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. 


Recent Posts
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July 2021 - Posts
On July 28, 2021, the Aurora Police Department assisted members of the Oro Valley, Arizona Police Department with apprehending a wanted fugitive who resides in Aurora. Aurora Police arrested Mark Lindrud (DOB 01/17/1972) for a warrant issued in Arizona for numerous counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

The Aurora Police Department is notifying the public of this arrest because Mr. Lindrud is currently employed as a school teacher at Vista Peak Preparatory school in Aurora. He has been placed on administrative leave.  During the course of the investigation, it was also learned that Mr. Lindrud has worked at more than eight Denver metro area schools in his 20 year tenure as a teacher. It is believed that there may be victims of crimes involving Mr. Lindrud who have not reported to police. The Aurora Police Department wants the public to know that it is safe to report crimes involving Mr. Lindrud. Members of the public can report crimes to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.

Information pertaining to the details of Mr. Lindrud’s arrest should be directed to the Oro Valley Police Department in Arizona. Below is his booking photo that was taken at the Aurora Jail following his arrest. 


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

LINDRUD
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 29, 2021 at 12:53 PM
  
(July 20) On Tuesday July 20th, 2021 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 2300 block of South Xanadu Way. The caller advised that a male was armed with a gun and a shot had already been fired in the house.

Upon officers’ arrival, they were confronted with an adult male who was armed with a gun. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by giving numerous commands for the male to drop the gun, but he never did. A shot was fired by the male and officers returned fire, striking the male. Medical assistance was immediately called, and the male was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive. The victim of the initial domestic violence call was located, unharmed, and is being given support and resources by our Victim Advocates.

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

The two involved officers are 11 and 19-year veterans of the Aurora Police Department. Both officers are assigned to District One Patrol. Neither officer has been previously involved in an officer-involved shooting. The two Aurora Police Officers involved in this critical incident 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, Douglas, and Elbert 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.

One in three women, and one in four men, experience relationship violence in their lifetime according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence based in Denver. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing relationship violence, please do not be ashamed or embarrassed. We are here to support you. You can call us anytime for assistance at 303.627.3100 or get more information by visiting https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/victim_services___rights.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 20, 2021 at 9:48 PM
  
(July 20) On Thursday, July 1, 2021, at about 5:10 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to a traffic crash on East 16th Avenue and North Alton Street.

The initial traffic investigation has revealed that a bicyclist was traveling northbound on North Alton Street and an SUV was traveling westbound on East 16th Avenue. The bicyclist failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection and was struck by the SUV. The bicyclist was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries on July 8, 2021.

The driver of the SUV remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Drugs, alcohol and speed are not believed to be contributing factors to the accident.

The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office after a positive identification has been made, and his next-of-kin has been notified.

We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash cam or surveillance footage, or if you have any information about this incident and have not yet spoken to police, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 20, 2021 at 9:55 AM
  
(July 19) On Monday, June 28th, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to a welfare check at 695 North Dillon Way. The 911 caller reported seeing a female lying in the grass, bleeding.

Detectives from our Major Crimes/Homicide Unit have identified the suspect responsible for this homicide. The suspect has been positively identified as Eric Huff (06/28/1976). 

Investigators began the process of trying to locate Huff and on July 11, Aurora Police Detectives were notified by Denver Police Detectives about a death investigation being conducted by them involving Eric Huff.

This case is now closed.

Any information regarding the death investigation surrounding Eric Huff can be directed to the Denver Police Department. 


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Information previously released


(June 28) On Monday, June 28th, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to a welfare check at 695 North Dillon Way. The 911 caller reported seeing a female lying in the grass, bleeding.

Officers located an adult female who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and had obvious traumatic injuries. She was declared deceased on scene. This case is classified as a homicide and will be investigated by our Major Crimes Homicide Unit. Detectives will begin to examine the physical evidence from the crime scene and will determine what exactly led up to this homicide. There is no suspect information available.

The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office 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.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 19, 2021 at 9:45 AM
  
(July 15) On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., District 1 Patrol Officers responded to the parking lot of the McDonald’s, located at 2651 South Parker Road, on reports of a shooting.

The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Treyvion Simpson (DOB: 04/27/1999). Simpson was arrested today, July 15, 2021, and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Simpson has been provided at the bottom of this news release.

We want to thank the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit for their continued work on this case as well as the Aurora Police SWAT and F.A.S.T Unit and Denver SWAT for assisting in today's arrest.


This homicide is being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Simpson Booking Photo

(Information previously released)


(June 29) On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., District 1 Patrol Officers responded to the parking lot of the McDonald’s, located at 2651 South Parker Road, on reports of a shooting.

Officers located an adult male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This male was quickly transported to the hospital by paramedics but has tragically died from his injuries. This case is being investigated by our Major Crimes Homicide Unit and detectives will work to determine what exactly led up to this shooting. The only suspect information available at this time is that the suspect was driving a silver vehicle.

The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office 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 contact Detective Tim Glenn at 303.739.6068 or by calling 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.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 15, 2021 at 8:17 PM
  

 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
  
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