AURORA, Colo. — Three juveniles were shot after a robbery attempt gone awry late Friday night.
Police responded to reports of shots fired around 11 p.m. in the 400 block of South Kalispell Way in Aurora.
“I was in bed and I heard all of these shots,” said Mae Dixon, a neighbor. “Everyone here is a victim.”
Three men were moving items into a unit in an apartment building when they were approached by three teenage males in the foyer who attempted to rob them at gunpoint, police say.
“Two of the movers started to hand over their money,” said Nick Metz, Aurora Police Chief. “The third mover who was fearing for his safety and the safety of his friends, pulled his weapon out.”
Two of the suspected robbers– who police say are juveniles– are in custody. One is in serious condition. The other is in fair condition with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the shoulder.
A third suspect died from his injuries on the way to the hospital.
“I saw them put a kid in the ambulance and they were pumping his heart. I said this kid is in serious trouble,” said Dixon.
The investigation is continuing and no charges have been filed, but it appears to be a case of self defense pending investigation, according to the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office.
“Whether this person had a concealed permit or not, if you have a weapon and you are placed in fear of serious bodily injury or death, you are entitled to defend yourself,” said George Brauchler, District Attorney Eighteenth Judicial District.
Police have not identified the suspects yet because of their age. The three men in the process of moving were not injured in the attempted robbery.
According to Aurora police, the three movers have cooperated with the investigation and all weapons have been recovered. Police say there is no community safety concern for the neighbors or anyone in the area.