Arvada police officer killed in the line of duty responding to a family disturbance

ARVADA, Colo. (KRDO) -- An Arvada police officer was killed Sunday while responding to a disturbance near Inspiration Point Park, according to the Arvada Police Department.

The disturbance was reported in the 6700 block of W 51st Ave. According to the APD, officers arrived at a "chaotic scene with multiple people in the street."

While trying to separate "several belligerent and uncooperative individuals," APD said the suspect began to fire, hitting a female victim.

An exchange of gunfire happened between the two officers and the suspect. That's when Arvada Police Officer Dillon Michael Vakoff, 27, was hit.

Ofc. Vakoff was taken to a hospital where he was declared deceased.

The suspect was taken into custody.

A procession left Lutheran Hospital at 5:30 a.m. to transport the officer to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

According to the APD, Ofc. Vakoff had been with the department since 2019.

On Facebook, the APD said the following about the fallen officer:

Dillion is an example of everything good you would want in a police officer. He was training toward being a SWAT Officer, and without a doubt would have continued to have a positive impact on his community.

Arvada Police Department

According to the APD, Ofc. Vakoff served as a Staff Sgt. in the United States Air Force for six years.

Police said this is an ongoing investigation.

Donations to his family can be made here.