John Michael Johnny Hurley, 40, rushed out of a store in Olde Town Arvada, Colorado on June 21, 2021, after hearing active gunfire. Ronald Troyke, 59, had ambushed and fatally shot Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley and was firing an AR-15, striking patrol car windows. Hurley, who was carrying a concealed handgun, confronted Troyke and fired, killing Troyke; police described that act as likely preventing further loss of life.

After Hurley picked up Troyke’s AR-15, responding officer Kraig Brownlow arrived, saw Hurley armed with the rifle, and fired, striking Hurley. Hurley was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. The shooting unfolded within minutes and left the community mourning both Officer Beesley and Hurley.

A multi-agency investigation followed. The First Judicial District’s District Attorney determined the officer who shot Hurley would not face criminal charges, finding the use of force legally justified because the officer perceived an imminent threat. Hurley’s family filed a federal wrongful-death lawsuit against the Arvada Police Department that was later settled with the city paying the family.

Did anyone witness Hurley’s confrontation with Troyke or have further details about how events unfolded in those minutes?