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On January 30th, 2022 at approximately 4:55a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 1500 block of North Dallas Street in northwest Aurora.

Upon arrival officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.  He was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  Investigators believe that there was a gathering at the residence when shots were fired and the man was struck.  At this time no arrests have been made and no suspect(s) have been identified.  

The name of the victim is not being released at this time and will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once the victim has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified of his death.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7807. Tipsters are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 30, 2022 at 7:48 AM
  
On January 29th, 2022 at approximately 6:45p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of an injury crash in the intersection of East Iliff Avenue and South Tower Road.  

Upon arrival they found a heavily damaged Chevy Equinox and Chrysler 300.   A 61-year-old man who was driving the Chevy was deceased at the scene. A 25-year-old man who was driving the Chrysler and his 19-year-old passenger survived the collision and were transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

Investigators believe that prior to the crash the Chevy was traveling southbound on Tower Road and the Chrysler was traveling northbound.  The Chevy made a left hand turn to go eastbound on Iliff Avenue when it was struck by the Chrysler. Investigators are looking into whether or not excessive speed was a contributing factor in this collision. 

The name of the deceased is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified about his death.  

The Aurora Police Traffic Section is conducting the investigation into this fatal crash. No arrests have been made and this case remains an open and active investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call the Traffic Investigations Unit. 

Parts of the intersection were closed for several hours while investigators completed their on-scene investigation.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 30, 2022 at 1:46 AM
  
On January 29th, 2022 at 6:43p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of an injury crash on East Stephen D. Hogan Parkway between East 6th Avenue and South Picadilly Road. 

Upon arrival first responders found a heavily damaged Toyota Tundra pickup truck and a Honda Pilot in the roadway.  A 60-year-old man who was the driver of the Toyota was deceased at the scene. A 18-year-old woman who was driving a Honda Pilot was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

Investigators believe that the Honda Pilot was traveling westbound on Hogan Parkway when it crossed the center line and traveled into the eastbound lanes striking the Toyota Tundra head-on.  The driver of the Toyota was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have been a contributing factor in this crash. 

The name of the deceased is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.  

The Aurora Police Traffic Section is conducting the investigation into this fatal crash. No arrests have been made and this case remains an open and active investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call the Traffic Investigation Unit. 
 
Both directions of Hogan Parkway were closed for several hours while investigators completed their on-scene investigation. 

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 30, 2022 at 12:36 AM
  
(January 24) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with Fire Investigators from Aurora Fire Rescue and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, is announcing the arrest of a woman accused of starting the fire that killed a five-year-old boy earlier this morning.

On January 24, 2022, about 1:30 a.m., Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 15320 East Evans Avenue. Aurora Police and Fire Investigators immediately began looking into how this fire started and if it was intentional. Through interviews with numerous witnesses, and by examining physical evidence from the scene, detectives positively identified a woman whom they believe was involved.

This woman, identified as Alondra Michel (04/13/1984), has been arrested and initially charged with:
- First Degree Murder
- First Degree Arson
- Three (3) counts of Attempted First Degree Murder
Additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Early information obtained in the investigation is that Alondra was involved in a domestic violence incident with a resident on the main level of the apartment building. Alondra intentionally set something inside of the apartment on fire, which quickly spread to adjacent units, including the second story apartment where the five-year-old was found.

This investigation is now being considered a homicide, the second in Aurora for 2022, and will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Any additional media inquiries should be directed to their office.

A booking photo is not yet available for release.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095


(Information Previously Released)


(January 24) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with Fire Investigators from Aurora Fire Rescue, will be investigating an early morning fire that resulted in the death of a small child.

On January 24, 2022, about 1:30 a.m., Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 15320 East Evans Avenue. First responders arrived at a 3-story apartment building that was engulfed in flames. During searches of the building, a five-year-old boy was located. This child was quickly transported to the hospital where they sadly died a short time later. No other information is being provided about the child. 

Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for the death investigation. Investigators with Aurora Fire Rescue will continue their work into the determination of origin and cause of the fire.

Investigators are currently interviewing numerous witnesses and gathering evidence on scene. Anyone who may have observed anything suspicious, or has information about this case, is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death and release the victim’s name after positive identification.

The Aurora Police Department offers our deepest condolences to the immediate family and community impacted by this fire. The Aurora Police Victim Services Unit continues to provide support and resources to the family of this tragedy.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Link to AFR News Release: https://bit.ly/AFRFireInvestigation
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 24, 2022 at 5:47 PM
  
(January 18) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a man was found shot, dies a short time later, in northwest Aurora.

On January 18, 2022, about 11:00 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the area of East 16th Avenue and North Lansing Street on reports of a man-down. Officers located a 63-year-old man lying in the roadway, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This man was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect descriptions, are still be determined.

A white truck was located nearby that had been involved in a crash. The truck was stolen and unoccupied. Detectives have towed this vehicle and will process it, but we are uncertain if this vehicle is directly related to this homicide.

The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.

We are seeking the public's assistance. Anyone who may have observed anything suspicious, or has information about this case, is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

This is Aurora’s first homicide of 2022.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 19, 2022 at 9:49 AM
  
(January 17) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on North Potomac Street.

On Monday January 17, 2022, at about 7:25 p.m., Aurora Police responded a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of North Potomac Street and East 2nd Avenue.

The investigation has revealed that a man was driving a Nissan sedan northbound on Potomac Street just south of the East 2nd Avenue intersection. The man did not slow for the upcoming red light and rear-ended a Subaru, occupied by two adults, stopped for the red light.

The driver of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. It does not appear that the driver of the Nissan was wearing his seatbelt and investigators believe that speed and alcohol were also contributing factors. The two occupants of the Subaru suffered minor injuries and were both transported to the hospital.

The identification of the man will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and next-of-kin have been notified.

We ask anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash, and has not yet spoken to police, to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section.

This is Aurora’s second fatal crash in 2022.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 18, 2022 at 11:09 AM
  
(January 13) The Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing Aurora woman.

Lisa Marino-Dorsey, a 58-year-old woman, was last seen on December 28, 2021, at her residence near 3550 South Kittredge Street in Aurora. The Aurora Police Department was notified of her disappearance on January 3, 2022. Since then, detectives from the Major Crimes Unit have been attempting to locate Lisa but have been unsuccessful. Lisa left her home without her cell phone or belongings and has not communicated with anyone since December 28, 2021. Lisa is 5’4”, 130 pounds and has blonde hair.

Major Crimes Detectives believe that Lisa could have been in the Colorado Springs area at the time of her disappearance on or around January 3. While in Colorado Springs, Lisa would have been occupying a 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage which has seen been recovered and seized by the Major Crimes Unit. A stock picture of the vehicle is provided below for reference.

The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone who might have any information on the whereabouts of Lisa, has information regarding her disappearance, or might know how to contact her, is urged to call the Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 303.739.6523. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.

We are concerned for Lisa’s safety but are hopeful that someone has information that could assist us with locating her.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095


Missing Woman Lisa

Mitsubishi Mirage Stock Photo
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 13, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  
(January 12) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on East Colfax Avenue.

On Wednesday January 12, 2022, at approximately 6:25 a.m., Aurora Police responded a crash near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and North Havana Street.

When first responders arrived, they observed an adult male in the roadway. This man was suffering from apparent traumatic injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. A vehicle was not immediately located on scene and officers began interviewing witnesses. Through their interviews, officers learned that this man might have been struck by an RTD bus. Officers were able to confirm this information with surveillance cameras in the area.

After reviewing the video footage, the man is seen exiting the rear doors of the bus. The man suffers what appears to be a medical issue, collapses to the ground and falls under the bus. The bus, after passengers were done exiting and entering the bus, pulls away from the stop not knowing that the man was underneath. The bus continued their route and was later tracked to Union Station. Officers responded to Union Station to contact the driver and bus and later found evidence linking the bus to the tragic incident.

Aurora Police Traffic Investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors, but the driver of the bus volunteered and submitted to a blood draw to rule out any impairments.

The identification of the man will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and next-of-kin have been notified.

We ask anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash and has not yet spoken to police to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 12, 2022 at 4:44 PM
  
(January 5) On January 3, 2022, Aurora Police Officers located the suspect vehicle unoccupied at 992 South Dearborn Way. The vehicle was a 2006 black Dodge Mangum. Investigators will continue to work on identifying the driver involved in this crash. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash has dash-camera footage, or any additional information is asked to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous, and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.

Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer 
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Information previously released on December 29, 2021 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(December 29) The Aurora Police Traffic Section investigates a fatal hit and run crash on E Montview Boulevard that tragically left a man dead.

During their investigation, parts of the vehicle were located on the scene. Investigators have ruled out that the suspect vehicle is gray. After further examining the parts, investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a black 2005-2010 Dodge Charger or Dodge Magnum. The vehicle should have damage to the driver's side front-fender and driver-side mirror. No additional information is available, and the investigation is still ongoing.  

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash-camera footage, or any additional information is asked to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous, and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.

Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Information previously released on December 26, 2021
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(December 26) The Aurora Police Traffic Section investigates a fatal hit and run crash on E Montview Boulevard that tragically left a man dead.

On December 26, 2021, at approximately 05:59 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of a male lying on the street in the 19000 block of East Montview Boulevard. Officers located 28-year-old male suffering from significant injuries. The male was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, the male died from his injuries.

Investigators from the Traffic Section believe the male was struck by a vehicle as the vehicle was traveling eastbound on East Montview Boulevard. Evidence collected on scene indicates the suspect vehicle was gray, unknown make or model, and the suspect vehicle should have damage to the driver’s side front of the vehicle and side-view mirror.  Investigators will continue working on identifying the vehicle and driver involved in this crash. No additional information is available at this time.  

The identity of the male will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office after he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin has been notified.

The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section asks anyone who may have witnessed this crash or otherwise have any information related to this incident, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous, and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.

Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 05, 2022 at 12:10 PM
  
Teen Talk


Hey teens, let’s talk!
I'm Taylor, one of the Youth Services librarians at Aurora Central Library. 

Cartoon of woman with short hair, surrounded by rainbow border on corners

Each month at Aurora Public Library, I cover a variety of topics for teens. This month’s blog is all about studying. 
Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse books, resources, and/or activities related to the monthly topic.


Studying... Ugh! If you are anything like me, studying can be a chore. 
When I was in school, I really struggled. I didn't do well on tests, had a hard time retaining information, and dreaded learning. Now, I work at the library where I eat books full of knowledge for breakfast! 😊

Image of Buddy the Elf from "Elf" with meme font that says "I like learning. Learning is my favorite"

It can feel like if you do not do well in school that you are not smart. I am here to tell you, that is not the case! The pressure to memorize facts and make straight A’s can leave you feeling inadequate when you do not perform well. I am living proof that you can do very poorly in school and still be intelligent. It can be challenging, but it isn't impossible. You can learn how to cultivate good study habits and discover what works for you.
Hopefully this blog will give you some advice that will help you feel more confident at school. 

These 3 articles go into depth on best studying practices:
5 Research-Backed Studying Techniques
The Complete Study Guide for Every Type of Learner
- Top 10 Tips on How to Study Smarter, Not Longer

After reading the above articles, here’s a few tips I would add:
1. Reframe Studying in Your Mind
Once I reframed the way I viewed school, studying and learning from a place of dread and like something I HAD to do, to something I wanted to do/had the opportunity to do—it really did help. Our brains have miraculous powers and we can trick ourselves with our thoughts. It can be helpful to think about school and learning as a way to acquire new knowledge and discover some cool stuff about life, rather than thinking about it as collecting boring facts or useless information that you need to know for a test and then toss. Maybe you will use what you learn in school in the future, maybe you won’t... but either way, it’s rad to know things. So why not spend the time to actually learn and maintain that knowledge in your mind. 

Cartoon showing steps of Cognitive Reframing
 

2. Take Some Deep Breaths
Simply breathing is your best friend! Anxious, overwhelming thoughts can consume our minds. Whenever your feel stressed, nervous, like things are too much or you are not good enough—just deeply inhale for several seconds and exhale for several seconds a few times in a row. This has been a helpful practice for me while I am studying, before taking a test or giving a presentation. 

Deep breaths infographic
 
3. Communicate with Friends, Parents, and Teachers
This is an unconventional tip, but one that I think can help. When we communicate our needs, challenges, intentions and so forth to those in our life it can help alleviate some pressure. When I was in school there would be times when I studied nonstop, but still failed the test. My parents would be upset with me. They didn’t think I studied at all. Rather than helping support me and try to find ways to improve my studying, they blamed my bad grades on a lack of commitment. I was left filled with guilt and shame for not being smart enough. Once I started communicating more, the people in my life knew where I was coming from, which allowed for more empathy and understanding. 

Drawn images of people talking to each other

4. Explore a Variety of Tactics
What works for one person, isn’t going to necessarily work for the other. It’s important to remember that we all learn differently. Even with yourself, what might help you with math may not work as effectively with history. Trying out different studying methods to see what fits is vital. 
Study Methods infographic

Study Methods infographic
 
Explore books & eContent regarding studying:


Check back next month for our next Teen Talk! 

Join me every Thursday at 4 p.m. for our weekly Teen Hang at Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Pkwy.). I'd love to meet you and hear about what topics you’d like featured. 
 
Taylor written in cursive

Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 04, 2022 at 4:03 PM