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Police Chief Oates: 'Our Cops Went Through A Lot'

by KREX News Room
by Kristina Kuestner

Story Created: Jul 20, 2012 at 11:07 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 21, 2012 at 9:39 AM MDT

AURORA, Colo.- During a Friday evening news conference, Aurora Police remained tight lipped about details surrounding the suspect of the mass shooting, 24-year-old James Holmes.

At least 12 people are dead and more than 50 injured, after a gunman opened fire inside a packed movie theater in Aurora.

The massacre is the deadliest Colorado shooting since Columbine.

The shooting happened shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday at Aurora Town Center's Century 16 Movie Theaters during a packed screening of the new Batman movie.

Aurora Police say Holmes fired an assault rifle, a shotgun and at least one handgun during the attack.

Witnesses say the whole theater immediately became chaotic.

"People slumped over, people screaming, there was blood and smoke. It was like a war zone in a movie theater," described Michael Windecker, a witness.

During a press conference Friday night, Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates gave his condolences to those affected and got emotional when talking about the impact the shooting had on his officers. "Our cops went through a lot. As I told you, this morning they rushed people out of the theater and into police cars. I heard some compelling stories," explained Oates.

As of right now, Aurora police still haven't entered Holmes' apartment, which they say is booby trapped with various chemicals and incendiary devices.

Authorities evacuated four buildings in the area and say it may take several more hours or days before they can enter safely.

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