Police officers in Colorado killed a man who had himself shot a gunman who killed a police officer, according to troubling reports.
On Monday, June 21, Ronald Troyke, 59, shot Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley dead as Beesley reported to reports of a suspicious person.
Arvada citizen Johnny Hurley soon after cornered and shot Troyke himself. Yet the tale would take one last tragic twist when a police officer responding to the scene shot Hurley.
Speaking via a video message, Link Strate, Arvada Police Chief, stated his belief that Hurley had “undoubtedly saved many lives Monday afternoon”.
Upon searching Troyke’s apartment, police say they found evidence that confirmed the man had set out with the intention of killing multiple people.
A note found read: “My goal today is to kill Arvada PD officers. We the people were never your enemy, but we are now.”
A nearby store owner Steven Cohen witnessed the whole incident play out. He explained:
“John and another unknown customer unrelated to John went out of the open door toward the square with clear intent to eliminate the threat.
“While the unknown customer turned left to assess the situation without pulling out a weapon, John ran quickly without hesitation straight toward the shooter.”
Sadly, when officers arrived on scene after the initial shootings, Hurley was holding Troyke’s gun. The officers then fatally shot Hurley as a result.
The Arvada Police Department have expressed their deepest regret over the incident, stating: “Our police department and our community’s view of Mr Hurley and his actions are heroic.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist Hurley’s family. It can be found here.
My heart goes out to this poor man’s loved ones. He died a hero, and hopefully that can serve as some small measure of consolation.
Rest in peace, Johnny Hurley.
