Police Fatally Shoot Man After Stabbing Colorado Officer in Head

The 23-year-old suspect attacked the K-9 handler during a mental health call, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a large butcher knife against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the weapon used in the attack on the police officer.The violent stabbing of a Colorado police officer during a mental health crisis call exposes the dangers officers face when responding to such high-tension situations.Aurora Today

A 23-year-old man was fatally shot by police in Aurora, Colorado after he stabbed a K-9 officer multiple times in the head during a mental health call. The suspect burst out of an apartment and charged the officer, who was unable to subdue him with tasers or less-lethal weapons. The injured officer ultimately fired shots, killing the suspect. The officer and his K-9 partner are expected to survive their injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to mental health crises, where de-escalation and non-lethal force are often prioritized but can still lead to deadly outcomes. It also raises questions about the training and protocols for crisis intervention teams and the use of force by officers in such sensitive situations.

The details

According to Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, officers were called to an apartment complex for a report of a man experiencing a mental health crisis and threatening to harm himself and others. The Crisis Response Team, which pairs officers with mental health clinicians, initially made contact with the 23-year-old suspect by phone before he burst out of the apartment holding a large butcher knife. The suspect then charged the K-9 handler 'full-speed head-on,' stabbing him multiple times in the head. The officer's injuries were so severe that a portion of the knife broke off in his head. Other officers were unable to subdue the suspect with tasers and less-lethal weapons, leading the injured K-9 handler to fire the fatal shots.

  • Around 3:15 p.m. on April 10, 2026, officers were called to the apartment complex.
  • Roughly 15 minutes after arriving, the suspect burst out of the apartment and attacked the K-9 handler.

The players

Todd Chamberlain

The Aurora Police Chief who provided details about the incident at a news briefing.

K-9 Handler

The veteran Aurora police officer who was stabbed multiple times in the head by the suspect, but is expected to survive.

23-year-old Suspect

The man who was fatally shot by police after stabbing the K-9 handler during a mental health crisis call.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thank God—and I am serious about that—that our officer is not dead. I thank God that our officer is in surgery, and I am so thankful that he survived this.”

— Todd Chamberlain, Aurora Police Chief

What’s next

The Aurora Police Department is conducting an administrative review of the incident, and the investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing. A reward of up to $2,000 may be offered for information about the case.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued improvements in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, with a focus on de-escalation, crisis intervention training, and coordinated support from mental health professionals. It also raises broader questions about the use of force by police and the safety of both officers and civilians in these sensitive situations.