police-shooting · Aurora, Colorado

What happened after a suspect attacked an Aurora officer and K9 with a butcher knife?

What happened?

Following the April 9, 2026, incident where Amare Garlington fatally attacked Officer Mark Moore and K9 Cyrus with a butcher knife, Garlington died from gunshot wounds, Officer Moore is recovering from severe injuries, and K9 Cyrus is expected to fully recover. Both criminal and administrative investigations are ongoing, and the Aurora independent monitor has called for a broad review of the city's behavioral health crisis system.

Unresolved or unknown

Last checked: Jun 12, 2026
Sources: Sentinel Colorado; Denver Gazette; 9news.com; Denver Gazette; CBS News

Timeline

  1. Amare Garlington, experiencing a mental health crisis, attacks Officer Mark Moore and K9 Cyrus with a butcher knife in Aurora, Colorado. Officer Moore fires rounds, fatally striking Garlington, who later dies from his injuries. Officer Moore is severely injured, and K9 Cyrus is stabbed.

  2. Officer Mark Moore is released from the hospital after 20 days of treatment for life-threatening stab wounds to his head, continuing rehabilitation.

  3. Aurora's independent monitor, Jeffrey Schlanger, issues a special report calling for a broad review of the city's behavioral health crisis system, citing this incident and others.

  4. The Aurora Police Department releases body camera footage of the April 9 incident.

  5. The YouTube clip titled 'Suspect Attacks Officer With Butcher Knife' is uploaded by 'PoliceActivity'.

  6. As of this date, both the criminal investigation by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the administrative review by the Aurora Police Department remain active and ongoing.

Receipts