Tragic.

John Hurley used his concealed carry pistol to shoot dead an AR-15 wielding gunman in Arvada, Colorado.

 

The gunman, Ronald Troyke, ambushed and murdered police officer Gordon Beesley on Monday.

 

Hurley was shopping nearby and heard the shooting and rushed to the scene with his concealed carry pistol.

 

He confronted and shot Troyke dead, and picked up his assualt rifle to disarm him.

 

But moments later responding police officers arrived and shot Hurley dead in a tragic case of mistaken identity, the force admitted today.

 

Police hailed Hurley as a hero for sacrificing his life to confront the shooter.

 

Witness Bill Troyanos told The Denver Channel it was Hurley who shot the gunman after making sure bystanders in the area were safe.

 

Troyanos said he was working at a store when Hurley walked in just before 1.15pm on Monday.

 

After just a few minutes of looking at the merchandise, Hurley heard gunshots and saw the gunman outside. Troyanos said Hurley then drew his gun that he had in a holster, rushed out of the store and ran toward the gunfire.

 

‘He did not hesitate; he didn’t stand there and think about it,’ Troyanos told the station. ‘I just want to make sure his family knows how heroic he was.’