Video Footage Shows Officers Shooting Man Appearing To Hold Gun: APD

AURORA, IL — As the Kane County Major Crime Task Force continues investigating the March 19 officer-involved shooting that led to the death of 19-year-old Christopher Lepe, the Aurora Police Department is releasing video and audio footage showing the incident.

Aurora police, who are not involved in the investigation, released Monday portions of the dispatch audio — including a mutual aid request and a conversation between a 911 dispatcher and a Tri-Com dispatcher — as well as video footage from the shooting. Last week, officials released photos showing moments leading up to the shooting.

The Aurora Police Department shared a 10-minute video on Facebook that begins with statements from Mayor Richard Irvin and Chief Keith Cross and proceeds to reveal clips from the dispatch call and squad car footage.

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The dash cam depicts a car driving away from a squad car with its lights activated as an officer narrates the car's speed and direction of travel. After a pursuit across Aurora, the video shows cops deploying stop sticks and the driver coming to a stop as sheriff's and police cars surround him.

The video pauses to write, "The offender opens his door and appears to be holding a long gun in his hands," before it resumes, showing police open fire on the driver. The footage repeats to show the moment from several body cameras.

Officials said some audio has been redacted and faces have been blurred to protect the privacy of those involved.

Lepe, of Aurora, was shot after 1:30 a.m. near South Broadway and Hazel Avenue. Aurora police got involved in the incident after officers responded to a mutual aid request to help locate a person wanted in connection with aggravated battery to a Geneva police officer, Patch reported.

RELATED: Coroner IDs Man Fatally Shot By Officers, Aurora PD Releases Photos

"We want to be upfront—this footage contains graphic content and may be difficult to watch," Chief Keith Cross said in a statement. "However, transparency is a cornerstone of our commitment to this community, and we believe it’s important to share this information."

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin released the following statement about the shooting:

In the wake of the Aurora Police Department’s release of dispatch audio and video footage from the officer-involved shooting, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the impact this has on our community. This is a difficult and emotional time, and I know many of you have questions, concerns, and a need for clarity. As your mayor, I have advocated for and expected transparency and that is exactly why we are releasing this video today.

My heart is with everyone affected by this incident—those involved, their families, and our entire Aurora community. I want to assure you that transparency and accountability remain top priorities for our city. The independent investigation by the Kane County State’s Attorney and the Kane County Major Crime Task Force is ongoing, and we will continue to respect that process.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we remain committed to being transparent in our actions.