ARVADA, Colo. — The Arvada Police Department (APD) on Monday identified Sonny Thomas Almanza, 31, as the suspect in the deadly shooting of Officer Dillon Michael Vakoff.
Vakoff, 27, was fatally shot when he and another officer responded to the disturbance about 1:45 a.m. in the 6700 block of West 51st Avenue, police said. That's located at the avenue's intersection with Marshall Street and near Inspiration Point Park.
When the officers responded, they found a chaotic scene with people in the street. While the officers tried to separate several "belligerent and uncooperative" people, Almanza fired shots that hit a female victim, police said.
The officers and Almanza exchanged gunfire. Almanza shot Vakoff and was also shot, police said.
The second Arvada Police officer, who was not identified, gave aid to Vakoff, who was transported to a hospital where he was declared deceased, Strate said.
Almanza was taken to a hospital. He was in police custody and was expected to live.
The female victim was also taken to a hospital and was expected to survive.
On Monday, Arvada Police said Almanza was being held on suspicion of:
- First-degree murder of a peace officer with extreme indifference
- Attempted first-degree murder after deliberation
- Attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference
- Possession of a weapon by a previous offender
- Two counts of child abuse
- Two counts of crime of violence (sentence enhancer)
Almanza previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to first-degree assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, and was sentenced to six years in the juvenile system, according to his arrest record. He also pleaded guilty to filing a false police report in 2016.
A couple at the apartment building near where the shooting happened told 9NEWS reporter Steve Staeger that they called 911 Sunday morning after a threat from one of their family members. Before police arrived, there was a confrontation out in the street in front of the apartment building.
Kelly Beaudette lives across the street from where the shooting occurred. While she said this isn’t the first time she’s heard gunfire in the area, this shooting was the closest she's experienced.
“I mean, it sounded like right outside our window, and then I hear a girl crying and screaming saying, ‘No, no,’ and just hysterics,” Beaudette recalled on Sunday afternoon. “We’ve heard gunshots, drive-by [shootings], but nothing like this.”
Strate said that Vakoff joined the Arvada Police Department in 2019 and was training to be a SWAT officer. Before that, he was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for six years.
He was a resident of Arvada and a 2012 graduate of Ralston Valley High School.
"This is a tragic loss to this community, to this department, but most significantly to his family and loved ones," said Arvada Police Chief Link Strate. "His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
A memorial began to grow on Sunday as those in the community heard the news. Flowers, posters and cards were piled onto a police cruiser parked in front of the Arvada Police Department entrance.
Arvada native Josh Fritchell stopped by the memorial early Sunday morning with his son Alex.
“We just wanted to come out here today to pay our respects to the Arvada Police Department and the fallen officer, It’s a very tragic event and sad event,” Fritchell said as his voice began to tremble.
“It hits home with us," Fritchell continued. "We have a lot of family in law enforcement and so when stuff like this happens, it hits home.”
Bill Troyanos didn't know officer Vakoff personally, but said he witnessed the shooting last summer that claimed the life of Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley.
"This kind of rips the Band-Aid off that and brings up a lot of bad memories of that day,” Troyanos said.
"It’s just so sad. 27 years old I can’t even imagine someone’s life being cut that short.”
Cooper London was outside the memorial for much of the afternoon. She said she knew Vakoff personally and bonded with him because she is pursuing a career in law enforcement.
“He was full of perseverance and courage and he would never back down," she said. “People paint police officers and law enforcement in such a bad light. He was one of the good guys.
"He was one of the people who would take the time out of his day if you were having a bad day… if you were having problems or issues… he’d make sure you’re okay. And he’d leave once he knew you were okay.”
Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colorado) released the following statement on the shooting:
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Arvada officer Dillon Michael Vakoff who was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a call. We will continue to monitor this situation.”
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