Colo. Officer Was Targeted, Slain in Shooting that Also Killed 'Hero' Good Samaritan: Police

Photo: Arvada Police Department/AP/Shutterstock; Facebook

A gunman who had expressed a “hatred” of police killed a Colorado officer and a Good Samaritan who intervened on Monday before dying in the incident himself, according to the Arvada police chief.

At about 1 p.m. Monday, dispatchers received a call for a disturbance at Olde Town Arvada, a popular shopping district with restaurants, shops and bars. About 30 minutes later, dispatchers received additional calls for “shots fired” and an “officer down,” said the chief, Link Strate,during a press conference.

Officer Gordon Beesley, a 19-year veteran of the force, was fatally shot in the line of duty, Strate said. John Hurley, 40, described as a Good Samaritan who intervened, was also killed.

“[Hurley] likely disrupted what could have been a larger loss of life,” said Strate. “He came into the Olde Town area in the middle of a shooting and prevented any other injury.”

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“He did not hesitate; he didn’t stand there and think about it. He totally heard the gunfire, went to the door, saw the shooter and immediately ran in that direction,” store employee Bill Troyanos told the station. “I just want to make sure his family knows how heroic he was.”

“Mr. Hurley shot [the suspect]. I think I heard 6 shots from his gun, maybe 5,” Troyanos continued.

Officials have not released information on who fatally shot Hurley or who shot the gunman.

Chief Strate said the gunman “ambushed” Officer Beesley, who normally worked as a school resource officer, but spent summers working patrol.

After the press conference, Strate did not answer a question about how investigators knew Beesley was targeted. He said the shooting is the subject of “an ongoing investigation.”

Donations for Beesley’s family can be made through theColorado Fallen Hero Foundation website. Hurley’s family has set up aGoFundMe pageto assist with expenses related to the funeral.

source: people.com