Bodycam video released in Aurora, Illinois police shooting that killed man, 19
Aurora, Illinois police on Monday released body camera video showing an officer-involved shooting that left a 19-year-old man dead last week.
Christopher Lepe, 19, was shot and killed by Aurora police early on the morning of Wednesday of last week, after police said he dragged an officer from his car in nearby Geneva.
"We want to be upfront—this footage contains graphic content and may be difficult to watch," Aurora police Chief Keith Cross said in a recorded address with the video. "Transparency is the cornerstone of our commitment to this community. We believe it's important to share this information."
Also in the address, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin emphasized that the city values accountability and transparency.
"It is a difficult and emotional time, and I know many of you have questions, concerns, and a need for clarity," he said. "As your mayor, I've advocated for and expected transparency. That is exactly why we are releasing this video today."
Geneva police said around 1:30 a.m. March 19, one of its officers came across a car in a parking lot in the 1500 block of South Randall Road, and asked the driver to step out — saying he might be drunk.
When the officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle, he drove away, dragging the officer a short distance in the parking lot, Geneva police said. The officer was seriously injured and was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital for treatment.
Geneva police notified neighboring police departments of the fleeing vehicle, and Aurora police later spotted a car matching the license plate and description of the Geneva incident driving south on Lake Street near Galena Boulevard around 1:40 a.m., authorities said.
Aurora police said officers tried to stop the car, but the driver refused, resulting in a chase, which continued onto northbound Route 25 until police were able to deploy stop sticks as it approached the Ashland Avenue exit, authorities said.
When officers tried to speak to the driver after the vehicle came to a stop, police said he pulled out a gun and two Aurora officers opened fire.
Lepe was struck, and police rendered first aid until he could be taken to Rush Copley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The body cam video seems to show Lepe holding some kind of long gun when he was shot.
Lepe's family last week demanded answers in his death, including the identity of the officers involved, information about why the situation was not de-escalated, and why days later, his mother was not allowed to see his body.
Christopher Lepe's brother, Brian Lepe, said the teen was pointing the gun up — and not at the officers. Brian Lepe said his brother was surrendering the gun.
The shooting remained under investigation late Monday.
