An Aurora police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly ignored commands and became aggressive during a traffic stop Saturday night, according to the Aurora Police Department.

At around 7:31 p.m., the situation began as a traffic stop and crash along East 6th Avenue near Sable Boulevard, according to an Aurora police news release.

Police said an Aurora police officer, while working a DUI task force, attempted to stop a vehicle before it struck a car driving eastbound on East 6th Avenue, crossed a median then struck another vehicle traveling westbound. No motorists sustained any injuries, police said.

Police said the officer, after the crash, ordered the driver to step out of his vehicle. After a few commands, the man exited the vehicle, ignored the officer’s commands, then engaged in a physical altercation, according to the police.

While engaging in an altercation, an officer noticed a firearm on the ground near the man, who never held the weapon, police said. 

The officer then attempted to de-escalate by pulling him away from the gun, according to police.

Authorities noted the man then approached in a “fighting stance” and “aggressive posture” as the officer backed away.

The suspect ignored more commands and shouted at other people in the area before the officer opened fire and struck the man in the middle of the street, according to police.

Authorities said the officer was the only one on the scene. Additional officers arrived on-scene to provide medical assistance, police noted.

Police said the man died at the scene.

“This is still very unclear at this point. There is going to be an incredibly thorough investigation that unfolds throughout this event,” Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said at a news briefing Saturday night.

Per protocol, the Aurora police officer is placed on paid administrative leave. The officer didn’t sustain any injuries.

The 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team will continue the investigation, while Aurora police investigators will conduct an administrative review. Body cam footage, nearby surveillance, and bystanders caught footage of what happened, according to police.

“We are going to do everything, both internal and external, to make sure this investigation is transparent and 100% valid and is factual,” Chamberlain said. “This is without question a tragedy at every level. There is nothing positive about this.”

Anyone with information on the incident can contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.