(March 17) On Friday, August 6, 2021, the Aurora Police Department received a report pertaining to allegations of child exploitation involving Darnell Ward (DOB: 02/21/1978). The investigation confirmed the allegations of the original victim and investigators learned of two other additional victims.
The investigation determined that Ward occasionally was a parent spectator at Overland High School girls’ basketball games and would help record scores for the game. However, he was not an official volunteer. It is believed Ward also has helped with sporting events in the Denver Metro area schools. Based on Ward’s history and past allegations, Investigators believe there are additional victims who have been victimized by Ward and have not yet reported it.
On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Ward was arrested for charges related to Child Exploitation and Sexual Assault in Phoenix, Arizona. Since his arrest, Ward has been extradited to Colorado. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting this case, and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Our Victim Services Unit is working closely with the families to offer support and help them work through this difficult event.
If there are any additional victims who are wishing to report to the police, they are asked to call Police Dispatch at (303) 627-3100 immediately. Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to call the Internet Crimes Against Children at 303.739.6711.
Ward is pictured below:
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(March 4) The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit is announcing the arrest of Adan Antonio Tobias-Ramirez (DOB: 09/23/1999). Adan was arrested for Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1601 Left scene after accident involving death. A booking photo is not available at this time.
This case is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquires should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on September 9, 2021
(September 9) UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section Investigators have ruled out the white SUV/minivan as a suspect vehicle.
During the course of their investigation, officers located the white SUV/minivan in question and determined that the vehicle was not involved in this crash.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigators are still seeking information about the white vehicle with tinted windows involved in this fatal crash. 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 303.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released on September 8
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on East Colfax Avenue and North Akron Street.
(September 8) On September 7, 2021 at 11:56 p.m., Aurora Police officers responded to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Akron Street on a report of person laying on the ground.
Once on scene, officers discovered a 35-year-old male who was suffering from a significant head injury. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Tragically, today the victim died from his injuries. The name of victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section investigated the scene and determined the victim was crossing East Colfax Avenue, northbound, at North Akron Street, when a vehicle struck the victim and then fled the scene. Investigators have identified a white SUV/minivan along with a small white sedan, pictured below, with dark tinted windows as possibly being involved. Investigators will continue working to identifying the vehicles and their drivers involved in this crash. No additional information is available at this time.
The Aurora Police Department is asking 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
 
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
(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
(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
(December 31) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a woman, who had been kidnapped in Aurora, was found dead in Douglas County today.
On December 16, 2021, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit was notified by the Fort Collins Police Department regarding a missing person that they had been investigating. Information obtained through their investigation led detectives to believe that the missing person, a 29-year-old woman, was last seen in Aurora.
Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit immediately began investigating the case and believed that the woman might have been kidnapped in the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Victor Street on November 6. The suspects, two men and a woman, were last seen driving a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Detectives continually worked this case, following up on leads and gathering evidence, when they discovered that the Malibu was seen in Douglas County, near North State Highway 83 and Russellville Road, on November 7.
The vehicle has since been recovered and the three people believed to be involved are in custody.
The two men and woman involved with the female’s disappearance were arrested by local police in Sheridan Wyoming on December 29 for unrelated charges. Detectives from the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit drove up to Wyoming that day to question them. The next day, December 30, Aurora Police Detectives secured warrants for their arrest for first degree kidnapping. The three suspects currently remain in custody at the Sheridan County Detention Center.
Today, with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, investigators responded to that area of Highway 83 and Russellville Road where they located a deceased female, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The identity of this female will be confirmed and released by the Douglas County Coroner’s Office after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
The three suspects, previously charged with First Degree Kidnapping, will most likely be charged with First Degree Murder in the coming days. Included below are their booking photographs, courtesy of the Sheridan (WY) County Detention Center, and their names and ages are:
Shantel Edlund – 43 years old – from Sheridan Wyoming
Casey Childers – 39 years old – from Casper Wyoming
Leo VanBuskirk – 23 years old – from Sheridan Wyoming
We want to thank our partners from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Collins Police Department, Sheridan (WY) Police Department, Sheridan (WY) County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations for their assistance in this complex investigation.
Anyone who might have information about this case, and has not yet spoke to police, is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. Tipsters can also remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 27) On December 26, 2021, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Officers with the Aurora Police Department responded to the 900 block of S Peoria Street on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a 57-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is investigating this homicide. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined. There is no threat to the public.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the male after he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin has been notified.
Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about this homicide is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 25) An argument at the Chelsea Park Village Apartments leads to shots being fired, leaving one dead.
On December 25, 2021, at approximately 06:36 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the Chelsea Park Village Apartments, located at 86 North Oakland Street, on reports of a shooting. Officers located a 35-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for investigating this homicide. The initial investigation reveals that there was an argument between two adult males outside of the apartment complex, who were known to each other. At some point during the argument, both adults produced firearms, and one of them shot the other. The shooter, a 33-year-old male, was not injured and stayed on the scene, and is cooperating with investigators. All witnesses on the scene are cooperating with investigators.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased after he has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
Detectives are actively working to determine who the primary aggressor is and the circumstances leading up to the shots being fired, but no arrests have been made at this moment. This investigation is ongoing. There is no threat to the public.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On December 9, 2021, Aurora Police Officers investigated a concerning incident involving a sexual assault on a child in the 1300 block of N. Chester St. It was alleged that a male suspect entered a residence, identified himself as an immigration official and proceeded to sexually assault a 7-year-old female victim.
Detectives from APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit responded to investigate the matter. At approximately 9:00 A.M. on December 10th, 2021, Kenneth Dean Lee was arrested in connection with this incident for the charges of Sexual Assault on a Child and First Degree Burglary. The case is currently in the hands of the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office pending prosecution. Our Victim Services Unit is working closely with the family to offer support and help them work through this difficult event.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Lee has a disturbing criminal history with a pattern of similar allegations. It is believed that Lee has specifically targeted immigrant and refugee families to perpetrate his alleged crimes. The Aurora Police Department wants residents to know that anybody in the City of Aurora, regardless of their immigration status, should feel safe reporting crimes and reported allegations will be taken seriously. If you wish to report a crime involving Lee please do so by calling the Aurora911 Center at 303.627-3100.
Kenneth Dean Lee (DOB 9/27/1956)
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 18, 2021) Two additional arrests have been made in connection to the November 15th shooting of six teens at Nome Park.
On December 17th, 2021 two teens were arrested by members of the Aurora Police Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST) and the Aurora Police SWAT Team. A 15-year-old male was arrested at around 12:30p.m. as he was getting into his vehicle at a shopping center located at East 6th Avenue and North Chambers Road. The second suspect, a 16-year-old male was arrested at around 12:40p.m. during a traffic stop in the 300 block of North Potomac Way. Both of the suspect were taken into custody without incident and were both arrested for Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
Since the arrestees are juveniles their identity is not being released. The District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District will be prosecuting this case.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on November 24, 2021:
(November 24) On November 15, 2021, six teenagers were shot in Nome Park, in what we are considering a drive-by shooting. Tonight, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Aurora Police Gang Intervention Unit (GIU), is announcing the arrest of a second 15-year-old in connection with this crime.
Investigators developed additional suspect information regarding another occupant of the Chrysler 300. The identity of that suspect, a 15-year-old male, was shared with our GIU Officers who stopped a vehicle late last night. The suspect was brought in for questioning and later booked on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder. His name will not be released but we can confirm that he was a student at Aurora Central High School. This case will also be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are still attempting to identify the individuals who were inside of Nome Park shooting back at the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chrysler 300. Detectives are urging anyone that has information about not only the shooters occupying the two identified vehicles, but those in the park as well, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward of up to $7,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 23) On November 15, 2021, six teenagers were shot in Nome Park, in what we are considering a drive-by shooting. Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit is announcing the arrest of a 15-year-old in connection with this crime.
The two outstanding vehicles we identified, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chrysler 300, have both been located, towed and seized for the investigation.
The 15-year-old male was identified as the driver of the Chrysler 300. The 15-year-old was arrested last night and charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder. Because of his age, his identity will not be released. This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators have also determined that there were at least two other individuals, inside of Nome Park, that were shooting back at the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chrysler 300. Detectives are actively working to identify those people, as well as all the others involved. We are urging anyone that has information about not only the shooters occupying the two identified vehicles, but those in the park as well, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward of up to $7,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 16) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit Investigators have been actively working on this case and continue following up on leads from the moment the shooting occurred. Investigators are now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the below-pictured vehicles. Investigators believe that these vehicles are directly involved and are looking to identify the drivers and locate the actual vehicles.
The vehicles are described as the following:
Chrysler 300, black, with dark tint and chrome wheels
Chevrolet Tahoe, black, with chrome door handles and a roof rack. Possibly a Colorado license plate.
If anyone has any knowledge about the whereabouts of these pictured vehicles, the drivers, or the owners, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement, or you can remain anonymous by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913. STOP (7867).
The Aurora Reward Fund has now authorized an additional reward of $5,000, combined with the $2,000 reward being offered by Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, for information leading to the identification and arrest of the ones responsible for this shooting.
Two of the victims from yesterday’s shooting have a long physical recovery ahead of them. We will continue offering support to all victims and their families impacted by this terrible act of violence.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
 
Information Previous Released
(November 15) Six teens shot after possible drive-by shooting at Nome Park.
On November 15, 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Aurora911 began receiving 911 calls about a shooting at Nome Park, located at 1200 North Nome Street. School Resources Officers, who were working at Aurora Central High School, as well as numerous officers from around the city, responded to that location. Officers located five teenage victims, in and around Nome Park, that had been shot. All five were transported by emergency medical crews to local area hospitals where they remain. A short time later, a sixth victim, an 18-year-old, self-transported to a local hospital.
During the initial scene response, responding officers applied tourniquets on at least two of the victims, potentially saving their lives.
Detectives from numerous investigative units responded to the scene and will be assisting our Major Crimes Unit in this investigation. Initial information obtained is there were possible suspects on foot as well as driving-by in a vehicle. There were numerous shell casings, of different calibers, that were found on scene. Detectives are still reviewing video surveillance from the area, speaking to witnesses and examining the physical evidence on scene to help positively identify those that could be involved.
We have identified all the victims as being students at Aurora Central High School. The victims are only being identified as the following:
Male – 14-years old
Female – 15-years old
Male – 16-years old
Female – 16 years old
Male – 17-years old
Male – 18-years old
Detectives are asking anyone who may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867), where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. We are also asking residents in the area of Nome Park to please review any exterior cameras they may have and notify law enforcement if they believe they have any information that could assist detectives.
We want to thank all our officers who responded to this chaotic scene and those that performed life-saving measures. We also want to thank Aurora Fire Rescue, Falck Rocky Mountain, Aurora Public Schools and other metro-area first responders that assisted us with this incident. Aurora Police will increase patrol in the area of Aurora Central High School and Nome Park in the coming days. Please continue to keep those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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