(February 12, 2020) On February 10, 2020, Public Safety Communications Division received a 911 call at approximately 10:51 A.M. about a male shot in the area of 359 North Potomac Circle. Aurora Police Officers quickly arrived on scene and located an adult male who had been shot. Officers applied a tourniquet to this male that likely saved his life. This male was then transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Officers gathered descriptions of additional individuals seen running from the scene and relayed this information over the radio. Responding officers observed two additional males matching that description near the intersection of East 2nd Place and North Potomac Street. These males were contacted, and both were armed with firearms when detained. While speaking to these individuals, one was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The other male was suffering from a different health issue but was not shot. These two adult males were both transported to the hospital in non-critical condition.
While checking the immediate area near 359 North Potomac Circle, officers located an additional male that had been shot inside of a black vehicle. This male was rushed to the hospital in extremely serious condition, where he currently remains. The only information we are releasing currently about the male’s identity is that he is 17 years old.
Two of the people involved have since been released from the hospital and both have been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. Due to the ongoing investigation, and needing to complete additional interviews and photo lineups, their names and booking photos are unavailable.
A third adult male is still admitted into the hospital in serious condition, but with non-life-threatening injuries. Once discharged, this male will be arrested and charged with attempted murder. Additionally, because of the active investigation, his name and booking photo will not be available for release at this time.
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. If you have any information or video of the crime, please contact Agent Randy Hansen with the Major Crimes Homicide Unit at 303-739-6710. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Any further inquiries about this case will need to be directed to their office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On Monday January 27, 2020, at approximately 9:20 a.m., Aurora police officers responded to 641 North Potomac Street on a reported shooting which left one woman dead.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office issued a press release on January 28, 2020 identifying the woman as Mae Rose Garth DOB 5/14/52.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit agents arrested Tyrone Garth DOB 1/4/79 at the scene, and charged him with Colorado Revised Statue 18-3-102 Murder in the first degree. Tyrone is the son of Mae Rose.
An Aurora Police Department booking photo of Tyrone has been included with this updated press release.
This homicide will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and we ask any additional media inquiries related to this investigation be directed to their office.
We continue to urge anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Krieger at 303-739-6113.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
*Name corrected to Tyrone from Tyron on 1/29/20.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
information previously released on January 27, 2020:
(January 27, 2020) On Monday, January 27, 2020, at approximately 09:20 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded 641 North Potomac Street on a reported shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they located an adult female inside of an apartment with a gunshot wound. The female was transported to an area hospital where she has been pronounced deceased. Positive identification of the victim will be done by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
After arriving on scene, officers contacted a person of interest who has been detained and transported to our Major Crimes/Homicide Unit for questioning. We do know that the victim and person of interest are related but their exact relationship is not being released at this time. This investigation is still very active and ongoing and there is no threat to the community.
We ask anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Krieger at 303-739-6113.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On October 24th, 1996, at about 0800 hours, Aurora police officers and homicide detectives were dispatched to the alley in the 1200 block of Iola Street. They discovered the body of twenty-five-year-old Tangie Sims. Her body had been dumped at the location after she was violently assaulted and stabbed to death. The initial investigation revealed Sims was last seen walking to a semi-truck. In addition, it was determined the suspect had cut himself during the murder and had left drops of blood at the scene. Samples of the suspect’s blood were recovered.
Unfortunately, the case went cold and remained that way for a lengthy period of time. Current MCHU Detectives Steve Conner and Michael Prince continued to work this case for the family of the victim. They never quit following up on leads and revisiting the case file. They knew the best chance of solving this homicide would be through the recovered blood left by the suspect and the incredible advancements that had been made in DNA analysis.
In 2019 advancements in DNA, specifically genealogical research, lead to a break in the case. United Data Connect, Inc. through the excellent forensic work a genealogist produced a possible suspect by comparing the blood sample to known DNA from a relative. Detectives Conner and Prince immediately began following up on this information. The leads took them to North Dakota and Idaho where they located a member of the suspect’s immediate family. The family member was cooperative and provided a DNA sample to the detectives.
United Data Connect, Inc. was able to positively identify Wesley Backman DOB 04/12/1955 as the suspect in this horrible crime. Detectives learned that Backman had passed away in 2008. The detectives discovered Backman had been an over the road truck driver and had lived in many different locations throughout the United States to include Aurora, CO.
The excellent work done by the original investigators, the incredible determination of Detectives Conner and Prince, as well as the amazing work done by United Data Connect, Inc. allowed the family of Sims to finally obtain some solace and closure. The costs of this investigation were provided by Crime Stoppers which continues to provide invaluable assistance with criminal investigations.
Detectives Conner and Prince continue to work with other police agencies across the country to determine if Backman was responsible for additional unsolved homicides.
Aurora Police Department
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 6, 2020) On Monday January 6, 2020, Denver police officers were conducting a stolen vehicle investigation in the City of Denver which led them into the City of Aurora.
At approximately 6:05 p.m. Denver police officers requested emergency assistance from the Aurora Police Department while in the 13700 block of East Iliff Avenue after an adult male exited the stolen vehicle and fled on foot.
During the ensuing foot pursuit, the male produced a handgun and at least one Denver police officer made the decision to discharge their weapon striking the armed male who later succumbed to his injuries in an area hospital at approximately 6:33 p.m.
The identity of the male will be released by the Denver County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification, and notification of his next-of-kin.
This officer-involved shooting caused the southbound off-ramp from I-225 onto East Iliff Avenue to be closed for several hours while officers investigated this incident.
The involved Denver police officer(s) nor any 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.
In accordance with Senate Bill 15-219 members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 18th 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 contact Agent J. Krieger at 303.739.6113.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On Monday December 16th,
2019 at approximately 10:01 p.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to the Aurora
Hills apartment complex located at 11922 East Archer Place on a reported shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a teenage male
inside an apartment with a gunshot wound.
Shortly thereafter the male was pronounced deceased on scene. Positive
identification of the victim, and notification of the next-of-kin will be done
by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
This investigation is still very active and
ongoing and is being investigated as a homicide by the Aurora Police Major
Crimes/Homicide Unit. An arrest as not been made, and so we do not interfere
with any ongoing investigational efforts no further information will be shared
at this time.
We ask anyone who may be a
witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police
Agent Hansen at 303-739-6710.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible
for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720)
913- STOP (7867).
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On Sunday December 15th, 2019 just after midnight Aurora Police Officers responded to 11249 East Colfax Avenue due to reports of a male lying in the street.
Upon officers arrival they located an adult Hispanic male lying in the street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper-body. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries this morning at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Positive identification of the victim, and notification of the next-of-kin will be done by the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
This investigation is still very active and ongoing, and is being investigated as a homicide by the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We ask anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Huber at 303-739-6090.
Tipsters can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On Thursday November 21st, 2019 at approximately 2:36 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to 13606 East 14th Avenue in response to a shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they found an unresponsive adult male inside of a residence. Shortly thereafter that male was pronounced deceased on scene. Further investigation was necessary to determine the circumstances that led up to the death.
Since then, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has upgraded this investigation to a Homicide. On November 22, 2019 a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with at least the following:
18-3-104 (1)(a) Manslaughter, Class 4 Felony
18-12-108 (1) Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender, Class 5 Felony
Due to the suspect being a juvenile no further personal identifying information will be publicly released.
The identity of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification, and notification of his next-of-kin.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness or have any information related to this homicide to please contact Agent Ingui at 303.739.6067.
Any additional media inquiries should be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Vikki Migoya.
Officer Crystal
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(November 11, 2019) UPDATE: We understand and appreciate the community’s concern and desire for information when our officers are involved in critical incidents. We continue to strive to provide as much information as possible, without jeopardizing the investigative process, while working in coordination with the appropriate District Attorney’s office.
We are releasing only a small portion of the body-worn camera footage from the primary officer after he first arrives on scene. That video can be viewed at the following link:
https://youtu.be/4CNkFyNhGX0
Below is an image captured from the body-worn camera that depicts the rifle that was found in the room where the suspect dove into immediately following the shots being fired.
This investigation into the officer-involved shooting is still on-going and will be submitted to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office for review when it is completed.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Aurora Police Department
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Previously Released 10/25/2019
On October 20, 2019, at 1:43 A.M., Aurora Police Officers
were dispatched to 9121 East 14th Avenue in response to a physical disturbance
outside the apartment building. While officers were responding to the call,
Denver Police Dispatch notified the Aurora Police Dispatch Center that their
“Shot Spotter” had just picked up shots fired in the area of East 13th Ave and
North Akron Street.
(October 25, 2019) The male that was shot remains in
critical condition at a nearby hospital, but, is expected to survive. We can
confirm at this time that this male was shot by our officer. At this time, we
are not going to be identifying this male since detectives are still in the
process of interviewing witnesses and conducting photo line-ups. Preemptively
releasing this information could compromise their investigation.
While conducting our searches of the premises immediately
following the shooting, officers recovered a rifle from the apartment. Also, during the search, officers located a
blood trail leading through the apartment, then out into the hallway and ending
where the male exited the building.
When the body-worn camera video footage is allowed to be
released, after consultation with the 18th Judicial District
Attorney’s Office, we will make it publicly available to view.
Below is the video from the press conference we held today.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Aurora Police Department
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Information
Previously Released 10/20/2019
On October 20, 2019, at 1:43 A.M., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to 9121 East 14th Avenue in response to a physical disturbance outside the apartment building. While officers were responding to the call, Denver Police Dispatch notified the Aurora Police Dispatch Center that their “Shot Spotter” had just picked up shots fired in the area of East 13th Ave and North Akron Street.
Upon officers arrival they heard a loud disturbance on the north side of the building. Officers then observed an adult male in the north parking lot of the apartment complex who was armed with a weapon. After encountering this male, an officer discharged their weapon in his direction. This male then ran back inside of the apartment building.
Moments later, numerous people began to run out of the apartment complex doors. During this commotion, an adult male was found to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Rescue was called and this male was then transported to an area hospital. At this time, it is unknown if the male party who was shot was the same male that officers encountered outside or if this male was shot before police arrived on scene. There were three other injured people that were also transported to the hospital as a result of the large disturbance that officers initially responded to.
The adult male who is suffering from the gunshot wounds is in serious condition. His identity will not be released at this time. There was a weapon that was located on scene.
All responding officers were equipped with body worn cameras and will be reviewed as part of this investigation. The involved officer has worked for the Aurora Police Department for about eighteen months, and has not been in any prior officer-involved shootings at the Aurora Police Department. The officer will be placed on administrative leave per Aurora Police Department policy.
The incident is being investigated by members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in accordance with Senate Bill 15-219. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for 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 contact Agent T. Fredericksen at 303.739.6106.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: The person arrested in this case is Eric K. L. Daniel (DOB 06-30-91). He is being held at the Adams County Jail with no bond. Furthers questions should be directed to the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
UPDATE: An adult has been arrested in this case. The person has been charged with 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree.
The investigation is continuing so the name of the suspect and a booking photo will not be released at this time.
On August 24, 2019 at 9:36 p.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to a report of a stabbing in the 2300 block of N. Emporia St.
Upon arriving officers found an adult male suffering with a stab wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
There is a person of interest in this case and this is believed to be an isolated incident. There is no threat to the public.
Positive identification of the victim will be made by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after next-of-kin notification has been made.
This is being investigated by the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We ask anyone who may be a witness or has information about this homicide to please call Aurora Police Agent Miller at 303-739-6117. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
On the late evening of July 14th, 2019 the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit arrested Darius Banks DOB 1/14/00, and charged him with the following Colorado Revised Statutes in relation to this homicide:
18-3-104 Manslaughter, a class four felony
18-8-206 Attempt To Influence A Public Servant, a class four felony
Please see the attached booking photo of Banks. Any further media inquiries regarding this case needs to be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office where this case will be prosecuted.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
previously posted on July 14, 2019
On Sunday July 14, 2019 at approximately 7:09 p.m. Aurora Police officers responded to East 13th Avenue, and Newark Street on a reported shooting and traffic crash.
Upon officers arrival they discovered an adult male passenger suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. That male was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds.
At this time, no one is in custody. However, this incident is believed to be isolated, and there is no immediate threat to the community.
Positive identification of the victim, and notification of the next-of-kin will be done by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
This is now being investigated by the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We ask anyone who may be a witness, or has information about this homicide, to please call Aurora Police Agent Hansen at 303-739-6710. Tipsters can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
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