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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
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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.
December 2021 - Posts
(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 30) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on East Iliff Avenue.
On Thursday December 30, 2021, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Aurora Police responded a rollover crash near the intersection of East Iliff Avenue and South Elkhart Street.
When first responders arrived, they observed an Acura sedan resting on its roof, still occupied by the driver, a 28-year-old man. Tragically, this man was pronounced dead on the scene. The passenger of the Acura, also an adult male, was able to crawl out of the vehicle but was injured and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The adult female driver, and only occupant of a Chevrolet SUV, was treated for her injuries on scene.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section responded to the scene and is handling the investigation of this crash. Initial information from the scene is that the Acura sedan was traveling eastbound on East Iliff Avenue, approaching South Elkhart Street. The driver made an unsafe lane change, causing the rear driver’s side of the Acura to strike the front passenger side of the Chevrolet SUV. This impact caused the Acura to lose control, spin into the center median, where it then rolled onto its roof. It is believed that the driver of the Acura was not wearing a seatbelt, which we believe contributed to his death.
Aurora Police Traffic Investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors. Part of their ongoing investigation will determine the speed of the Acura at the time of the crash.
The identification of the driver 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 or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipster can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
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
(December 22) The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Adam Holen (DOB: 02/21/1985). Holen was arrested for Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-103 2nd Degree Murder in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Holen has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on November 25, 2021
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(November 25) An argument in a southeast Aurora neighborhood leads to shots being fired between an adult and a teenager, who later died.
On November 24, 2021, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 4900 block of South Addison Way on reports of a shooting. Officers located two males, both suffering from a gunshot wound. One of the persons shot, a 17-year-old, was transported to a local hospital where he was tragically pronounced deceased. The other, a 36-year-old, was also transported to the hospital where he is expected to survive.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. After interviewing witnesses on scene, it is believed that there was an argument between the adult and a group of teenagers, after alleged careless driving through the neighborhood. At some point during the argument, both the adult and teenager produced firearms, and both fired shots at one another. Detectives are actively working to determine who the primary aggressor is and the circumstances leading up to the shot being fired, but no arrests have been made. Investigators will continue to work closely with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
It should be noted that the adult involved in this shooting is a former Greenwood Village Police Officer and is not currently employed by any other law enforcement agencies.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after the teenager has been positively identified and his next-of-kin notified.
Detectives will continue interviewing witnesses but are asking anyone that may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
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
(December 15, 2021) The city of Aurora was selected as one of ten sites to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) under the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Aurora Police Department applied for this program to enhance its capacity to reduce violent crime, specifically gun, gang and drug crimes, and enhance safety in our community.
This three-year partnership will engage community leadership and various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to develop a comprehensive, collaborative and sustainable framework, customized and aligned with the public safety priorities of Aurora. The outcome of this work will provide data-driven insight into Aurora's unique violent crime challenges and determine system-wide crime reduction and restorative approaches.
The PSP will bring training and technical assistance as well as coordinated access to a wide array of effective crime reduction partnerships and programmatic resources from across the county. Aurora’s focus will be on implementing collaborative strategies in the areas of gun violence, constitutional policing, community engagement, crime analysis and technology. Preliminary violence interruption strategies will be youth-focused and work with local youth service providers and the city of Aurora’s Housing and Community Services and its Youth Violence Prevention Program staff to increase safety and drive down youth violence.
“The solution to reducing violent crime in our community is complex and involves participation by all stakeholders in our community – not just law enforcement. The city of Aurora’s efforts with the PSP will be surgically-focused on intervention, prevention and restorative justice programs, targeting those responsible for perpetrating violent crime in our community, with specific attention devoted to youth violence prevention initiatives,” Aurora Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson said.
The city of Aurora will be hosting a virtual Special Study Session of the Aurora City Council tonight, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the ongoing youth violence prevention efforts in Aurora. The public is invited to listen in on AuroraTV, Channels 8 and 880.
For more information on PSP, visit www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.
Reagan Peña
Public Safety Media Relations Manager
City of Aurora Communications Department
720.432.5095
(December 4) On Saturday, December 4, 2021, at approximately 07:46 a.m., Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1400 block of North Akron Street.
When officers arrived on the scene, they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. Tragically, the male died from his injuries. The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. 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.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after a 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.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Today, Aurora Police Major Crimes Detectives, in coordination with our Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST) and SWAT, are announcing the arrest of the fourth suspect, a 17-year-old male involved in the shooting. Because of this, his name will not be released. He is being held on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
This case will now be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on November 21, 2021
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(November 21) On Friday, November 19, 2021, three teenagers were shot in the parking lot of Hinkley High School. Since that incident, detectives with the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit have been actively investigating numerous tips, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to positively identify those involved in this shooting. Today, Aurora Police Major Crimes Detectives, in coordination with our Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST), K9 and SWAT, are announcing the arrest of three individuals.
One of the suspects was arrested on Friday night after being contacted by police at a local hospital. The other two suspects were apprehended today by Aurora Police, one in Aurora and the other in Parker. All three that have been arrested are 16 years old males. Because of this, their names will not be released. All three are being held on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder. These cases will now be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators believe that there are others involved and are actively working to identity those people. Anyone who has information is asked to submit those tips to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously release
(November 19) Three students shot in the parking lot of a local high school.
On November 19, 2021, at approximately 12:03 p.m., Aurora911 began receiving 911 calls about a shooting at Hinkley High School, located at 1250 Chambers Road. An Aurora Police School Resources Officer, who was working at Hinkley High School, as well as an Aurora Public Schools Security Officer, were already at the high school and first on scene. Officers located a teenage victim in the parking lot who had been shot who was quickly transported to the hospital. A short time later, two other teenage victims arrived at local area hospitals after self-transporting.
Detectives from the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit responded and will be conducting this investigation. Preliminary information revealed that there was a fight in the parking lot during a school lunch hour. Shortly after this fight, a white pickup truck, occupied by several people, drove through the school parking lot and began firing shots. The Aurora Public Schools (APS) Security Officer working at the school fired his weapon but it is unknown if anyone was struck. After firing his weapon, the APS Security Officer heroically applied a tourniquet to an injured student in the parking lot. There were numerous shell casings, of different calibers, that were found on scene. Investigators are still trying to determine the exact involvement of those who were shot in this incident.
Currently, detectives have two people that they are questioning in relation to this shooting and there are still others that could be involved. Detectives will also determine if this shooting is in any way related to the incident at Nome Park earlier this week. Detectives will be reviewing video surveillance from the school, cellphone videos that have been published on social media, continue speaking to numerous witnesses and examine the physical evidence on scene to help positively identify those that could be involved.
We are only identifying those that were shot as the following:
Male – 16-years-old – APS Avenues Student
Female – 17-years-old – Hinkley High School Student
Male – 17-years-old – Hinkley High School Student
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 students or witnesses that captured this incident on your cellphone to please submit that video to Crime Stoppers. As a reminder, you can remain anonymous.
The violence, especially involving our youth, must stop. We have a call to action for parents: check on your kids. Kids are getting guns from somewhere. We need parents to be more involved and start checking their kids' rooms and vehicles and pay attention to who they are associating with. “We can only stop this violence by working together as a community.” – Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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