Aurora police clear officer in May shooting of unarmed man

Aurora police announced Friday that officer Michael Dieck did not violate department policy in May when he shot and killed Kilyn Lewis, who was unarmed and holding a cellphone.

Dieck was cleared by a panel that included Aurora police officers and the IntegrAssure, the company hired to monitor Aurora’s compliance with mandated public safety reforms, which raised concerns last month about Dieck’s presence on the SWAT team and the team’s involvement in executing a Denver arrest warrant for the Black father of two.

The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office previously declined to file criminal charges against Dieck in connection with the shooting.

Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, who also participates on the department’s Force Review Board, said in a news release Friday that the department is continuing to review the functions of its SWAT team.

“As with all department functions, we will ensure that the operations not only align with industry best practices, but also with our mission to make the city of Aurora a safe community to live, work and raise a family,” Chamberlain said.

“The review is being done in the spirit of the principles of the consent decree including transparency, continuous improvement and accountability to our residents.”

Lewis was wanted for attempted murder after allegedly shooting and wounding a man during what Aurora police described as a “rolling gunfight” in Denver. When Aurora officers tried to arrest Lewis, he reached into his pocket and then raised his hands, one of which held a cellphone. That’s when Dieck shot him once in the torso.

Lewis’ death has fueled months of protests, with supporters describing it as the latest example of Aurora police unnecessarily using force on Black residents.

In a statement, members of Lewis’ family said the decision to clear Dieck compounded the pain caused by Lewis’ death. They went on to criticize Dieck’s ongoing employment with the department.

“Six months of agony has led to an outcome that feels like a second loss, a second death,” they said. “And for Kilyn’s sons, the injustice feels almost unbearable. They will grow up in a world where their father’s life was taken, yet the man responsible remains in their community.”

The family also vowed to continue advocating on Lewis’ behalf.

“Kilyn’s name will not be forgotten, and neither will this betrayal,” they said.

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