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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer
To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].
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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.
August 2016 - Posts
On 8-31-16, at approximately 2015, Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to E. Quincy Ave. and S. Genoa St. on the report of a motorcycle crash. An Aurora PD Officer was first on scene and discovered a motorcycle fully involved in fire, and an adult male unconscious in the street who was not breathing. The APD Officer performed CPR on the male until rescue arrived. The male was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The preliminary investigation shows the male was westbound on E. Quincy Ave. traveling at a high rate of speed, and from several witness statements the motorcycle did not have a front headlight on. A car pulled out from S. Genoa St. attempting to make a left turn when the car was struck by the motorcycle. The driver of the car remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit is conducting the investigation. The names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.
Sgt. Craig Baumfalk
Aurora Police Department
Traffic Unit
Guest
Aurora, CO. - On August 28th, 2016, at about 1:20 p.m., Aurora Police responded to the intersection of E. Alameda Ave. and S. Havana Street on a report of a two vehicle crash. Upon arrival investigation revealed an Aurora Fire Department vehicle, a marked Ford F350 truck, driven by Battalion Chief Jon Hill, 49, was responding to an emergency call for service with lights and siren activated northbound on S. Havana Street approaching the intersection of E. Alameda Ave. Chief Hill slowed and proceeded left around stopped vehicles and proceeded into the intersection. A white in color Toyota Corolla, driven by Freda Adjei, 65 of Aurora, was westbound on E. Alameda Ave. on a green signal and broadsided the Ford before it could clear the intersection. Adjei was unresponsive after the impact and was extricated from the vehicle by AFD. She was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and later determined not to have suffered any life threatening injuries. Chief Hill was also taken to a local hospital to be evaluated and was later released.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating this crash under report # 2016-34423. Based on our investigation we believe the proximate cause of this crash was Adjei’s failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle.
Lieutenant Michael A. McClelland
Aurora Police Department Traffic Section
303-739-6326
Guest
On August 25th at approximately 6:05p.m. Aurora Police were dispatched to a report of a shooting at the Bristol Village Apartments located at 17103 East Ohio Place. Upon arrival, Officers located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound inside one of the apartments. The victim was immediately rushed to a local hospital where she later died from her injury. A 21 year old male identified as Brian Lebron-Rivera was taken into custody at the scene and later arrested for Manslaughter.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding last nights shooting so no additional details are being released by Aurora Police at this time.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified of her passing.
Anyone who has information about this case is asked to Agent Chuck Mehl with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6213.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Guest
UPDATE: Our investigation of this fatal auto/pedestrian crash has revealed the following: Dalton M. McCreary, 22, and Jordan Mulumulu 18 24, both from Aurora, were walking northbound on S. Chambers Road, crossing E. Iliff Ave. in the east crosswalk. Both were crossing on a green traffic signal/walk signal when a black in color 1998 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Christopher O’Neil Tarr, 41, of Aurora, was eastbound on E. Iliff Ave. at a high rate of speed. Tarr ignored the red signal light and lost control of his vehicle. The Toyota struck Dalton in the crosswalk, flipped over onto its roof, went down a landscaped embankment on the northeast corner, and into the Walgreen’s parking lot where it rolled back upright onto its tires. Tarr attempted to flee the scene northbound through the parking lot in the Toyota and several witnesses gave chase. The Toyota was forced to stop due to its damage from the collision prior to leaving the parking lot. McCreary was transported to a local hospital and died shortly thereafter due to his injuries. Mulumulu later stated to investigators, just prior to the Toyota coming at them McCreary yelled at him to “look out” and pushed him out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, saving his life.
Tarr and the front seat passenger, Robert Taylor, 54, of Aurora, were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Tarr was later arrested and held on a $50,000 bond for Vehicular Homicide at the Arapahoe County Jail. Tarr has posted bond and was released pending charges on 08/24/16.
The Photo Red Light system installed at this intersection captured this horrific crash with video and photos, all of which have been turned over to the DA’s office as evidence for prosecution.
We have filed the following charges with the District Attorney’s office:
Vehicular Homicide
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drugs, or both
Any additional media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the 18th Judicial District PIO.
Mugshot of Christopher Oneil Tarr, Date of Birth: 10/7/1975
Lieutenant Michael McClelland
Traffic Section Commander
303.739.6326
Information previously released on August 22, 2016:
On August 22, 2016, at about 12:10 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to an automobile versus pedestrian accident at East Iliff Avenue and South Chambers Road. A 1998 Toyota 4Runner was eastbound on East Iliff Avenue at a high rate of speed. The 4Runner tried to turn north onto South Chambers Road but lost control in the turn and started to slide. A group of pedestrians was walking northbound in the east cross walk. One of the pedestrians was struck as the 4Runner slid eastbound through the crosswalk. The 4Runner then went up onto the north sidewalk and rolled over and into a parking lot on the northeast corner of the intersection. The 4Runner landed on its wheels and tried to leave but the engine died before it could get out of the lot.
The pedestrian that was struck was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to their injuries. None of the other pedestrians were hit. The driver and a passenger in the 4Runner were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Speed and alcohol are considered factors in this accident. None of the identities of any of the involved parties are being released at this time.
The Aurora Police Department reminds drivers not to drive if they have been drinking.
Sergeant William Revelle
Traffic Section
303.739.6374
Guest
Investigators have recently sought the services of Parabon NanoLabs (Parabon), a DNA technology company in Virginia that specializes in DNA phenotyping, the process of predicting physical appearance and ancestry from unidentified DNA evidence. Law enforcement agencies use the company’s Snapshot™ DNA Phenotyping Service (Snapshot) for narrowing suspect lists and generating leads in criminal investigations.
Using DNA evidence from the Bennett Family Homicide investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest (POI). Individual’s predictions were made for ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling and face shape. By combining these attributes of appearance, a Snapshot composite profile was produced that depicts what the person of interest may have looked like at 25 years old.
It is important to note that Snapshot composites are scientific approximations of appearance based on DNA, and are not likely to be exact replicas of appearance. Environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, diet, and other non-environmental factors, such as facial hair, hairstyle, scars, etc. cannot be predicted by DNA analysis and may cause further variation between the POI’s predicted and actual appearance.
Between 9 p.m. January 15, 1984 and 10 a.m. January 16, 1984, twenty-seven year old Bruce Bennett, his twenty-six year old wife, Debra and their seven year old daughter Melissa, were brutally murdered inside their home located in the 16300 Block of East Center Drive. An autopsy found that Debra died from blunt force trauma. Additionally, autopsies determined that Bruce and Melissa died from blunt force trauma as well as sharp force injuries, consistent with a knife. Evidence at the scene indicated that Melissa had been sexually assaulted. A second child, the Bennett’s three year old daughter, was found alive inside the residence suffering from blunt force trauma.
If you or someone you know can provide information on this unresolved homicide investigation, you are encouraged to contact Agent Steve Conner with the Homicide Unit Cold Case Squad at (303) 739-6190, e-mail [email protected].
 
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Guest
Aurora Police Department Explorer Post 2024 is seeking highly motivated young men and women, ages 14-19 who are interested in exploring a career in law enforcement and giving back to their community. Police Explorers are uniformed volunteers who perform
a variety of community relations work
Explorers participate in community events by assisting the police department with traffic and crowd control. They assist at the three Police District Station Front Desks answering phones and providing information to the public. They participate in a variety of community service and outreach events.
Explorers receive training in personal safety, crime scene investigations, hostage negotiations, domestic violence, ethics, traffic stops, community relations and other law enforcement subjects.
Explorers who complete 8 hours of service or training for each month have the opportunity to ride with a patrol officer and experience first hand police operations in the field. Explorers participate in local, regional, and national conferences and competitions.
Explorers who excel in the program are eligible to receive scholarship money for college, hold leadership positions in the post and receive Civil Service Preference Points when they apply to become an Aurora Police Officer.
The post is currently accepting applications until November 9th. Those who are accepted into the program will be required to attend the Police Explorer Academy which will start in January of 2017. Classes for the academy are held every Saturday for 12 weeks.
The Explorers will be hosting a Recruiting Open House on Saturday, September 24th at 2:30 p.m. at the Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Parkway).
For more information about the Explorer program visit www.auroraexplorers.com or call Police Recruiter Jennifer Krause at 303.326.8759.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Guest
On Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at approximately 1:02 p.m. District 2 officers responded to a report of a deceased person inside of 1179 South Waco Street Unit D. When officers arrived they located a deceased female inside the residence.
Detectives and Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. They are actively investigating this case to determine the circumstances involving her death. Information is limited at this time. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once a positive identification has been made and the next of kin has been notified.
Police are asking anyone with information about this case call Agent Chad Lampson at 303.739.6013 or tipsters can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By calling Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Guest
Aurora, Colorado - The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, August 19th, 2016 from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 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, and will include more than 100 checkpoints statewide by 11 participating agencies. This checkpoint will be located on Chambers Rd.
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 APD Traffic Section will also have a dozen or so officers out of the streets conducting DUI Saturation Patrols, specifically looking for impaired drivers, during this operational period.
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.
Lieutenant Michael McClelland
Traffic Section Commander
303-739-6326
Guest
The Aurora Civil Service Commission is now accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officers. Applications will be accepted until December the 11th. This application and testing process will be used to establish an eligibility list for Aurora Police Academy Class 2017-1B which is scheduled to start in June of 2017. The department is looking to hire approximately 18 Entry Level Police Officers.
Starting salary for entry level police officers in 2017 will be $52,403. Top pay for Aurora Police Officers in 2017 will be $83,572.*
The Aurora Police Department is committed to maintaining and improving peace, order and safety, through excellence in law enforcement and community service. We seek diverse men and women who possess honor, integrity and who are morally sound. Applicants should be problem solvers, community-oriented and ready for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement.
Applicants who would like to speak with a Police Recruiter can call 1.800.637.9963 or send them an email. Download an Applicant Information Guide for more information about minimum qualifications, testing process, salary and benefits.
Recruting Unit Webpage
Recruiting Unit Facebook Page
Recruiting Unit Twitter Page
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
* Pending approval of 2017-2018 police officer contract.
Guest
UPDATE: At approximately 6:15 this evening Aurora Police received a tip that Moori's vehicle was seen in the area of East Colfax Avenue and Peoria Street. Officers canvassing the East Colfax Corridor located her vehicle at East Colfax Avenue and Valentia Street in Denver a short time later. Officers followed her vehicle for a short distance until it was safe to initiate a traffic stop. Once at Colfax and Quebec officers stopped Moori where she was taken into protective custody without incident. The children were found to be unharmed and in good spirits.
Moori was transported to a local hospital and is not expected to be criminal charged in this matter. The children have been turned over to a family member. This case has been referred to the Adams County Department of Human Services for further investigation.
Information Previously released on August 7, 2016 at 4:55p.m.
The Aurora Police Department has activated an AMBER Alert for a mother and her four children.
Nikia Moori left her residence in the 3100 Block of Worchester Street in Northwest Aurora at approximately 2:45 this afternoon. She made threats to harm herself and her four children.
Nikia was last seen driving a 2005 Gold Chrysler Pacifica van bearing Colorado Plate QFZ981. The vehicle had a yellow sticker on the back of it.
Nikia is a 28 year old black female who stands 5'2" tall and weighs 135 pounds. She is also pregnant. She was last seen wearing a blue and white tank top and blue jeans.
Nikia's daughters:
Aaliyah Moori, 9 year old black female who stands 4'8" tall and has a stocky build. She was last seen wearing a red shirt and black pants.
Jeneaya Fleming, 7 year old black female who stands 4'6" tall and has a skinny build. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored dress.
Heaven Smith, 3 year old back female who stands 2"5" tall. No clothing description is available.
Harmony Smith, 1 year old black female who was last seen wearing a purple dress.
If you see them call 911 immediately.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Guest
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