“A True Hero” Johnny Turley killed while saving lives in active shooting incident
Arvada Police reported a shooting in Olde Town Arvada. One office down, securing the area of 57 and Olde Wadsworth. Three people were killed. The shooter, Police Officer Gordon Beesley, and tragically, the hero at the scene, Johnny Hurley.
“We understand there are still several unanswered questions surrounding the incident on Monday. We want to be as transparent as possible. We have not completed all of the witness interviews and we are waiting on forensic evidence. We hope in the next few days to have all of this information and we promise to provide that to our citizens. We owe a thorough and complete review of the incident to both Mr. Hurley’s family and Officer Gordon’s family. We are aware of information from the suspect which clearly shows this suspect targeted and sought out to kill Arvada police officers. We cannot release any documents related to the open investigation at this time. If not for the heroic actions of Mr. Hurley and Arvada Police Officers on that day, more innocent lives would have been lost.” Arvada Police
One witness at the scene told the Denver Channel :
“Bill Troyanos was working at the Arvada Army Navy Surplus store on Monday afternoon when Hurley walked into the business. He said Hurley was inside for just a few minutes when they heard gunshots outside and saw the gunman in the plaza. Troyanos said Hurley swiftly pulled his gun from his holster and jumped into action.
“He did not hesitate; he didn’t stand there and think about it. He totally heard the gunfire, went to the door, saw the shooter and immediately ran in that direction,” Troyanos said. “I just want to make sure his family knows how heroic he was.”
Hurley was overheard urging people to get to safety by a local store manager, who asked not to be identified, Lawenforcement today reports more details on the shooting:
A friend Brian has set up a Good Samaritan page honoring the hero of Arvada and his family according to Arvada Police.: John Hurley was the “Good Samaritan” who was killed in the shooting in old town Arvada CO on 6/21/2021 along with Officer Gordon Beesley. John was a resident of Colorado who lived and worked here almost all of his life. He leaves behind a grieving family including his parents and beloved sister. I work with his sister Erin and am putting this together on her and her families behalf. Johnny lived simply and had meager possessions. He loved the outdoors, had a passion for food and cooking, and loved spending time with family even briefly when possible.
His story is not making national news as the officer involved was a 19 year veteran and beloved community member. Johnny was also a victim of senseless violence all too prevalent in todays society.