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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].
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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.
On August 7th, 2018 at approximately 12:13 p.m., Officers with the Aurora Police Department responded to an automobile vs pedestrian accident near the intersection of Peoria Street and East 6th Avenue. Upon arrival, Officers found an unconscious adult female suffering from serious injuries in the roadway. She was immediately transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the female stayed on scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. It appears at this time, that the female was crossing midblock and was not in a crosswalk when she was struck. Alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in this accident.
Pedestrians are reminded to utilize crosswalks in the designed fashion and motorists are asked to be cognizant that pedestrians may not always do so.
This is incident remains an open and ongoing investigation and any witnesses who have not spoken to the police are asked to contact Detective Rob Ragain at 303.739.6351
On July 26, 2018, the Aurora Police Department was made aware of allegations of abuse involving a juvenile female student and a teacher at Vista PEAK Preparatory School located at 24500 E 6th Avenue. Subsequently, a comprehensive investigation was conducted by the Aurora Police Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit and it was learned that an inappropriate sexual relationship existed between the student and the teacher. This investigation took a number of days to complete as detectives completed interviews, collected statements, etc.
During the investigation, the Aurora Police Department developed probable cause to arrest the teacher, Gabriel Alsina (DOB 07/07/1983), for Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust and Pattern of Abuse. Alsina was arrested this morning, August 7, 2018, at Vista PEAK Preparatory School prior to the start of school. Since the time that the incident was reported to the Aurora Police Department, Alsina has not had any contact with Students. Alsina has been employed as a teacher at Vista PEAK Preparatory School since July, 2013. The Aurora Police Department works in close partnership with the Aurora Public School District and they have cooperated fully with this investigation.
Due to the nature of this case and to protect the active criminal investigation, no further details will be released at this time. This case is now in the hands of the 18th Judicial District so further media inquiries should be directed to their office.
The Aurora Police Department cares greatly for the safety and wellbeing of Aurora’s student body. If any parents, students or teachers have information about this case or wish to report inappropriate behavior involving Alsina, please contact Aurora Police Dispatch (non-emergency line) immediately at (303) 627-3100.
Gabriel Alsina is pictured below:
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department is announcing an arrest in the hit and run accident that left one woman dead the evening of August 6th, 2018.
Henry Lawrence Wardwell Jr. (DOB 01/09/1970) was arrested for Vehicular Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death and various other lesser charges.
The investigation into this tragic incident remains open and is actively being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit. Media questions can be directed to the APD Traffic PIO at 720.675.8915, however there is no further information to release at this time.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on August 6th, 2018:
On August 6th, 2018 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officers of the Aurora Police Department, were made aware of a very dynamic and rapidly evolving situation involving multiple locations.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck pulling a camping trailer, backed into a sedan in the parking lot of a business located near the intersection of East Mississippi Avenue and South Chambers Road. The adult male driver of the pickup truck then left southbound on South Chambers Road and the sedan which was occupied by two adult females and one adult male followed the pickup truck, presumably trying to get the attention of the pickup driver.
The pickup driver turned west at the intersection of East Mexico Avenue and South Chambers Road and pulled over several hundred feet to the west of the intersection. At that time, the adult male from the sedan and his wife approached the driver of the pickup about the aforementioned accident.
Soon thereafter, the driver of the pickup began to make a U-Turn and in the process, the adult female was struck by the camping trailer and run over. Additionally she became trapped under the trailer for several blocks before being dislodged from the trailer.
Numerous witnesses called 911 to report what was occurring. Witnesses also followed the pickup truck and trailer and assisted Aurora Police Dispatch in directing police officers to the location of the vehicle. At approximately 5:43 p.m., officers were able to locate the pickup truck and trailer and subsequently take the driver into custody.
The adult female who was run over was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At this time we are not releasing the identities of the persons involved. It is still early in this very complicated investigation and anyone who may have additional details, is asked to contact Detective Casey Crowfoot at 303.739.6317
Additional updates to this release will be completed as necessary.
DATE: 07-31-18
NATURE: Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint- Friday August 3rd, 2018
Aurora, Colorado- The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday August 3rd, 2018 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. Mississippi 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.
Sergeant Mark Elliot
Aurora Police
Traffic Section
303-739-6202
On July 30th, 2018 at approximately 3:52 p.m., Aurora Officers from District Two and the Aurora Traffic Section responded to East 48th Avenue and North Imboden Road on a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a truck. Adams County Deputies arrived on scene and immediately began CPR on the motorcyclist. Emergency rescue personnel also arrived and the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation revealed that the motorcycle was westbound on East 48th Avenue and stopped at the stop sign to go southbound on North Imboden Road. The motorcyclist attempted the turn to southbound North Imboden Road and pulled into the path of a northbound truck pulling a trailer.
The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor for either the motorcyclist or the driver of the truck. Speed is also not considered a factor based on witness statements. The driver of the truck is cooperating with the investigation which is still active.
This will be the 18th accident related fatality in Aurora this year.
Any further questions can be directed to:
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
On July 30th, 2018 at approximately 8:58 p.m., Aurora Officers from District Three and the Traffic Section responded to a serious collision involving a motorcycle and an SUV at East Iliff Avenue and South Kittredge Street. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
According to witnesses, the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed with another motorcycle, when it struck the side of an SUV that was attempting to make a legal turn at the intersection. The driver of the SUV remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
The details of the collision are still under investigation and there are no immediate indications that alcohol are a factor. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
This is the 19th vehicular related fatality in 2018 and the second motorcycle fatality of the day.
If you witnessed the collision, please contact:
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Night Out with the Aurora Police Department and the rest of the country on Tuesday, August the 7th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal of the campaign is to make Aurora a safer place.
The Police Area Representative Team for District 2, which serves northeast Aurora has announced the District's plans for the evening. There will be a series of parties at several locations throughout the District and a caravan of Officers and vehicles will visit each location.
National Night Out party locations:
Landon Park Apartments, 100 S. Sable Blvd.
APD will be visiting from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Town Center of Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave.
APD will be visiting from 5:05 p.m. to 5:35 p.m.
The Preserve at City Center, 1098 S. Evanston Way.
APD will be visiting from 5:40 p.m. to 6:10 p.m.
Highland Point Apartments, 16893 E Arkansas Ave.
APD will be visiting from 6:15 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.
Murphy Creek, 23945 E Florida Ave.
APD will be on scene from 6:45 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Download an event flyer.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate National Night Out with the Aurora Police Department and the rest of the country on Tuesday, August the 7th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal of the campaign is to make Aurora a safer place.
The Police Area Representative Teams for District 1, which serves West Aurora (areas west of I-225) will be hosting two community gatherings to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Night Out.
North Event
Moorehead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
South Event
Utah Park, 1800 S. Peoria St.
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Download an event flyer.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Night Out with the Aurora Police Department and the rest of the country on Tuesday, August the 7th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal of the campaign is to make Aurora safer place.
The Police Area Representative Team for District 3, which serves the Southeast area of Aurora has announced the District's plans for the evening. A caravan of police officers and department vehicles will be traveling to and visiting National Night Out events throughout the District. Below is a list of their scheduled stops.
Stop #1
Mission Viejo Park
3999 S. Mission Parkway
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Stop #2
Eastern Hills Community Church
25511 E. Smoky Hill Road
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information call 303.627.3172
Download an event flyer.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On June 18, 2017, an Aurora Police Department Lieutenant, Charles DeShazer, made a highly inappropriate and racially inflammatory comment while on the scene of a Denver Police Department officer involved shooting following a police pursuit. The offensive statement was caught on the body worn camera of another officer, and was reported internally by two APD supervisors who were also at the scene and heard the comment. An internal affairs investigation was immediately initiated. Following the investigation, I terminated Lt. DeShazer on September 1, 2017.
Pursuant to rights provided by the City Charter, Lt. DeShazer appealed his termination to the Civil Service Commission. The Commission held a hearing on June 19 - 20, 2018. It issued an order on June 29, 2018, agreeing with me on the policy violation and the need for “substantial discipline.” However, the Commission reduced the termination to a demotion from lieutenant to sergeant and denied any payment of back pay for the ten months Sgt. DeShazer was out of work.
The Department is in the process of returning Sgt. DeShazer back to work. He will first be assigned to the APD Academy to ensure he is in compliance with all POST certification requirements. His final assignment has yet to be determined. It is within my authority to set his assignment. I can assure the community that Sgt. DeShazer will not be in a supervisory or citizen-facing role.
The racially insensitive comment made by Sgt. DeShazer is in direct contradiction to the values of the Aurora Police Department. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, and when one of our officers fall short, we strive to take immediate and necessary action to ensure they are held accountable.
In making its decision, the Commission considered three other “comparable” cases. Although not noted in the Commission’s Order, two of these cases were decisions of prior chiefs and may have had a different outcome if I had issued the discipline. The one comparable case relied on by the Commission where I issued the discipline was notably different in that I found the statement in that case to not be racially motivated, and the officer involved promptly and genuinely apologized for his actions.
Every day, the women and men of the Aurora Police Department work diligently to maintain strong cooperative partnerships that are built on trust and respect within our diverse community. They interact with the public thousands of times a year, with the overwhelming majority of these contacts occurring without incident or problem. They put themselves in harm’s way for the betterment of the community. Inappropriate and racially offensive incidents happen infrequently, but are nonetheless of great concern to the Department and to me. I am committed to investigating these incidents when complaints are made, either internally or externally, and taking swift and decisive action when appropriate to hold officers accountable.
The Department will continue to work on its mission To Make Aurora Safer Every Day and will continue to provide the highest level of service to all residents, enforce local laws and foster a strong relationship with the community.
Contact:
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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