Group Blog Home
Group Blog Home

Recent Posts
1  2  3  4  5 
June 2020 - Posts
(June 23, 2020) This morning at approximately 12:12 a.m. Aurora Police Department officers responded to the Sable Cove Condominiums, located at 912 South Dearborn Way, on a report of a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

Upon officer’s arrival they located a 33-year-old male in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound, who tragically was pronounced deceased a short time later. His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified, and his next of kin have been notified.

Currently, detectives with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit (MCHU) are investigating this as a suspicious death. At this time there are no additional details that can be provided.

The MCHU is asking anyone who may have witnessed his death, or has any information related to this investigation to contact

Agent Krieger at 303.739.6113.Alternatively, tips can be sent to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where they may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 and you can remain anonymous.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 23, 2020 at 6:17 PM
  
Draw It!

Grab a pencil and paper - it's time to Draw It! đź“ť Our staff member Kristin shows how to draw a fierce dragon!



Show us your dragon in the comments and tell us what you'd like to draw next! 
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 23, 2020 at 4:54 PM
  

(June 23, 2020) On June 23, 2020, at about 12:54 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle crash at North Peoria Street and East 33rd Avenue. When they arrived, they located a three-car crash with multiple injured parties.

Preliminary investigation shows that a silver Chevrolet Malibu was traveling north on Peoria Street and then, for an unknown reason, crossed over into the southbound lanes. The Chevrolet then crashed into a gold sedan and silver SUV. The adult female occupant of that Chevrolet died as a result of her injuries. The Adams County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the victim when positively identified and after next of kin notification.

The drivers of the other two vehicles in the crash had complaints of minor injuries.

Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating this crash. Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call Detective Sangi at 303.739.6396.

 
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 23, 2020 at 4:39 PM
  

(June 22, 2020) On Monday, June 22, 2020, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Denver police officers were following an armed carjacking suspect in a vehicle which led them into the city of Aurora. The carjacking originated in the area of East 48th Avenue and North Chambers Road.

The suspect drove the carjacked vehicle into the area of East 35th Place and Abilene Street when the suspect exited and began walking eastbound on East 35th Place. The Aurora Police Department was requested to respond to the area, emergent, to assist the Denver Police Department. The suspect was still armed with a handgun, was wearing a full-faced mask, and was being given clear, loud, verbal commands to drop his weapon. The suspect refused to drop his weapon and instead decided to raise it towards the officers. There was one Aurora Police Officer and five Denver Police Officers who fired their weapons. The suspect was pronounced deceased on scene shortly afterwards.

There were no injuries to any Aurora Police Officers nor Denver police officers and no members of the public were injured as a result of this incident.  Any further requests for information related to the involved Denver police officers should be directed to the Denver Police Department Public Affairs Office. Any inquires relating to the officer-involved shooting investigation will be directed to our agency. All involved uniformed officers were wearing their department issued body worn cameras.

In accordance with Senate Bill 15-219 members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting.  Once this investigation is completed, it will then be presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a criminal culpability review.

We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the events leading up to and after the officer-involved shooting to please contact Agent Frederickson at 303.739.6106 or by reaching out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 4:58 PM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club 
with Tess

"The Turnaway Girls" by Hayley Chewins
Chapters 23 - 31

The Turnaway Girls

- Linna wants everyone to be able to choose what they want to do (make shimmer, music, etc.). How do you feel about Blightsend being so controlling with everyone having one role assigned to them and no freedom to change it?

- The birds represent freedom. When Delphernia sings, she creates golden birds. What does Bly say they really are?

- What has Bly made and how can Delphernia's birds help him?

- Mother Nine has found Delphernia. Why do you think she has come out of the cloister?

- We are nearing the end of the book! What do you think will happen? 

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 2:51 PM 2 Comments
  

(February 6, 2020) - On January 28, 2019, the Force Review board (FRB) convened to review the Elijah McClain critical incident in accordance with directive 3.3.7. The Force Review Board (FRB) consists of a body of sworn officers that reviews incidents involving an officer’s use of any weapon to overcome a subject’s resistance, or when a subject is injured by an officer’s application of force which requires medical treatment.  Additionally, the FRB can convene to review any incidents deemed necessary by the Aurora Police Department Executive staff.  The FRB reviews these cases for compliance with applicable state statues and department directives, as well as any training deficiencies.

Based on all the available information the FRB concluded that the officers were called to the area to investigate a suspicious person.  Officers had a lawful reason to contact Mr. McClain.  The force applied during the altercation to include the carotid control hold and the force applied during the altercation was within policy and consistent with training. 

“The loss of Mr. McClain’s life is tragic, and we continue to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.“ -Chief Vanessa Wilson

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department

720.432.5095


Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference

On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny.  The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.

After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event.  They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.

Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:

Press Conference Packet

BWC video

November 22, 2019 Press Conference

911 Call


Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095


PRESS CONFERENCE: Update on Elijah McClain Critical Incident

WHAT: Press Conference Addressing the Elijah McClain Critical Incident

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 7:00 P.M.

WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO

WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny

CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny will be providing updates and answering questions on the August 24th Critical Incident involving Elijah McClain.

The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 6:30 P.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.

Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2019 by 6:00 P.M.

Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095


UPDATE:  We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. Last week, at the invitation of the Chief of Police, members of Mr. McClain’s family heard the 911 call and viewed body worn camera videos from this incident. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. McClain’s family and friends during this very difficult time.


From the beginning, Chief Metz ordered an investigation at the level consistent with officer-involved shootings pursuant to Senate Bill 15-219 by having a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That investigation continues.


On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a 911 call where the called described a “suspicious person”. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms at the caller.


Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male still wearing a ski mask, later identified as Elijah McClain. The male began to resist the officer contact, a struggle then ensued, and he was taken into custody. Aurora Fire Rescue administered a standard medication to reduce Mr. McClain’s agitation. He was then transported to a local hospital where tragically he died days later.


The Adams County Coroner’s Office report is not yet completed and is a key component to providing much needed information to this investigation. Once their report is finished, the Coroner’s Office will be the ones who release those results. It will be included in the case that is then presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.


No further comment will be provided by the Aurora Police Department to protect the integrity of the investigation and review by the District Attorney’s office.


Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on 08/26/2019:

On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a “suspicious person” call. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male wearing a ski mask. The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer. The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody. Due to the level of physical force applied while restraining the subject and his agitated mental state, officers requested Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) and Falck Ambulance respond to render professional medical attention.

According to AFR, consistent with their accepted protocol, a standard medication routinely utilized to reduce agitation was administered and reduced the exhibited anxiety. Several minutes later during the transport to the hospital the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated. He regained a pulse and is currently being treated at a local hospital.

The Aurora PD Victim Services Unit assisted in locating the family and taking them to the hospital. They are providing support as the investigation continues.

During this event, officers were using their issued body worn cameras. Because of the critical nature of this incident, it is being investigated by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and members of the Denver Police Department to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the events of that night.

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene that evening and will review the investigation when it is completed.

We are asking anyone with information about this case to please contact Agent M. Ingui at 303-739-6067.
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 12:27 PM
  
Members of the Media,

Starting today, the Media Relations Unit will assume all public information (PIO) duties for the Aurora Police Department Traffic Section.  Members of the media are asked to call the Media Relations Unit and not the on-call Traffic Section number for inquires on all traffic related cases or story ideas related to crashes, DUI cases, traffic enforcement and safety.

Media Relations Unit contact information:

720.432.5095
[email protected]

Please feel free to reach out to a PIO with an questions about this change.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 10:31 AM
  
Making Magic: Crafts for Kids

Rainbow Paper Windchime
by Tessy

Can you make a rainbow? Create rainbow paper and string it together in a homemade windchime to catch the summer breeze!



Thank you to The Science Kiddo for letting us share their rainbow paper craft.
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 10:10 AM
  
Read It!
Rainbow Reads A Librarian Recommends 
by Elizabeth

Hi, everyone! Happy Pride! It may not be safe out there to hold a parade, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to celebrate this month. Whatever your Pride flag or reading preference, the Aurora Public Library has a book recommendation for you! We’ve created several Pinterest boards based around fun themes: the LGBTQ spectrum, yes, but also books with magic, graphic novels, books as sweet as cotton candy, books guaranteed to make you laugh, books that will definitely make you find a tissue box, and more! All of the Pinterest board books are ebooks, at least at this time, so that you can enjoy them from the comfort of your own home. However, there are even more books available through our curbside pickup system! Here are five of my personal favorites: some are ebooks, some are curbside, and all of them are incredible. Bonus: they’re all summer reads! (Well, all but the first one. You’ll see.) 


Gideon the Ninth
"Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir 
Category: Epic Fantasy and Sci-fi 
Representation: lesbian 
Available through: curbside pickup, Overdrive

I can sum up this book in three words: “lesbian space necromancers.” Either that sounds too wild for you or you’re already online ordering a copy from the library. "Gideon the Ninth" is one of those books you’ll either love or hate: I love every award-winning page, from our sword-fighting star Gideon’s ill-fated escape attempt from her dismal home planet to the summons that changes everything. Gideon and royal heir Harrow must go to a distant planet to compete in a deadly puzzle challenge for the emperor. The prize? Immortality. The problem? Gideon and Harrow hate each other, Gideon’s only faking being a bodyguard, and there’s something sketchy about this whole competition that no one’s seen fit to reveal. Everything in this book from the plot to the word choice zings with energy. If you love this book (and I hope you will!), our library has the sequel. (And I know this isn’t technically a summer read, but consider: every season could be summer, if you’re in space.) 

 
Felix Ever After
"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender 
Category: High School Struggles 
Representation: trans, bisexual 
Available through: curbside pickup

Felix Love has never been in love. That’s the problem, he thinks: how can he make good art in his summer school’s art program if he’s never even been in love in the first place? But when an anonymous bully posts pictures of Felix before he transitioned all over school and starts sending transphobic messages, Felix vows revenge: he’s going to catfish the most likely suspect to get some information. Life gets complicated fast: Felix’s sneaky detective Instagram plan soon turns into a complicated love triangle, and Felix begins to question whether he fits as neatly in boxes as he imagined. Kacen Callender’s an incredible author: their book "King and the Dragonflies" is a heart-wrenching read for middle schoolers, and "Felix Ever After" handles its complicated teen protagonist withgrace. If you love this book, you can check out Callender’s other work through the library


Lumberjanes 
"Lumberjanes" by Shannon Waters, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis & Brooke Allen 
Category: Magic is for Everyone, Graphic Novels, Summer Fun 
Representation: trans, lesbian, bisexual 
Available through: Hoopla, curbside, Overdrive

Sometimes, you just want a fun graphic novel about a summer camp getting hopelessly disrupted by crazy magical monsters. Lumberjanes, the fabulous comic book series by the author of the recent She-Ra reboot, is there for you. Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley don’t mean to end up fighting supernatural foxes, taking on Greek gods, and helping mermaids start a concert. That’s just how summer camp goes at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. Each of the friends brings something different to the team, whether it’s puzzles, puns, planning, or kittens and cupcakes. Before long, you’ll be wishing you could have had a summer camp experience this unique. If you love this book, you can read more in the series or check out Mooncakes for more magical creatures and shenanigans. 

 
If It Makes You Happy
"If It Makes You Happy" by Claire Kann 
Category: Summer Fun, Cooking Adventures, Romantic Comedies 
Representation: asexual, bisexual, polyamorous 
Available through: curbside pickup

Winnie has a busy summer. She’s the Summer Queen, which means public speaking (her greatest nemesis) and flirting with the impossibly cute Dallas. She’s working at her granny’s diner, and she wants to enter a cooking competition, but her grandmother won’t hear of it. She’s trying to work things out with her not-girlfriend, Kara, who doesn’t like this Dallas situation at all. She’s looking out for her little brother, and, oh yeah, she really wishes everyone would stop telling her to lose some weight. "If It Makes You Happy" would be cupcakes, if it had a flavor: sugary and impossibly sweet, colorful and fun to eat. If you love this book, try "You Should See Me in a Crown" for more “prom queen / Summer Queen” fun.  


The House in the Cerulean Sea
"The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune 
Category: Found Families, Magic is for Everyone 
Representation: gay 
Available through: curbside pickup 

Take X-Men and make it twice as adorable, with no comic book battles and a sassy kid Antichrist, and you have The House in the Cerulean Sea, my new comfort book extraordinaire. Linus Baker is a case worker with the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, and he’ll be the first to tell you he’s boring: he’s read the book of regulations cover to cover, he always follows procedure, and he’s certain that, in his forties, every chance of excitement has passed him by. Enter Arthur Parnassus: master of an orphanage filled with particularly unusual children, like a living garden gnome, a were-dog, and Lucy (short for Lucifer). Linus’s job is to go observe this orphanage and report back, but as he visits this charming place, he realizes that maybe the organization he’s dedicated his life to might be wrong. Can Linus really find family on this too-magical island? If you love this, try "Steven Universe" for another unusual magical family on a beach. 

Thanks for tuning in! I hope you enjoy these reads - I know I did.
Please let me know if you have any that you adore, and happy Pride!  
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 20, 2020 at 10:06 AM
  
Read It!

Read Black Writers: Juneteenth Edition 
by Elizabeth

Happy Juneteenth! Tomorrow is the last day of #BlackoutBestseller week, a challenge to fill the bestseller list with the exceptional work of Black authors. As demonstrators across the nation seek justice for victims like Breonna Taylor and Aurora’s own Elijah McClain, the relevance of Black authors is greater than ever. But maybe, with COVID-19, you’re a little low on spending money and unable to participate in a bestseller buyout. The library can help! Here are some incredible books by Black authors, both fiction and nonfiction, serious and funny and everywhere in between, all available immediately through our library’s Hoopla account.  


"The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander 

"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander

“More than 70 million Americans – over 20 percent of the entire U.S population, overwhelmingly poor and disproportionately people of color – now have criminal records that authorize legal discrimination for life.”  

For a well-researched look at why our justice system might need reform, check out "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander. If you want research, this book has it. Michelle Alexander is a professor, civil rights lawyer and legal scholar. Our library’s copy of "The New Jim Crow" has a tenth anniversary preface: these facts are still accurate today, which is an indictment of its own. 

Read this if: you’re looking for statistics, facts, numbers and other well-researched data to inform your knowledge of the protests 

Available through: Hoopla, curbside pickup 

If you like this, try: "When They Call You a Terrorist" by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
This memoir by a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement tells the heartbreaking story of her brother, a bipolar young man who ends up in jail instead of in a mental health care facility. His decline and inability to escape from the prison system is a difficult but eye-opening read.
Available on: Hoopla, OverDrive


"Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler 
Parable of the Sower

Before "The Hunger Games" and "The Handmaid’s Tale", there was Octavia Butler, the weirdest and coolest sci-fi writer you haven’t read yet. Octavia Butler’s got it all: vampires? Sure. Alien takeover? Absolutely. Time travel? Psychic abilities? Male alien pregnancy? You bet. And more!

Also: MAGA? Octavia Butler wrote a novel about a leader promising to “Make America Great Again” and a society haunted by violence in 1993. Those exact words. And get this: Parable of the Sower and the Earthseed series take place in the 2020s. There are two leaders in Butler’s haunted world, though: the other one is a young woman named Lauren Olamina with a special ability: hyper-empathy. She can feel other people’s pain and she believes that humans can still band together, survive and even make it into space.  

Read this if: you like weirdly prophetic science fiction novels or "Star Trek" 

Available through: Hoopla

Like this? Try that: "The City We Became" by N. K. Jemisin!
Jemisin is a literary genius and multi-award winner who writes of a New York plagued by alien invasion and saved by five ordinary people “chosen” to represent the city’s interests. Manhattan’s superpower is money; a college student in Queens saves the day using calculus, while a Bronx artist brings her best stomping boots to take out these intruders in her town. My favorite novel this year so far, which is saying something.
Available through: Overdrive, curbside pickup

 
"You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson 
You Should See Me in a Crown

Liz Lighty isn’t really into prom. She’s got bigger plans: a fancy college, music in a famous orchestra and then a career as a doctor. Too bad that her financial aid falls through. Liz’s friends and brother come up with a new plan: there’s a scholarship for being prom queen, you see. Liz doesn’t love the spotlight: she’s poor, awkward and single, and really, aren’t prom queens for the popular crowd? But college’s a bigger goal. When Liz meets a cute new girl in the prom queen competition, she has a dilemma: chase her dreams or get the girl? Or – just maybe – both? 

Sometimes, you just want a book that’s the equivalent of a sunshine smoothie. Don’t worry. This charming rom-com will fill you from head to toe with warm fuzzies and leave you smiling.  Bonus: this is a queer book, so you can read it for Pride, or to support Black authors, or both! 

Read this if: you love fluffy, sweet teen romantic comedies and teen coming-of-age stories 

Available through: Hoopla, OverDrive

Like this? Read that: "The Field Guide to the North American Teenager" by Ben Philippe!
Norris Kaplan’s new to Texas, and he’s figuring out the playing field: Cheerleaders, Jocks, Loners. He’d rather observe these groups in their native habitats than actually jump in. But, when prom night goes horribly wrong, Norris has to reevaluate his life and choices. Maybe he’s started to make friends despite himself.
Available through: curbside pickup  

 

"Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia 
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Love mythology, brave kids and heroic adventures? You’ll love "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia. Tristan’s best friend is dead and he left a glowing notebook behind. When the magical creature Gum Baby breaks into his house and steals the book, Tristan chases her into an adventure filled with mythological creatures. This story has John Henry, Brer Rabbit and Anansi, sure, but also myths you may not have heard of, all wrapped in a delicious world-saving package.  

"Tristan Strong" is published by Rick Riordan Presents, a publishing house dedicated to publishing books on every mythology in the world written by people who know that mythology inside and out. Any Rick Riordan fans know exactly what to expect here: heroes and page-turning adventures. I might like these even better than Percy Jackson, though, and I definitely like them more than Harry Potter. Check it out! 

Read this if: you’re interested in action, adventure, mythology and heroes 

Available through: Hoopla, curbside pickup

Like this? Read that: "The Jumbies" by Tracey Baptiste!
Corinne isn’t afraid of anything: not scorpions, not mean kids and definitely not jumbies. They’re just made up! But, when the jumbies try to take over Corinne’s island, she has to use all of her courage and a little magic to save her home. It’s the start of a series, just like Tristan Strong, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy!
Available through: Hoopla, Overdrive, curbside pickup  

 

"This Book is Anti-Racist" by Tiffany Jewell 
This Book is Anti-Racist

What does anti-racist mean? How can one person help in the face of terrible things? This teen-friendly book answers those questions and more. It’s interactive: readers can ask questions of themselves with 20 activities, learn all about the history of racism in multiple countries, and then find hope as they read about how people have resisted racism over the years. If you want to change the world, there are worse places to start! 

Read this: if you’re looking for a practical guide on how to deal with racism 

Available through: Hoopla, curbside pickup

Like this? Read that: "Antiracist Baby" by Ibram X. Kendi!
Ibram X. Kendi wrote the book on anti-racism, literally: his How to Be an Antiracist book is currently a number one bestseller. But if you’d rather have a friendlier picture book adaptation, accessible for kids and teens, Antiracist Baby is the way to go. This book lists nine easy ways to make a difference – and, most important, the baby on the cover is adorable.
Available through: Overdrive
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 19, 2020 at 5:03 PM
  
1  2  3  4  5