Bodycam Shows Colo. Police Officer, K-9 Stabbed in Violent Mental Health Encounter

Colorado police released body camera footage of a violent stabbing of an officer during a mental health call in April.

Aurora Police Officer Mark Moore suffered life-threatening stab wounds to his head while responding to an April 9 call involving a 23-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis, the department stated in a news release. Moore opened fire during the attack, fatally shooting the man, later identified as Amare Garlington.

"This is a terrible and tragic situation for everyone involved, including our officer, his family, our department and this community, as well as the young man who lost his life and his family," Chief Todd Chamberlain stated. 

The incident happened at around 3:15 p.m. when police arrived at an apartment complex after a 9-1-1 call from mental health clinicians, who said a distressed man was threatening to hurt himself and others. When the department’s Crisis Response Team reached the scene, the unit tried to de-escalate situation.

The team talked with Garlington for nearly 20 minutes in an effort to end the incident peacefully. But Garlington rushed out of his apartment with a butcher knife and ran at police.

Moore released his K-9, Cyrus, and Garlington stabbed the dog. When the injured K-9 retreated, Garlington stabbed Moore in the head.

Other officers fired less-lethal rounds at Garlington, but they were ineffective. Moore fired several rounds from his duty weapon, striking Garlington.

Medics treated Moore and Garlington, and both were rushed to the hospital. Garlington later died from his injuries.

Moore, who joined the force in 202 and was assigned to the K-9 unit in 2019, required multiple surgeries and continues to recover, according to The Aurora Sentinel. Cyrus needed emergency veterinary treatment and is expected to recover. 

"Mark is a dedicated and dependable officer who has served the Aurora community with distinction for more than a decade," Chamberlain said. "While his road to recovery remains uncertain, we are grateful he has made some progress."

The incident is under investigation.