Aurora, CO, Police said an officer who was involved in a shooting Thursday evening in Denver unintentionally shot the suspect.
Colorado Officer Slips on Ice, Accidentally Shoots Auto Theft Suspect
Officers followed the Acura several blocks. After crossing into Denver, the officers performed a PIT maneuver in order to stop the pursuit. The Acura made an evasive move and ended up on a snowbank.
December 21, 2015
Auto theft suspect Christopher Padilla was accidentally shot when an officer slipped on ice last week. (Photo: Jefferson County Jail)
The Aurora officer was assigned to the Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force and was working with several agencies on an investigation of an auto theft ring out of Commerce City.
Two Aurora Police officers with the Auto Theft Task Force were watching a suspect vehicle, a white Honda Civic, and followed it into a UPS parking lot.
According to Aurora Police, a suspect left the Honda Civic and entered a black Acura, which then drove out of the parking lot.
Officers followed the Acura several blocks. After crossing into Denver, the officers performed a PIT maneuver in order to stop the pursuit. The Acura made an evasive move and ended up on a snowbank.
An Aurora officer exited his car, drew his gun and told the suspect to exit the stolen vehicle. The officer identified himself.
According to authorities, the officer then lost his footing or slipped on ice and unintentionally fired a shot, hitting the suspect who was later identified as Christopher Padilla, 20. Padilla was hit in the chest but is expected to survive, 9 News reports.
More Patrol
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Sponsored•October 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →