The Aurora Police Department has released both dashcam and bodycam footage of a fatal encounter between their officers and a 19-year-old suspect, Christopher Lepe, which occurred on March 19, WGN-TV reports. The footage sheds light on the events that led to the shooting, beginning with a traffic stop initiated by Geneva police officers after noticing a car parked suspiciously that led to a chase ending in Aurora.
Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross, in his statement, noted, "Today, we are releasing key portions of dispatch audio, including a mutual aid request and a conversation between a 911 dispatcher and a Tri-Com dispatcher, along with video footage from the officer-involved shooting that took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025," as stated in the body of released footage and audio which contained elements redacted for privacy, with certain faces blurred both to address community concern and ensure procedural transparency.
The pursuit began around 1:30 a.m. after a Geneva police officer's interaction with Lepe, who was suspected of intoxication and fled the scene, dragging the officer with his vehicle, which later led to a chase by Aurora police resulting in the deployment of stop sticks and the fatal shooting, FOX 32 Chicago details. Paramedics transported the injured officer to a local hospital with serious injuries, which were later upgraded to stable; importantly, an independent investigation by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Major Crime Task Force is ongoing to elucidate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
"It is with a heavy heart and in extreme duress that we, the supporters of Christopher Lepe, share the devastating news of his murder by the Aurora Police," communicated the family of the deceased, expressing a profound distress over the incident and demanding the release of all unedited footage from the incident, looking to obtain clarity amid grief, as the video they were shown depicted Christopher attempting to surrender, this sentiment conveyed in a statement published shortly after the APD's release, as per WGN-TV.
Mayor Richard Irvin too addressed the situation, stating, "My heart is with everyone affected by this incident—those involved, their families, and our entire Aurora community," and assured the public of the city's dedication to transparency and accountability in the wake of the shooting, detailed by sources at FOX 32 Chicago.
