of Public Safety Response

Last week, during IACP 2025, Axon unveiled what it called the next evolution of its connected public safety ecosystem. Key launches included Prepared by Axon, new Axon Assistant and Axon Air Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, and Community Shield and Community Link.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 26, 2025

When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?

Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
small pen like flashlight against a blue background with inset Streamlight logo.
PatrolOctober 22, 2025

Streamlight Releases the Ultra-Thin Wedge SL

Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, an ultra-thin, USB-C rechargeable light designed for users who want pocketable power.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips episode More IACP from the Show Floor
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 22, 2025

More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor

Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.

Read More →