Three Colorado teens were shot earlier this week – one fatally – as they attempted to rob three moving men at gunpoint as the victims were moving furniture into at the Bayberry Condominiums on Kalispell Way near Alameda Avenue and Chambers Road in Aurora police reports say.
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz said the three robbers approached the movers and attempted to rob them at gunpoint in the foyer area of the apartment building. The three robbery victims were described as men all in their 20’s.
“Two of the movers started to hand over their money, the third mover who was in fear for his safety of his friends, pulled out his weapon”, Metz said. Metz added that all three robbers were shot in a 10-by-6 foot space between two doors late Friday night.
The robbery victim who used his firearm in self-defense had a concealed to carry weapons permit and put the gun down when he saw officers arriving.
Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler held a press conference about the shooting saying that the case should get serious attention because three people were shot. According to Brauchler, Colorado’s self-defense law allows the use of deadly force.
“If you have a weapon on you and you are placed in imminent fear of serious bodily injury or death, you are entitled to defend yourself,” Brauchler said.
“I don’t think we would call this necessarily a make-my-day issue” referring to a state law similar to the “stand your ground” law on the books in other states. “This is a straight up regular common sense statutorily codified self-defense,” Brauchler added.
Brauchler clarified that Colorado’s self-defense law still applied to the shooter even though the attack occurred just outside the apartment.
Police are seeking help in identifying the assailants. Police questioned the movers and allowed them to leave without pressing any charges.
