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August 2021 - Posts

UPDATE: Francine Martinez Terminated from the Aurora Police Department

The Aurora Police Department Internal Affairs (IA) investigation and review processes involving Francine Martinez have concluded.

Upon review of the IA findings, Chief Wilson has made her final determination the following department directives were violated:

5.9.1      Duty to Intervene and Report Intervention

 

14.2.15  Unsatisfactory Performance           

 

14.1.5    Conformance to Law             

As a result of the above determination, this afternoon Francine Martinez was terminated by Chief Wilson. This termination officially ends her employment as a Police Officer with the Aurora Police Department and City of Aurora.

At this time, no additional information or documentation will be provided due to the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Mr. Haubert and Ms. Martinez by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Officer Crystal  McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095




UPDATE: John Haubert Resigns from the Aurora Police Department


This afternoon John Haubert submitted his letter of resignation to Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson. This officially ends his employment as a Police Officer with the Aurora Police Department and City of Aurora.

Even though Mr. Haubert has resigned, the Internal Affairs investigation (IA) into his alleged misconduct and the investigation into the force used on Mr. Vinson will continue.  After the completion of the IA investigation the case will go through the required review processes and Chief Wilson will then make her final decision on if he violated department directives and what discipline Mr. Haubert would have received if he had not resigned today.

Once that decision has been made it will be released to the public.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095


Information previously released on July 27,2021:


Today, July 27, 2021, Chief Vanessa Wilson held a press conference to discuss the recent arrests of two Aurora Police officers.

Links to the body-worn cameras, as well as the entire press conference, can be found here:
Body-Worn Cameras
Press Conference

This investigation remains open and active. Additionally, Chief Wilson has ordered an expedited Internal Affairs Investigation to begin with the hope of having that completed soon. 

Any questions regarding the prosecution of this incident can be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

No further updates are expected.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Information previously released


This afternoon an arrest warrant was issued for two Aurora Police Officers.  This was after a criminal investigation was conducted by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit into the force that they used while making an arrest during a Trespassing call in the 3100 block of South Parker Road on Friday, July 23 2021.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Officer John Haubert for the following charges:
  • Attempted First Degree Assault
  • Second Degree Assault 
  • Felony Menacing
  • Official Oppression
  • 1st Degree Official Misconduct
An arrest warrant was also issued for Officer Francine Martinez for the following charges:
  • Duty to Intervene
  • Duty to Report Use of Force by Peace Officer
Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson will be holding a press conference tomorrow afternoon at 1:00p.m. at the Aurora Police Headquarters. More details, including body worn camera footage, of the incident will be released at that time.  Since the news conference is going to be held in a secure facility members of the media are asked to RSVP with the Media Relations Unit.

The press conference will be live streamed on the Aurora Police YouTube Channel.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer 
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 12, 2021 at 4:31 PM
  
(August 11) The Aurora Police Department, The U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, partnered for a two-week operation called “Operation Restore.” The focus of this operation was the apprehension of violent offenders who had active warrants for their arrest.

The operational period was July 26 through August 6, 2021, occurring within not only the city of Aurora, but nationwide with the help of the U.S. Marshal’s. This operation resulted in the arrest of 116 individuals, 9 firearms were seized and 3 stolen vehicles were recovered.

Several of the violent offenders arrested had active warrants for murder, attempted murder, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, sex assault on a child, sexual exploitation of minor, weapon offenses and felony menacing.

Our ongoing partnerships with the DEA, USAO, U.S. Marshal’s Service and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are invaluable to the Aurora Police Department and the communities we serve. This collaboration contributed greatly to the overall success of the operation and our commitment to making Aurora safer every day.

“The cooperation between local and federal law enforcement reflected in this operation helps promote public safety in Colorado. We appreciate the excellent work of our law enforcement partners in this successful operation.” - Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Kirsch

“Over the course of the past two weeks, a total of 116 state and federal arrests were made as a result of the collective efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies involved… it should be noted that approximately 24% of those arrests were based upon narcotics-related charges, even more notable is that more than 50% of those arrested had a criminal history which included some type of criminal charge associated with illegal drugs. Those numbers underscore the significant and vital role and responsibility the DEA has in reducing violent crime and apprehending those most responsible for endangering the health and safety of our community.” - DEA Denver Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Olesky

“The Aurora Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to restoring and ensuring safety for our community members in Aurora. I would like to especially thank the many APD officers and specialized units of the APD who spearheaded this operation and saw it through to such a tremendous success.”- Chief Vanessa Wilson


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Press Conference YouTube Link
Press Packet
Individuals Arrested During Operation

Operation Restore
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 11, 2021 at 5:12 PM
  
MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: News Conference Announcing Operation Restore Results

WHEN: Wednesday, August 11th, 2021 at 2:30 P.M.

WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway

WHO: Aurora Chief of Police, Vanessa Wilson
U.S. Marshal David A. Weaver
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Olesky
18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner

Aurora Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson will be announcing the conclusion of Operation Restore and the results of this two-week operation. Operation Restore targeted the apprehension of violent felony offenders in our communities with active warrants for their arrests.

Operation Restore was spearheaded by the Aurora Police Department and the many units within it, and its success can be directly attributed the tremendous support from the U. S. Marshal’s Service, DEA, USAO and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. These partnerships, and this operation, is a testament to our unified commitment of making our communities safer.

The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters.

Verified members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, August 11th at 8:00 a.m.

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

Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 10, 2021 at 4:58 PM
  
Family Book Club - click to register

Welcome to Family Book Club!

This is an exciting club for families who love to read and is appropriate for ages 8-15. The books chosen are always within the 3rd-6th grade level but both younger and older kids have enjoyed them! If your child is younger, I encourage the family to read the book aloud together or listen to the audiobook (if available)!

This month we are reading "The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart" by Stephanie Burgis. Aventurine is restless inside her family’s cave and one day decides to explore the world outside. She meets a sorcerer and cannot say no to his enchanted hot chocolate which turns her into a human. Yet, now she has a new passion - chocolate! Genre: FANTASY. 

Chapters 1 – 6
1. Would you trust a stranger even if they had delicious-smelling chocolate?
2. If you had to find a livelihood, what would you want to do?
3. Do you think Aventurine will be able to get hired as an apprentice at one of the three chocolate houses?

This week read chapters 7-12.

We will be having a special virtual event on Saturday, August 28 at 1 p.m. to meet the author! Please register here.
 
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Tallyn's Reach Library. Please call 303.627.3050 if you'd like to put one on hold to be picked up at a different branch. Unlimited eAudiobooks are available via HooplaDigital, free with your library card
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 09, 2021 at 2:47 PM
  
(August 8, 2021) On Friday, August 6, 2021 at 2:36p.m. officers responded to the Aurora Police District 1 Station located at 13347 East Montview Boulevard after a man called to report that he had killed a woman.

Upon arrival officers contacted Jesus Mendoz-Prudente and discovered that the homicide he was reporting had taken place earlier in the morning inside of an apartment at 1530 Beeler Street.  However, they were not able to obtain where the body of the female victim was located.  

After following up on investigative leads, investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit, with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office located the 34-year-old victim In the area of Noe Road and HIghway 105 in Douglas County on Saturday, August 7th.

Mendoza-Prudente was arrested for First Degree Murder and is currently being held at the Aurora Detention Center.  The identity of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identifed and her next of kin have been notified.

Mug Shot of Suspect
Jesus Mendoza-Prudente (06/27/94)

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 08, 2021 at 10:03 AM
  
UPDATE:  Child has been located

On August 7, 2021 at approximately 12:43p.m. Cristhian Aaron Navarro-Bueso returned to his residence on Cimarron Circle.  The child was unharmed.  

The investigation into his disappearance is on-going; however it is still believed that he ran way from home. Since he is a juvenile and for privacy reasons his pictures have been removed from the original new release.  

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095



Information previously released on August 7, 2021:


(August 7, 2021) The Aurora Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 10-year-old boy who ran away from home yesterday afternoon and has not been seen since.

Cristhian Aaron Navarro-Bueso (who goes by Aaron) stands 4'8" tall and weighs 80 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was wearing a grey t-shirt, blue swim trunks and black sandals. Aaron only speaks Spanish. He was last seen in the 1000 block of North Cimarron Circle in the Chambers Heights Neighborhood at around 5:00p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021.

Investigators from the Crimes Against Childrens Unit have been called in to investigate this case. The Aurora Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) has been activiated and is actively seaching the area.  Drones have also been deployed and are conducting an aerial search. 

At this time foul play is not suspected; however Aurora Police are concerned for his welfare due to the length of time he has been missing.  Anyone who sees Aaron or has information about his whereabouts are asked to call 303.627.3100.

Follow us on Twitter at @AuroraPD  and #FindAaron for real time updates.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 07, 2021 at 1:07 PM
  
Mental Health Spotlight

Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.

Hey teens! Interested in mental health?

Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you. 

Remember, your mental health matters. 

This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.  

PTSD Young Adult book display

About PTSD: 
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that some people may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. A traumatic event varies from person to person, some examples include:
- physical, verbal, or sexual abuse
- mass shootings
- natural disasters
- violent crime
- serious injury or illness
- military combat
- car accidents

Many people associate PTSD with soldiers returning home from war. However, this stereotype can be damaging to those who have lived through a trauma and are suffering from PTSD-- but may feel that what they experienced was “not bad enough” to seek help. This is not true. Your trauma is valid, whatever that may be and you deserve to receive support and treatment

Read more from Mayo Clinic about PTSD here.

This infographic breaks down the basics of PTSD:

Infographic about PTSD
 

Additional informative articles specifically related to youth:
Polaris Teen
Kids Health

Did you know that there are two types of PTSD?
PTSD is typically reserved for a single event. An example could be a serious car accident or witnessing a friend’s suicide. However, Complex PTSD often referred to as C-PTSD is a repeated trauma that can last months to years. An example could be ongoing physical, verbal, or sexual abuse. 
Read more about C-PTSD here.

Infographic about complex  P T S D 

If you are wondering if you may have PTSD, take this self-assessment.

Coping with Suicidal Thoughts:
Suicidal thoughts can accompany those with PTSD. 
Asking for help can be really difficult, but it’s vital you reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or teacher, etc. If you don’t feel that you have anyone to talk to, or think that talking to a stranger might be easier, call the suicide helpline at 1-800-273-8255. 
Remember:
Whatever your situation, it takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink. 
Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person. 
If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action. 
If you’re afraid you might do something, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can’t verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members.
Read more on suicidal thoughts here.

Find Community: 
Check out The Mighty, a website dedicated to providing community and support online. No matter what health situation you're going through. The Mighty breaks down what health is really like. 
Join a PTSD Support Community - more information here.

Read through these relatable articles regarding PTSD and how it can affect your life.
31 Small Ways To Make Living With PTSD A Little Easier
- 41 Truths People With PTSD Wish Others Understood
- 5 Ways People With PTSD Love Differently In Relationships
- Grounding Exercises For PTSD 
9 Surprising Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- 76 Healing C-PTSD Quotes and Affirmations
- 16 Lies People With PTSD Tell
- TED Talks on Trauma and PTSD
- 23 'Embarrassing' Symptoms of PTSD We Don't Talk About
 
Young Adult Book display about P T S D

Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address PTSD: 


For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.85. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health

Check back in September for our next Mental Health Spotlight!  
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 06, 2021 at 10:24 AM
  

Aurora Police Department’s K9 Cyrus has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Cyrus’ vest was embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.

 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,327 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. 

 The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.  K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.  Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.  For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.   

Cyrus

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

 


Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 04, 2021 at 12:29 PM
  
Family Book Club - click to registerWelcome to Family Book Club!

This is an exciting club for families who love to read and is appropriate for ages 8-15. The books chosen are always within the 3rd-6th grade level but both younger and older kids have enjoyed them! If your child is younger, I encourage the family to read the book aloud together or listen to the audiobook (if available)!

This month we are reading "The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart" by Stephanie Burgis. Aventurine is restless inside her family’s cave and one day decides to explore the world outside. She meets a sorcerer and cannot say no to his enchanted hot chocolate which turns her into a human. Yet, now she has a new passion - chocolate! Genre: FANTASY. 

Suggested reading schedule:  
Monday, Aug 2 – Sunday, Aug 8: Chapters 1-6
Monday, Aug 9 – Sunday, Aug 15: Chapters 7-12
Monday, Aug 16 – Sunday, Aug 22: Chapters 13-18
Monday, Aug 23 – Friday, Aug 27: Chapters 19-24

We will be having a special virtual event on Saturday, August 28 at 1 p.m. to meet the author! Please register here.
 
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Tallyn's Reach Library. Please call 303.627.3050 if you'd like to put one on hold to be picked up at a different branch. Unlimited eAudiobooks are available via HooplaDigital, free with your library card
Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 04, 2021 at 10:00 AM
  

(August 3) On Friday, July 30, 2021 at approximately 12:14 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 18500 block of East Kansas Place on a reported shooting.

Upon officers arrival they located one deceased adult male who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers discovered an adult female suffering from gunshot wounds nearby. She was transported to an area hospital and tragically succumbed to those injuries on July 31, 2021.

The two deceased were known to one another and were married. It is not clear if they were married at the time of this incident. 

The names of the deceased were released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office today, August 3, 2021, via a news release after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin was made.

If you or someone you know is a victim of or experiencing domestic violence please contact the Aurora Police Department and/or the Aurora Police Department Victim Services Unit at 303.627.3100. We can provide you assistance and resources to ensure your safety. 

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095



(July 30) On Friday, July 30, 2021 at approximately 12:14 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 18500 block of East Kansas Place on a reported shooting.

Upon officer’s arrival they located an adult female near a vehicle in the roadway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital and remains in critical condition at this time.

While officers were on scene tending to the adult female victim, they located a deceased adult male in the nearby roadway.

The early investigation has revealed the two were known to one another, and there is no additional threat to the community. Investigators have not yet been able to determine what led up to the shooting.

The name of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin has been made.

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.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 03, 2021 at 5:21 PM
  
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