Update:  Multiple news reports have named Ronald Troyke, 59,  of Arvada as the suspect in yesterday's shooting. A background check on Troyke returned a 1992 assault conviction and a 1994 DWAI conviction, both in Gilpin County. He was sued twice for back rent in Jefferson County in the 90's and was evicted from a rental in 1995. 

The civilian killed in the June 21 shooting in Olde Town Arvada has been identified as John Hurley, a 40-year-old man from Golden, Colo.

No prior connection between Hurley and the suspect – who was also killed during the shooting – has been found, according to a statement given Arvada Police Department Chief Link Strate at a June 22 press conference held at Arvada City Hall at 4 p.m.

“(Hurley) is a true hero,” said Strate. “He disrupted what could have been a larger loss of life. Through our investigation we have not made any prior connection between our good Samaritan and our suspect.”

“(Hurley) came into the Olde Town area in the middle of a shooting and prevented further injury,” said APD Public Information Officer Dave Snelling.

Strate also said that the suspect had previously expressed contempt for law enforcement officers and posited that this “hatred” led to the death of APD Officer Gordon Beesley.

“While we yet don’t have all the facts,” said Strate, “I can tell you that Gordon (Beesley) was targeted because he was wearing an Arvada Police uniform and a badge. Officer Beesley was ambushed by a person that expressed hatred of police officers.”

Strate added that the investigative team still believes this was an isolated incident and that the Arvada community and Olde Town are secure.  

“Communities need to understand and know what they ask of their police officers,” said Strate. “The sacrifices that they make, the cost to them for your safety. While this was a deliberate act of violence, we still believe that this was an isolated incident and the community is safe.”

Two investigations are ongoing; a criminal investigation led by APD with assistance from state and federal agencies, and a Critical Incident Response Team investigation into whether there was appropriate or inappropriate conduct on the part of any officers. Strate, Snelling, and Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Schrader all stressed that the investigation is still ongoing.

“In this particular investigation,” said Schrader, “there has been a myriad of crime scene investigation that has been gathered; physical evidence, electronic evidence, as well as statements that still have to be taken from witnesses.“

The identity of the suspect was released by the Jefferson County Coroner’s office on June 22, as reported by 9News. 

Future updates on the status of the investigation will be issued by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office according to Schrader, though Snelling said that the APD would continue to provide updates through Twitter.

An Emergency Assistance Center at the Shrine of St. Anne’s in Olde Town Arvada will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the gym at St. Anne’s Church starting June 23, according to Snelling. The Center will provide counseling for any community members, particularly those in the immediate area of the shooting.

Strate also gave more information about Officer Beesley and his career with the APD. 

"The death of Gordon Beesley is a tragic loss to this community and this department," Strate said. "But most importantly, it is an inconceivable loss to his family. Gordon began his career with APD in Sept. 2002.

"As an Arvada Police Officer," Strate continued, "he worked patrol, as a field training officer, motorcycle officer and a School Resource Officer. He worked at numerous schools in Arvada since 2012. Most recently, Gordon worked at Oberon Middle School. During the summer months our SRO’s work patrol and Gordon volunteered to work in the Olde Town area."

Strate added that Beesley was a well-respected member of the community. 

"Gordon (Beesley) was a true gentleman and a kind soul," said Strate. He always had a smile on his face and everyone felt better after having had a conversation with Gordon."

Donations to the family of Officer Beesley can be made at cofallenhero.org. A donation site for Hurley's family has not yet been posted, according to Snelling, who added that APD would publish that information once it becomes available.