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


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June 2021 - Posts
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
  

(June 23) On Tuesday June 22, 2021 at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle traffic crash in the parking lot of a Circle K gas station located at 15291 East Hampden Avenue.

Initial investigation suggests a 62-year-old male driver of a white 1993 Chevy Van experienced a medical episode while driving eastbound on East Hampden Avenue towards South Chambers Road. The van crossed over into westbound lanes of traffic, onto the North sidewalk striking an RTD bus bench, then into the Circle K gas station parking lot where the van struck some gas pumps causing the gas pumps to hit a parked and occupied Jeep in the parking lot.

The single occupant of the Jeep was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and released. The driver was transported to the hospital where tragically he died. It is unclear at this time if the driver died as a result of his injuries related to the crash, and/or the possibility of a experiencing a medical episode while driving. 

The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have notified. 

This crash remains under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit.  Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police. 

Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095 

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 23, 2021 at 10:20 AM
  

(June 20) On Sunday June 20, 2021 at approximately 4:19 a.m., the Public Safety Dispatch Center (PSDC) received at least 50 calls for service reporting shots being fired or an active shooter in a shopping mall parking lot located at 12455 East Mississippi Avenue.

 Upon officer’s arrival to the scene they were confronted with a very large crowd where they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on the adult male until he was transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, he later succumbed to his injuries. His name is not being released at this time, but will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.

Four additional victims, three adult males and one adult female, self-transported to area hospitals. Their injuries range from minor to serious, but not life threatening.

 Information provided to investigators at this time has revealed there was a Juneteenth celebration in an unnamed unit of the shopping mall. At some point earlier in the evening presumed organizers of the celebration began denying access to the unit. This led many attendees to gather in the parking lot. 

 It is currently unknown who organized the gathering, or the name of the establishment in the unnamed unit.  That is information investigators will aim to determine in their ongoing investigation.

 Crime Scene Investigators continue to process the scene and have collected more than 114 shell casings as of this writing. Early information indicates there were multiple shooters involved in this incident. Investigators continue to interview witnesses to determine accurate suspect descriptions which will be shared publicly once known.

 This scene is expected to be active much of the day and will disrupt businesses operational capacity during this time.  If you have a vehicle at the scene inside of the crime scene, please call PSCD to get further information on how you can retrieve or access your vehicle if needed while the crime scene is active.

 We are asking anyone who has any information related to this incident to share their tips with Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP. Their tips can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 20, 2021 at 11:59 AM
  

(June 20) On Sunday June 20, 2021 at approximately 12:51 a.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle traffic crash on southbound I-225 just South of East Colfax Avenue involving a 2005 Subaru WRX.

Initial investigation indicates the Subaru was traveling at approximately 120 mph on southbound I-225 when the driver lost control of the vehicle.  All three occupants of the vehicle were ejected and none were wearing a seatbelt.  Two adult occupants were treated for injuries at the hospital and one female tragically succumbed to injuries sustained as a result of the crash.  At this time, the deceased is only known to be female, and her age or identity has not yet been determined.

The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have notified. 

This crash remains under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit.  Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police. 

 Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095 

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 20, 2021 at 6:12 AM
  
On June 14, 2021 at approximately 5:15p.m. officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of an injury crash involving a motorcycle and a car at the intersection of South Parker Road (CO-83) and East Belleview Avenue. Upon arrival officers discovered the rider of the motorcycle, a 25-year-old man from Aurora, unresponsive.  He was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.  

Initial investigation indicated that the motorcycle was traveling north on S. Parker Rd. through the intersection at E. Belleview Ave.  The driver of a 2006 Chevy sedan, which was southbound on Parker turning onto Belleview, turned left in front of the motorcycle, causing the crash.  Investigators from the Aurora Police Traffic Section believe the sedan may have taken the right-of-way of the motorcycle when it turned.

The driver of the sedan, a 48 year old man from Aurora, remained on-scene and was cooperative with the investigation.

The identity of the motorcyclist may be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been identified and his next of kin have notified.   

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Command Officer and Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095 
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 14, 2021 at 9:31 PM
  
On Friday, June 11th, 2021 at around 10:20p.m. officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of South Fraser Street and South Fraser Court in the Meadow Hills Neighborhood.  Upon arrival they located evidence of an apparent shooting at that location; however no victims were located at the scene. A short time later two shooting victims arrived at the Emergency Department of a local hospital by private vehicle. 

Tragically, one of the victim, who is an adult male, has died from his injuries.  The second victim, a 17-year-old male was treated and released from the hospital this morning.  The name of the deceased victim 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 kind have been notified.

The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into this homicide.  It is in the very early stages and at this time there is no additional information that is being released. Investigators are still in the process of interviewing witnesses, area residents and sorting through details to determine exactly what lead up to this fatal shooting.  

Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about the case is asked to contact Agent Ethan Snow at 303.739.6523.  Tipsters can also report information by using Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer/Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 12, 2021 at 7:49 AM
  

Aurora to Host Juneteenth Celebration Event
Singer-songwriter Toney Rocks among the performers


AURORA, Colo. - A Juneteenth celebration featuring live entertainment, kid's activities and community resources will be held Saturday, June 19, at Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Parkway. The event, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m., is sponsored by the Aurora Police Department, city of Aurora, Town Center at Aurora and ReACT (Responding to Aurora's Critical Topics), a volunteer group.

Aurora’s Juneteenth celebration is a family event that will include youth performances, a storyteller, local exhibitors, and musical acts, including Las Vegas singer-songwriter Toney Rocks.

The event will be located inside the shopping mall. "Town Center at Aurora is honored to partner with the City of Aurora to provide a free event in celebration of Juneteenth. We invite the community to join us as we work to create an equitable future for all based on empathy, love and respect." Joel Boyd, General Manager of Town Center at Aurora.

"Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to promote an inclusive community," said Claudine McDonald, Aurora Police Department's Community Relations Chief Executive. "When a community member brought the idea for this event to our ReACT group, we knew this fit right in with Chief Wilson's 'New Way' plan to elevate community voices and show our commitment to a collaborative and community-based future."

"A New Way" is Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's plan for restoring community trust.

"Planning a community event during the pandemic has been a challenge. But our desire to bring Aurora together to learn more about each other, recognize our humanity and where our lives may connect in surprising ways - this is what made us push forward with the event. We invite everyone to come learn more about history and grow together as a community," said Gerald Brewer, Chair, ReACT.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation reached African Americans in Texas and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The historical significance of the event is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Aurora's diverse cultures.

For scheduled line up of events and exhibitors, please visit www.auroragov.org/Juneteenth.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 10, 2021 at 3:03 PM
  

On Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:45 a.m., the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a single vehicle crash into a Heather Gardens residential building located at 13952 East Marina Drive.

The initial investigation has revealed an 88-year-old male driver experienced an apparent medical episode causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the building.  A front seat passenger of the vehicle was the driver’s elderly wife.

 The driver and his wife were transported to an area hospital where tragically his wife died as a result of her injuries related to the crash.  Additionally, a leashed dog being walked by their owner near the building was struck by the vehicle and died at the scene.

 The driver remains hospitalized in serious condition. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and next of kin have been properly notified. 

This crash remains under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit.  At this time, no criminal charges are expected to be pursued.  Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police. 

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 06, 2021 at 11:31 AM
  

The Aurora Police Department, in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies, area school districts, and local nonprofit organizations, will host a Summer Kick-Off event on Saturday, June 5, at Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewell Ave. in Aurora. This free event is open to the public and will provide food and resources to 1,000 Aurora families. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until all food has been distributed.

All Aurora households are eligible regardless of income, size or status. Food items will include ready-to-eat meals, canned and boxed goods, grains, fresh produce, dairy and protein. In addition, 30,000 diapers, 5,000 pounds of pet supplies and 1,000 summer activity packs will be distributed to community members. Summer activity packs include books, at-home activities, water bottles, online resources and community engagement opportunities for kids and teens.

If you drive to the event, remain in your car and wait your turn in line; do not park and leave your vehicle. If you are walking, please remember to practice social distancing while waiting your turn and wear a face covering.

For more information about this event, contact [email protected] or 303.739.7281.

What: The Aurora Police Department, in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies, area school districts, Denver7 News and other nonprofit organizations, is hosting a drive-thru kick-off event to provide food and resources to 1,000 Aurora families.
Who: Aurora Police Department, Food Bank of the Rockies, Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, Denver7, Aurora Animal Services, Colorado Pet Pantry, Racing for Paws, SECORCares, WeeCycle and Servicios de La Raza have partnered on this event.
When: Saturday, June 5. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until all food has been distributed.
Media is invited for interviews between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Overland High School
12400 E. Jewell Ave., Aurora, CO 80012
Why: The past year has caused hardships for many local families. By leveraging resources, community partners are able to expand their reach with the goal of helping Aurora families start the summer with much needed food, baby and pet supplies and summer activity packs to keep teens and kids active.

Event Coordinator: Joshua Nicholas, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Aurora Police Department

Interview Opportunities:
• Claudine McDonald, Community Relations Chief Executive– Aurora Police Department
• Katie Lopez, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services – Aurora Public Schools
• Erin Pulling, President/CEO – Food Bank of the Rockies
• Julissa Soto, Director of Statewide Programs, Servicios de La Raza
• Amy Pfister, Community Outreach Coordinator, SECORCares
• Christina Stinson, Executive Director, Aurora Interfaith Community Services
• Community Volunteers


Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095

KickOff KickOff

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 04, 2021 at 7:52 AM
  
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