By Alan Gathright
The Denver Channel
AURORA, Colo. — The Aurora Police Department has identified a patrol officer shot during a traffic stop last week, and increased the reward for information to $35,000.
Aurora police said the wounded officer, Ryan Burns, an 11-year veteran of the department, continues to recover from his injuries in the hospital.
“He is in good condition but will remain in the hospital for several more days,” Aurora police spokesman Officer Frank Fania said in a Tuesday news release.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office, our Federal Law Enforcement Partners, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and several local businesses in Aurora, the amount has now climbed to $35,000.00. Individuals may be eligible for the reward by providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this shooting,” Fania said.
People can provide information on the case and remain anonymous by calling CRIME STOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867) or text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and then use the title DMCS and enter the message.
The shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Friday as two officers in a patrol car pulled over a vehicle in a residential area at Fulton Street at East 17th Avenue.
“As the officers were walking up to the suspect’s car to make contact with the driver, the suspect fired several shots out of the driver’s side window, striking one of the officers,” Fania said.
The other officer returned fire as the suspect drove away.
The shooter was in a stolen car, which was found abandoned about two blocks away in the 1900 block of Fulton Street. Police have not identified a shooting suspect.
Reprinted with permission from The Denver Channel.