A drug offense investigation resulted in the shooting death of an Aurora Colorado man who was under surveillance for allegedly selling drugs out of his phone shop business. The Denver Post reported Richard Arreola, 25, was outside his mother’s home in Arapahoe County, Aurora, Colorado, when he likely discovered he was under surveillance. The undercover officer noted that Arreola was in possession of a gun, and although Arreola did not fire at the officer, “he was walking ‘with purpose'”. The Aurora Colorado officer shot at him several times. Arreola was found dead at the scene with a revolver in his hand and a rifle nearby. The Aurora, Colorado police were planning to execute a search warrant the next day.
The Denver Post also reported that the narcotics unit accelerated the investigation after several students from South Middle school were found last week in possession of meth (methamphetimine). Two of those students had to be hospitalized.
After Arreola became a suspect, a successful undercover purchase of marijuana was made at Arreola’s shop. The search warrant was then served at Arreola’s business, Neviah Wireless, on Peoria St., where two rifles and a pound of marijuana was seized.
Police will be continuing their drug investigation because there could be others involved in the meth incident involving students. As a matter of protocol, the officer involved in the shooting is on leave until an internal investigation is made.
Arreola had a past record in Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) records, of traffic offenses and a misdemeanor meth charge. He served jail time from a gambling charge in Gilpin County, Colorado.
Drug possession and distribution are dangerous practices. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, you need the help of caring and knowledgeable Colorado criminal defense attorney. If you are charged with a crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.