Aurora Police News
Our blog has MOVED. Please go to: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/APD_news.

News releases will also be published to our social media channels:
Twitter - @AuroraPD
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Next Door - Aurora Police Department 

The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer. 

Public Information Officer Staff:

Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer 

To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].

Colorado Criminal Justice Records (CCJRA) can be obtained by completing an electronic request using our new NextRequest Portal.    

Stay connected and informed by signing up for blog e-mail alerts and by following us on our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, InstagramYouTube and Nextdoor.

The men and women of the Aurora Police Department are committed to making a Aurora a safer place everyday.

DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. 


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 Aurora Police Department K9s Loki and Factor have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Loki’s vest was sponsored by Darby Kelly and Vanessa Ernissee of Heroes with Paws and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Heroes with Paws”.  K9 Factor’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. 

 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.   

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

k9

 

Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 15, 2021 at 6:06 PM
  

(July 13) On Monday July 12th, 2021 at approximately 1:16 p.m., the Aurora Police Department Crisis Response Team (CRT) responded to 4283 South Salida Way after being alerted by community members an adult male there may benefit from mental health crisis resources. 

 The responding CRT consisted of one Aurora police officer, and one clinician from the Aurora Mental Health Center.  The subject contacted, later identified as Jeffrey Moralez DOB 3/3/1979, refused any contact or assistance from CRT.

 Later in the day at approximately 7:11 p.m., Aurora Public Safety Communications received two calls for police service from community members. Both callers reported Mr. Moralez had a firearm on his hip outside near 4283 South Salida Way and was being disruptive. Upon officer’s arrival they observed the male and determined he was not engaged in criminal activity at that time and contact was not initiated.

 At 8:41 p.m. Aurora police officers responded back to 4283 South Salida Way to investigate an allegation that Mr. Moralez was harassing two people. This contact with Mr. Moralez led to an Aurora Police SWAT response at 9:05 p.m. after he pointed a rifle at an officer. It was at this point Mr. Moralez was now being investigated for Felony Menacing charges. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and SWAT as well as the Douglas County SWAT responded to the scene with additional resources to provide assistance.

 At 9:11 p.m. the first of four subsequent CodeRED emergency alerts, commonly referred to as Reverse 911 calls, were sent to residents in the area advising to shelter-in-place. If you would like to receive CodeRED alerts please visit Community Notification Enrollment (coderedweb.com) to register.

 After several hours of officers attempting to gain a peaceful surrender through various de-escalation techniques, negotiations, and less lethal options, Mr. Moralez began firing numerous rounds at the SWAT members inside the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT BearCat vehicle at 3:58 a.m. Multiple bullets struck the body and windshield of the BearCat causing significant damage to the windshield. During the time Mr. Moralez was shooting at officers, two Aurora police officers returned fire. Mr. Moralez was not struck by bullets fired by Aurora police officers but did receive shrapnel wounds.

 Finally, at approximately 4:40 a.m. Mr. Moralez surrendered allowing him to be taken into custody. Officers then checked the residence for additional threats and discovered what was later deemed to be a “hoax bomb”.  A hoax bomb is a device made to look real but is in fact not real. Mr. Moralez was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries and that is where he remains as this time.

 The two Aurora police officers involved in the officer-involved shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay per departmental policy. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident.  The CIRT Team for the 18th Judicial District conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe and Douglas County. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts in April of this year. 

 We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Bomb Squad, Douglas County SWAT, Aurora Fire Rescue and Falck Rocky Mountain for their assistance in this incident.

 “Aurora police patrol, hostage negotiators, K-9 Unit and SWAT officers faced a very serious threat today for an extended period of time. Their professional and heroic actions likely spared our community from a greater tragedy. There’s not a doubt in my mind their actions saved lives today and prevented further damage. As always, we encourage anyone struggling with a crisis, to please reach out for help by calling our CRT or Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255)” -Chief Wilson

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Image of Jeffrey Moralez
JeffreyM

Images from Twitter @AuroraPD
swat
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 13, 2021 at 4:06 PM
  

On Monday July 12th, 2021 at 12: 06 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to the area of South Memphis Street and East Hampden Avenue in response to a 911 call from the victim of a Domestic Violence incident.

Officers contacted the adult female 911 caller at a 7-11 store located at 15296 East Hampden Avenue at approximately 12:10 a.m. Officers then attempted to coordinate a meeting with suspect of the alleged Domestic Violence incident at the 7-11 store. At approximately 12:30 a.m. a white Ford Taurus arrived at the 7-11 store parking lot. The Ford Taurus drove in the direction of an officer, and the officer made the decision to shoot. The driver of the Ford Taurus fled in the vehicle from the scene. The officer was not injured.

At this time, the driver of the Ford Taurus has not been positively identified and is at-large.  It is not yet known if anyone in the Ford Taurus was injured, or if the driver of the Ford Taurus was the suspect in the Domestic Violence investigation.

The involved officer was hired by the Aurora Police Department in February of 2020 and has not been involved in any prior officer-involved shootings.

All uniformed officers had their department issued body-worn cameras activated at the time of the incident.

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident.  The CIRT Team for the 18th Judicial District conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe and Douglas County. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts in April of this year. 

 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 Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 12, 2021 at 7:58 AM
  

On July 9, 2021 at 10:00 p.m., officers responded to a car crash involving a blue MINI Cooper and a red Honda Civic on eastbound East Colfax Avenue one half of a mile east of Himalaya Street.

The initial investigation suggests the MINI Cooper was traveling eastbound on East Colfax Avenue at a high rate of speed then ran through a red light at Tower Road. Meanwhile, the driver of the Honda Civic was stopped on the eastbound shoulder of East Colfax Avenue facing westbound attempting to make a U-turn back into the proper direction on East Colfax Avenue.  While making the U-turn the Honda Civic was broadsided by the MINI Cooper. Investigators have not yet been able to determine to what degree, if any at all, that speed, alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. 

The 51-year-old male driver of the MINI Cooper was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.  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. 

The 32-year-old female driver of the Honda Civic was extricated from her vehicle and transported to the hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 10, 2021 at 12:43 PM
  
On July 6th, 2021 investigators learned that an armed and dangerous fugitive wanted for homicide was staying at the Wolf's Motor Inn located at 15691 East Colfax Avenue.  

At approximately 7:15p.m. the Aurora Police Department SWAT Team was summoned to the hotel to apprehend the suspect. For several hours crisis negotiators attempted to talk the suspect into surrendering peacefully; however he refused to leave his room.  During the standoff it was learned that a woman was also in the suspect's room.   

At around 10:04p.m. an officer heard a gunshot coming from the room.  SWAT Officers forced entry into the room and more shots were fired and the suspect was struck.  He was loaded into an ambulance and taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two SWAT Officers who entered the room also received minor injuries during the incident. 

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 17th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident.  The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Adams and Broomfield Counties. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts In April of this year.   

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 07, 2021 at 3:43 AM
  
On July 5, 2021 at 8:12a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a one car crash involving a moving truck at East Colfax Avenue and Interstate 225.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a 20-foot moving truck, which was hauling a car trailer with a car on it, traveled off of the right side of Colfax Avenue striking the I-225 overpass abutment.  The truck then continued to travel eastbound for approximately 50 feet and struck a sign pole.  The driver of the truck was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  

Investigators do not believe that speed or alcohol were contributing factors. It is suspected that the driver experienced a medical incident prior to the crash.  His identity is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified. 

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.509
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 05, 2021 at 12:03 PM
  
On July 4th, 2021 at 11:37p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to a three car crash on North Havana Street just south of North Del Mar Parkway.

The preliminary investigation reveals the following:

A Nissan Rouge and Chrysler Town and Country minivan were traveling southbound on North Havana Street.  After they passed North Del Mar Parkway a Chevy Avalanche that was traveling northbound on Havana Street crossed the centerline and struck the Nissan head on.  The Nissan then struck the minivan which was in the lane next to it.

The three occupants of the Avalanche then ran from the scene. The adult male driver and adult female passenger of the Nissan were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.  Tragically, the women succumb to her injuries and was pronounced at the hospital.  The occupants of the minivan were not injured in the crash.

The identity of the deceased women is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified. 

Havana Street was closed for several hours as Traffic Investigators processed the crash scene.  

Anyone who witnessed this crash or anyone with information about the identity of the occupants of the at-fault vehicle who fled the scene are asked to call the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipster to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 05, 2021 at 10:50 AM
  
On July 2nd, 2021 at approximately 9:45p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of a one car rollover crash on North Airport Boulevard and East 8th Avenue.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a white Honda CRV was traveling northbound on North Airport Boulevard when it traveled off of the right side of the roadway and rolled ejecting both the driver and passenger.  Both occupants were transported to a local hospital where the passenger succumb to her injuries.  The driver is still hospitalized.  

Traffic investigators believe that speed and alcohol played a factor in this fatal crash.  

The identity of the passenger is not being released at this time and will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and next of kin have notified. 

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit 
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 03, 2021 at 8:55 AM
  
On June 28, 2021, at approximately 6:05 p.m., Officers from District 3 responded to the InTown Suites located at 14090 East Evans Avenue. Officers were responding to a call that came in through 9-1-1 regarding a physical domestic violence incident between a male and female.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the female victim in the lobby and discovered that she had obvious injuries. When officers went to contact the male suspect, he was uncooperative and armed with a metal object. Attempts to de-escalate the situation were not successful and during the arrest, he was shot with a taser, which had no effect on the him, and then two rounds from a less-lethal shotgun, also having little to no effect.

The officers eventually went hands on with the suspect, grabbing him, pulling him into the hallway. Officers took the suspect to the ground and were then able to secure his arms, handcuff him and immediately rolled him onto his side, also known as the recovery position. Paramedics responded to the scene and the suspect was transported to the hospital where he received emergency medical treatment. Additionally, one of the officers involved sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment.

Today, investigators discovered that a round fired from the less-lethal shotgun had penetrated the man's abdomen. Thankfully, he is expected to survive his injuries. Due to the serious nature of his injuries, Chief Wilson has asked the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, who will be assisted by members of the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, to investigate this incident.

All four of the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, per department policy. All officers on scene were equipped with department issued body-cameras which were activated during this encounter.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 29, 2021 at 7:39 PM
  
The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday June 26th, 2021, from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat drunk drivers and reduce alcohol related traffic accidents and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the DUI Checkpoint Colorado program, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend, continuing through Labor Day weekend. This checkpoint will be located on E. Alameda Ave.

Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be contacted briefly by an officer who will be looking for signs of intoxication and/or impairment in the driver. The checkpoint should cause only minor inconvenience to traffic along the targeted roadway, and highly visible signage will be posted leading into the checkpoint screening area. Drivers entering a checkpoint are asked to pay close attention to the officers directing traffic through the area. Motorists should also roll down their drivers’ side window as they approach the screening area. This allows for better communication between the motorist and the officer, quicker screening, and a shorter delay overall.

The checkpoint is funded by an N.H.T.S.A. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) grant in partnership with the “Heat is On” campaign and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

DUI Taxi

Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 24, 2021 at 11:31 AM
  
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