By Trend News Line 2024-06-28 23:28:09.
The Incident in Aurora
On Thursday evening, the peaceful neighbourhood of Aurora was shattered by a series of violent events. Aurora police responded to multiple reports of gunshots near Smoky Hill Road and Quincy Avenue. Upon arrival, they were met with scenes of chaos and horror.
The Victims
In the 4400 block of South Eagle Circle, a 50-year-old woman was found in her car, suffering from gunshot wounds. She was swiftly taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Just a block away, a 64-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were also shot while simply walking down the street. The police soon realised that all these shootings were connected, all perpetrated by the same individual.
The Suspect and Arrest
As officers surveyed the area, they noticed a damaged vehicle, leading them to a nearby apartment where the suspected shooter was located and apprehended without incident. Multiple firearms were found within the apartment, prompting the police to delve into the motive behind the senseless violence.
The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Austin Benson. While the police have not yet disclosed a motive, records suggest similarities to previous incidents involving a person with the same name.
Previous Incidents
Court documents from 2018 revealed that a 29-year-old Austin Benson, sharing the same birthdate as the suspect in the Aurora shooting, was involved in similar incidents in El Paso and Douglas counties.
In July 2018, this individual embarked on a violent spree, firing upon vehicles and individuals before being confronted by a retired police officer. The suspect was shot by the officer after attempting to flee, leading to his arrest. Charges of attempted murder and felony menacing were later dismissed due to mental incompetence.
In 2019, the same individual was charged with assaulting hospital staff in Parker, violating his bond conditions from the 2018 case. The suspect was taken into custody.
Ongoing Investigation
As Aurora investigators continue to unravel the events of that fateful Thursday night, questions remain unanswered. The authorities are yet to confirm whether the Austin Benson linked to the Douglas County incidents is the same individual involved in the recent shootings.
\”Hopefully we can try to figure out why this happened,\” concluded Aurora police spokesman Matthew Longshore.
RELATED: Suspect arrested after allegedly shooting people from his car
As the community grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, the search for answers and closure continues.
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