Victims in random Aurora triple shooting were trying to help suspect

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — FOX31 learned from family that the victims in a random triple shooting in Aurora were helping the suspect after he crashed into a tree.

Moments later, the suspect allegedly started firing shots with a rifle, striking them.

The suspect, 34-year-old Austin Benson, was arrested in Douglas County back in 2018 on attempted murder in another random shooting case. That is what is causing so much anger from the victim’s family in the latest case.

It’s been a little more than a week since the shooting sent three people to the hospital.

“It was more shock. I didn’t believe the words that I was hearing and thought something may have been misconstrued,” Adam Lottes said.

Victims sought to help Aurora shooting suspect

Lottes’ mother and brother were two of the people wounded in the shooting as they left their Aurora apartment on East Tufts Place.

“They were going down a road they went down many times to go to work,” Lottes said.

That’s where they were headed on the night of June 27 when they saw someone driving and swerving erratically before hitting a tree. Lottes’ brother reacted.

“He did a quick U-turn to see if he can help,” Lottes said. “By the time he got turned back around, the driver got out of the car with an automatic rifle and began shooting at point-blank range.”

It was not unusual for the two to stop to help someone in need.

“I’ve never known them to be people who shy away from others,” he said.

‘They continue to let him keep passing through the cracks’

Lottes remains overwhelmingly upset about what happened. What makes the situation even worse is he learned the alleged suspect, Benson, reportedly committed similar crimes in the past.

“Really a sense of disbelief that so many organizations, agencies and individuals were aware of the possible risk he poses to society, and they continue to let him keep passing through the cracks,” Lottes said.

Lottes’ mother is now recovering out of the hospital. His brother still has a long road to recovery.

“His elbow was shattered, fractures all up and down and he may not gain full functionality back,” Lottes said of his brother’s arm.

He wishes things were different that night.

“My hope is that if Mr. Benson is actually in need of mental aid, I hope he gets it in lockup,” Lottes said. “I hope my mom and brother get back to whatever new normal looks like for them.”

Lottes is grateful for nearby neighbors who helped his mother and brother. He has set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs and bills.

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