Aurora Police News
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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].

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. 


Recent Posts
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January 2020 - Posts

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.


garth

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
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 29, 2020 at 12:27 PM
  
Aurora Colorado
January 27th, 2020
Case number 2020-3529

At about 6:07 AM, the Aurora Police Department received 911 calls of a Auto vs. Pedestrian crash near the intersection of E. 17th Ave. and N. Peoria St.   First responders arriving found an adult female who was declared deceased on scene.

Initial investigation indicates that a 1997-2003 Maroon Chevrolet Malibu, was traveling northbound on Peoria St. and had a green light at the intersection.  It appears as if the pedestrian was crossing Peoria st. against the crosswalk indicator when struck.  The vehicle did not remain on scene.

Investigators are attempting to locate the run vehicle. 

This in an ongoing investigation and further updates will be released

Anyone with information relating to the run vehicle should call:

Detective Chad Berger
303-739-6623

 
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 27, 2020 at 10:38 AM
  
(January 26, 2020) UPDATE: On Saturday January 25th, 2020, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Denver police officers were pursuing an armed robbery suspect in a vehicle which led them into the City of Aurora.  

The armed robbery suspect, an adult male, was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries later in the evening on January 25th, 2020.  The identity of the male will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification, and notification of his next-of-kin.

An adult female and juvenile male were also occupants of the suspect vehicles.  The adult female has been arrested and charged with at least Aggravated Robbery.  Her identify will not be released at this time to not impede early investigative efforts.  

The juvenile male was the third and final occupant of the suspect vehicles.  The juvenile male was arrested on unrelated active criminal warrants, and charges are pending against in him related to this investigation.  No further information will be released on him due to him being a juvenile.

Any further requests for information related to the involved Denver police officers or their actions 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 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting.  Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 17th 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 Graw at 303.739.6213.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095



information previously released on January 25, 2020:

(January 25, 2020) On Saturday January 25th, 2020, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Denver police officers were pursuing an armed robbery suspect in a vehicle which led them into the City of Aurora.  

The suspects vehicle crashed into at least two cars on Interstate 225 (I-225) and East Colfax Avenue. The suspect then carjacked a silver sedan and fled the scene continuing to travel east on East Colfax Avenue to Airport Boulevard. The suspect vehicle then drove north in the southbound lanes on Airport Boulevard.

In the 2400 block of East Airport Boulevard Denver Police Officers may have attempted a pursuit intervention technique, or P.I.T. maneuver, which successfully disabled the silver sedan. The suspect, and two other occupants, fled on foot and unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a nearby silver minivan.

Finally, the suspect carjacked a nearby maroon SUV, but Denver police officers were able to stop and pin that SUV. During this final encounter with the suspect a Denver police officer made the decision to discharge their weapon striking the suspect.

The suspect, an adult male, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

During a subsequent search of the carjacked maroon SUV, a handgun was found and collected for evidence.

This incident will cause traffic closures in the 2400 block of Airport Boulevard for several hours while officers continue to investigate this complex scene.
 
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 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting.  Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 17th 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 Graw at 303.739.6213.
 
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
 
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 26, 2020 at 6:08 PM
  
(January 20, 2020). On January 19, 2020 at approximately 10:42 p.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to the 15600 block of East Caspian Circle on a report of shots fired and an adult male with a possible gunshot wound.

Upon arriving on scene officers quickly located the male. Life saving measures were performed and he was transported to a local hospital where sadly he succumbed to his wounds.

This is a homicide and is being investigated by the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit.

Cause of death will be determined by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office. They will also identify the victim after the next of kin have been notified.

We are asking anyone with information to please call Agt T. Fredrickson at 303-739-6185.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2000 by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).


Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 20, 2020 at 2:15 AM
  

(January 19, 2020)  UPDATE:  Two arrests have been made in this case. 

Marcus Smith (DOB-08-15-1994) has been charged with CRS 18-3-103 Attempted Second Degree Murder.

Marcus Smith 20-2287

Cubanicqua Lawrence (DOB 01-07-1997) has been charged with CRS 18-3-103 Attempted Second Degree Murder, 18-4-202 First Degree Burglary and 18-4-302 Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery.   


Cubanicqua Lawrence 20-2287


A third suspect in this case remains in the hospital. We do not have an update on his status. 

We will not be releasing any additional information about this case as it is now being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Further information will need to be obtained by their offices. 







(January 18, 2020)  UPDATE:  The Aurora Police Department has learned the condition of the injured party is critical but stable at an area hospital.  

We do not believe there is a threat to the general public from this incident. 


(January 18, 2020). On January 18, 2020 about 2:34 a.m. officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to 2155 South Rifle Way for a report of a possible shooting.

Upon arriving officers found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life rendering measures were applied by officers on scene. The male was transported to a local hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

During the investigation detectives learned the resident was awoken by strangers in his apartment. There was a struggle between the resident and the strangers. During that struggle a firearm was discharged and the one party was injured.

This investigation is continuing and we are working to determine if there is any connection between the parties involved.

This case is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit.

We are asking if anyone has information about this case to please contact Agt. N. Huber. At 303-739-6090.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867)


Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 19, 2020 at 1:26 PM
  
(January 17, 2020). On January 17th, 2020 at approximately 12:20 a.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to a report of a gunshot and a person laying in the street at the intersection of East 17th Avenue and Iola Street.

Upon arriving officers found a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Life saving measures were started but proved futile. Tragically the male was declared deceased at the location.

Cause of death and notification of the next of kin will be done by the Adams County Coroner’s Office.

This is being investigated as a homicide by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Agt W. Miller at 303-739-6117.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).


Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 17, 2020 at 3:14 AM
  

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


Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 15, 2020 at 4:44 PM
  

(January 13, 2020) UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department is announcing the arrest of a suspect involved in the shooting that occurred less than 48 hours ago in the 17100 block of East Adriatic Place.

Through dedication and hard work by countless members of this organization, detectives have arrested a 16-year-old male and charged him with Attempted First Degree Murder among numerous other criminal offenses.

Due to the ongoing investigation efforts and the suspect being a juvenile, his name and booking photo will not be released at this time. 

We are continuing our investigative efforts to search for additional suspects related to this case. If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to reach out to Agent Barchetti at 303.739.1836. 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 inquires about this case will need to be directed to their office. 

Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Previously Release

(January 12, 2020) On January 11, 2020, Aurora Police Public Safety Communications Division received a 911 call around 10:55 P.M. advising that someone had been shot. Officers were immediately dispatched to 17100 block of East Adriatic Place and arrived on scene within 90 seconds.

Once officers arrived on scene, they located evidence to support that the shooting occurred in one of the apartments. Officers found three people still on scene who were suffering from gunshot wounds. These three individuals were then transported to area hospitals by ambulance. It was learned that there were two other victims but that they already left the scene in a private vehicle. These two other victims arrived at a nearby medical facility where they were then transported to an area hospital by ambulance. In total, there were five people shot.

There are three juvenile victims (two female, one male) and two adult male victims. All three juveniles are over the age of 16. All are listed in serious condition but expected to survive.

We only have a description for one of the suspects. They are described as a black male wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt. There could possibly be additional suspects, but until we are able to interview witnesses and victims, we are unable to confirm this. At this time, a suspect has not been arrested.

The investigation into this shooting is still active and ongoing. If you have any information or video of the crime, please contact Agent Chris Fanning with the District 3 Detective Unit at 303-627-3161. 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.

We understand that an incident like this can be unnerving to those who live in the area. Our top priority right now is to ensure the safety of our residents and to identify the ones responsible for this and quickly arrest them. We will also be increasing police patrols in the area and Officers from the District 3 Police Area Representative Unit (PAR) will be spending their day in the neighborhood.

The following statement from Interim Chief Vanessa Wilson:
"This investigation is a top priority for our agency. We have all of our resources working around the clock right now conducting interviews and collecting evidence. We need the community to come together with us to stop this senseless violence to protect our youth. We continue to ask anyone with information to please call us with any information they may have." 


Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 13, 2020 at 7:52 PM
  

(January 8, 2020) On Wednesday January 8, 2020, at approximately 8:24 a.m. Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to the area of East Tennessee Place and South Truckee Street on a report of suspicious parties in the area.

 

The 911 caller described the suspicious parties as two juvenile females and one juvenile male, all approximately 15 years of age, who were associated with a red Honda CRV.  The caller also advised the parties were looking into homes, and believed they may be attempting to commit a burglary.  Officers learned the Honda CRV was stolen out of Colorado Springs as they were arriving on scene.

 

Upon officers arrival they confronted a juvenile male in the stolen vehicle.  The officer made the decision to discharge his weapon which did not strike the juvenile male.  The juvenile male was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.  A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.

 

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 15 years, and has not been involved in any prior officer-involved shootings at the Aurora Police Department.  The officer will be placed on administrative leave per Aurora Police Department policy.

 

This incident is being investigated by members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department and the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office in accordance with Senate Bill 15-219.

 

Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorneys 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 Sutherland at 303.739.6406.

 

Officer Crystal McCoy

Public Information Officer

Aurora Police Department

720.432.5095



Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 08, 2020 at 1:22 PM
  
On January 7th, Aurora Public Safety Communications Center received 911 calls of a motor vehicle accident involving a single motor vehicle. Responding Police and Fire personnel arrived on scene and located an adult male who had been driving a motor vehicle was ejected from the vehicle at E. Calhoun Ave and S. Ider St. The driver was pronounced at the scene.

The Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit, was notified and is investigating.

At this stage of the investigation, the 4 door sedan was travelling west bound on E. Calhoun Ave and failed to stop for a stop sign at a T-intersection. The vehicle struck large boulders on the west side of S. Ider St and rolled over ejecting the unbelded driver. Unknown if alcohol is a factor.

The Arapahoe County Medical Examiners office were notified. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the release of the identity of the pedestrian will not be made, pending identification verification and notification of next of kin. Any further inquiries should be made to the Arapahoe County coroner's office.

Sgt. G Garcia
Dayshift Traffic
303-739-6293
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 07, 2020 at 10:24 AM
  
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