Aurora Police Identify SWAT Officer Who Shot Unarmed Fugitive
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Another protest is planned in response to the deadly shooting of a man by Aurora police officers. The name of the officer has been released including more details about his background.
Naeschylus Vinzant died last week while SWAT officers tried to arrest him.
According to police, Vinzant, 37, was wanted for removing his ankle bracelet while on parole. Police also said he was suspected in a March 2 kidnapping, assault, domestic violence and robbery.
The shooting happened at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of East 12th Avenue and Memphis Street on March 6. Vinzant was taken to the hospital where he later died.
On Wednesday night members of his family joined a demonstration.
Late Thursday afternoon Aurora police released the identity of the SWAT officer who allegedly fired the shot that killed Vinzant.
Paul Jerothe was interviewed for two hours Thursday at police headquarters. Jerothe is currently assigned as a SWAT Paramedic with the Aurora Police SWAT Team. He has no prior officer-involved shootings.
Jerothe has been with the Aurora Police Department since 2006.
Jerothe was named the Tactical EMS Officer of the Year by the National Tactical Officer Association. Jerothe received the award for his actions during the Aurora theater shooting in July 2012 and his contribution to the education of police officers in combat casualty care.
Jerothe also worked as a paramedic for Denver Health Medical Center before joining the Aurora Police Department.
His attorney says it took six days for the officer to recover. Jerothe underwent an interview with detectives from the Major Crimes Unit on Thursday.
LINK: Aurora Police Department's Timeline Of Events
Once detectives have completed their investigation the facts will be presented to Peter Weir, the District Attorney for Jefferson County who will then make a determination on appropriate actions.
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz released this statement in regards to the shooting, "We understand the community's frustration with the lack of information being released about this case. To ensure a full and thorough investigation and to protect its integrity for Mr. Vinzant's family, the officer and the community, we must be judicious in limiting the release of information that might jeopardize the final outcome of this case."
