Aurora police shooting deemed justified

A 15-year Aurora police sergeant returned to duty Wednesday after his decision to use deadly force was ruled "appropriate" and "justified" by both Aurora police and the Kane County state's attorney's office.

The incident began about 10 a.m. Jan. 29 when officers responded to a 911 call of a suspected burglary in progress at a home in the 500 block of Mountain Street.

While questioning a woman outside the home, Sgt. Matt Ziman and a patrol officer went to the rear of the house after being told by 911 operators that a man had been seen going to the back of the building. Both officers entered an open door and went to the basement to check for suspects.

Hearing footsteps above them, they proceeded to the first floor where police said they were confronted by Ivan A. Cruz, 18, of the 600 block of Pierce Street, Aurora, who emerged from a bedroom, holding a handgun at chest level.

According to police, Ziman feared for his life and fired one round at Cruz, which narrowly missed and went into a wall. Cruz immediately dropped the handgun he was holding and surrendered without further incident. No one was injured in the shooting.

Cruz was charged with armed violence, residential burglary and aggravated assault.

Chief Greg Thomas praised Ziman Wednesday for his quick reaction to a life-threatening situation.

"This incident illustrates not only the dangers our officers face in their quest to keep the community safe, but the high level of professionalism which exits throughout the entire police department," Thomas said.