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Pedestrian versus Train Accident

APD Case 17-6674
February 19, 2017 at 2:07 PM
E. 30th Ave & N. Peoria St 

  On February 19, 2017 at about 2:07 PM, Aurora Police and Fire responded to E. 30th Ave & N. Peoria St. on a report of a pedestrian being struck by a RTD light rail train on the R line.  There they found that a 35 year old Asian male had been struck and was unresponsive.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.

  The investigation thus far indicates that the male was walking east on the north side of 30th, west towards the light rail tracks.  The oncoming light rail train, which was in training operation with no passengers, was traveling south.  The safety equipment at the crossing was activated to include the arms that stop vehicular traffic on the roadway, pedestrian gates and illuminated signs with the international symbol for “Don’t Walk”.

  For an unknown reason, the pedestrian ignored the warnings, pushed through the gate and into the path of the light rail train.  The train operator immediately activated the emergency braking system but was unable to stop before striking the male. It appears that the male was hearing impaired and possible intoxication is also a factor being investigated at this time.

  The Aurora Police Traffic Unit will conduct the investigation in coordination with the Adams County Coroner’s Office, who will release the identity of the male at a later date.
Sgt. C. Carleton
Traffic Investigations

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 19, 2017 at 7:03 PM
  
I have been hearing concerns from members of Aurora’s diverse immigrant community on the subject of immigration enforcement. Many members of that community have fears of reaching out to the police and other emergency services in a time of need because of their documentation status. I want to reassure members of those communities that if they find themselves in a situation where they need help that they should not be afraid to call 911. Our policy remains the same…officers will not enforce, investigate, or detain individuals based solely on their immigration status.

Our policy is not based on politics or personal philosophy. It is based on public safety. It is our goal to ensure that all individuals within Aurora feel safe in reporting emergencies and working closely with the APD to ensure our city remains a safe place for all.

Nicholas Metz
Chief of Police
@APDChiefMetz

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 17, 2017 at 3:53 PM
  
The Aurora Police Department is announcing the implementation of a new department initiative for enhancing community relations – the establishment of a Community Policing Advisory Team. This group was identified as a departmental goal in the most recent (October 2016) Initiatives for Enhancing Community Relations booklet

The Community Policing Advisory Team is comprised of members of our diverse community who will advise APD on a variety of issues to include, but not limited to:

§ Community policing and engagement strategies, as well as directly assist APD in community outreach.

§ Providing consultant advice to the department during times of crisis directly impacting the police and the community.

§ Provide advice and opinion pertaining to current or proposed policies, procedures and training.

§ Assist in creating mechanisms in improving communication between police and community.

§ Assist in creating mechanisms in how best the community can recognize great work by our employees.

There are currently 16 members of the Community Policing Advisory Team chosen by Chief Nicholas Metz from among public and private sector business partners, community groups, faith communities, and private citizens. Current membership includes representatives from Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, AKCRT (Aurora Key Community Response Team), the immigrant and refugee communities, the youth community, the business community, the Asian community, the Hispanic/Latino community, the NAACP, the Christian faith community, the Muslim faith community, the Aurora Human Rights Commission, and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 16, 2017 at 6:29 PM
  
UPDATE: Investigators are releasing video footage of the crash which is attached to this news release. They are  searching for additional witnesses to this crash. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Agent Steve Chinn with the Traffic Investigations Section at 303.739. 6342.

VIDEO FOOTAGE: 





Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095


Information previously released on February 14th, 2017 at 6:10PM.


UPDATE:  Investigators have reviewed surveillance video at the railroad crossing. The videos show that the driver of the van pulls into the railroad crossing area and stops prior to the crossing gates being activated by the approaching RTD A-Line commuter train. He remains idle for approximately 38 seconds and then drives directly into the path of the train.  Investigators have now focused their investigations into whether or not the actions of the driver were intentional.

North Chambers Avenue and East Smith Road will remain closed until midnight tonight.

Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
72-432-5095

Information previously released on February 14th, 217 at 08:05a.m.

On Tuesday February 14, 2017 at approximately 3:49 a.m. a passenger van traveling south bound on North Chambers Road was struck by an eastbound A-Line RTD train while the van was on the train track between the crossing gates.

An Aurora Police Officer was present and working at this train crossing intersection, as well as an employee contracted by RTD, at the time of the crash and witnessed this incident. The Aurora Police officer attempted to stop the driver of the passenger van from traveling onto the tracks as the A-Line RTD Train was approaching on the tracks, but the van failed to stop and was struck by the train.   After the collision the train continued to travel for approximately 1/4 of mile before coming to a complete stop. The adult male driver of the van was extricated from the vehicle by the Aurora Fire Rescue Department. He was pronounced at the scene.

At this time we know 56 occupants were on board the RTD A-Line train. Four total patients were treated with only one being transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The identity of the driver is not being released at this time. His name will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office.

The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section will be the lead agency investigating this crash. The Federal Railroad Authority and Regional Transportation District (RTD) are also involved with this investigation.

Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 16, 2017 at 4:34 PM
  

On Wednesday February 15, 2017 at approximately 2:30 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to the area of a tattoo shop located at 3095 S. Peoria St.  Officers responded in an attempt to locate a suspect who was wanted by the Federal Heights Police Department for domestic violence related charges.  The suspect, who is identified as John Arthur Thomas (DOB 07/21/1971), was believed to be at this location by the Federal Heights Police Department.  Officers eventually observed Thomas at approximately 4:45 a.m. outside of the tattoo shop and the suspect retreated inside of the business. 

Thomas made recent statements that he wished to cause harm to law enforcement Officers and was known to be armed and dangerous.  Officers on scene subsequently requested the assistance of additional specialized units, who responded to the scene.

After contact was established with Thomas inside the business, Thomas eventually surrendered without incident and members of the Federal Heights Police Department took custody of Thomas.

As a result of this incident, S. Peoria St. was closed between E. Cornell Ave. and S Parker Rd. but the road was reopened at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The Aurora Police Department appreciates the assistance, cooperation and understanding of the public and the media.  No further updates are expected at this point.

Any questions pertaining to the domestic violence incident should be directed to the Federal Heights Police Department.

Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
 720-432-5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 15, 2017 at 1:16 PM