A fatal police shooting on August 30, 2025, in Aurora has sparked renewed public debate over the use of deadly force and police accountability. The incident, which ended in the death of 37-year-old Rajon Belt Stubblefield, is the third officer-involved shooting in the city in the past four months, reigniting concerns about a recurring cycle of violence.

According to information released at a press conference featuring select video clips by Aurora’s Chief of Police, Todd Chamberlain, the incident began when a solo traffic officer, part of a DUI task force, attempted to stop a vehicle for a suspected violation around 7:30 p.m. The driver, later identified as Stubblefield, fled, leading the officer on a short pursuit that ended in a collision near Sixth Ave and Billings St.

Following the crash, Stubblefield reportedly got out of his vehicle despite the officer’s commands to stay inside. He allegedly discarded a handgun in a grassy area and then moved aggressively toward the officer. The officer, who was alone at the time, made several attempts to de-escalate the situation through verbal commands and by maintaining a safe distance. However, during the confrontation, Stubblefield allegedly incited nearby individuals and gestured toward the discarded weapon. The officer ultimately discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Stubblefield. The entire incident, from initial contact to the shooting, reportedly lasted approximately 130 seconds.

The shooting comes at a sensitive time for the Aurora Police Department, which is operating under a consent decree to address bias and excessive force. The department’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to transparency and has promised to release body camera footage after Stubblefield’s family has had an opportunity to view it. An independent investigation is now being led by the 18th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team (CERT), a process Chamberlain says typically takes six to seven months. The investigation will review all evidence, including witness statements, forensic data, and the officer’s account.

While police officials have stressed the importance of uncovering the truth, community members and advocates are left with questions about why less-lethal options, such as a taser, were not used. The incident has intensified the public’s demand for accountability and further scrutiny of police-community interactions.

Since May 2025, Aurora, Colorado, police-involved shootings have claimed the lives of at least three Black men: Rayshawn Belt Stubblefield, who was shot by a lone officer after a traffic stop; an unidentified 58-year-old man who was shot during a domestic disturbance call; and Rashaud Terrelle Johnson, 32, killed by a lone officer at a parking lot.

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