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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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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.
Aurora Colorado
On May 5th, 2017 at 9:13am, Aurora Police, and Aurora Fire responded to a single vehicle rollover crash in the 2700 block of north Chambers Rd. On scene investigation with witnesses, and physical evidence, preliminarily indicates that a 1997 Honda Civic was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound. Motorists reported the vehicle was weaving through traffic, ultimately losing control and going off the roadway, over and embankment where it rolled over. There was a single occupant of the Honda, who was pronounced deceased on scene. No other vehicles or pedestrians were struck.
This is an active, ongoing investigation under case number 17-16924. The identity of the driver of the Honda will be released by the Adams County Coroner, pending positive identification.
Sergeant Mark Elliot
Aurora Police Traffic Investigations
DATE: May 3, 2017
CONTACT: Officer Crystal McCoy, PIO
(303) 739-6038
NATURE: 2017 Fallen Police Officer Memorial
The Chief of Police would like to announce the Aurora Police Department’s 2017 Fallen Police Officer Memorial. We will be honoring the lives of the following Aurora Police Officers who died in the line of duty:
Patrolwoman Debra Sue Corr EOW 6/27/81
Patrolman Thomas Dietzman Jr. EOW 8/16/85
Agent Edward Hockom EOW 9/21/87
Agent Michael Del Thomas EOW 9/30/06
Police Officer Doug Byrne EOW 3/26/07
Additionally, we will be honoring the lives of all of the Colorado Fallen Officers that have died in the line of duty since May of 2016 which include:
Colorado State Trooper Cody Donahue EOW 11/25/16
The public, law enforcement agencies and families of the fallen, as well as media are invited to attend this ceremony. The ceremony will include the Aurora Police Honor Guard, Rangeview Jazz Choir singing the National Anthem, and a Blue Rose Presentation by Brotherhood for the Fallen.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday May 3, 2017 at 11:45 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m. in the Memorial Courtyard of the Aurora Municipal Center (AMC) Campus.
The media is asked to contact Officer Crystal McCoy at
[email protected]
if they are planning on attending. Interviews will be granted at the end of the ceremony.
On Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 13th opportunity in 7 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to one of three disposal sites in Aurora.
Central Aurora: The Medical Center of Aurora, 1501 S. Potomac St.
Northeast Aurora: Pickens Technical College, 500 Airport Blvd.
Southeast Aurora: Saddle Rock Emergency Room, 22500 E. Dry Creek Rd.
(The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Every 15 Minutes Presented by Hinkley High School & Aurora Police Department on April 3-4, 2017
Life's lessons are best learned through experience. Unfortunately, when the target audience is teens and the topic is drinking and driving, experience is not the teacher of choice.
The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program, entitled Every 15 Minutes, is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of driving impaired. This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.
Prior to the start of the program, involved students and school faculty members begin by making a short video that will be played at the end of day two to the rest of the Junior and Senior class. This is the video that was produced.
Special thanks to all student participants and community partners who made this possible:
Aurora Public Schools- Hinkley High School
Aurora Fire Rescue
Arapahoe County Coroner
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center
Children's Hospital Colorado
Colorado Department of Transportation
Falk Rocky Mountain- Aurora
Health One Air Life
Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
M&M Auto Reconditioning
UPDATE: Yesterday the Aurora Police Department held a press conference to update the media on this ongoing investigation. You can view an unedited version of the conference here.
Information previously released on April 1st, 2017
On Saturday April 01, 2017, officers from the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team, Strategic Response and Tactics unit, and Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force were conducting surveillance on a wanted adult male suspect known to be armed and dangerous. The suspect was wanted for aggravated motor vehicle theft out of Denver. Throughout the course of the surveillance the officers received information the suspect was in a vehicle near the 1500 Block of North Sable Boulevard.
Our officers were able to locate the vehicle and at approximately 3:00 p.m. they attempted to apprehend the suspect. During the course of the apprehension the suspect fled in the vehicle which ended up in a ditch a short distance away. During the incident an officer fired his weapon at the suspect. The officers rendered aid to the suspect who was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. New charges are pending. There was a juvenile female passenger in the vehicle who was unharmed.
The officers has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The investigation is being handled by the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer involved shootings.
Police are asking anyone who might have witnessed this incident to call Detective Michael Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6127.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office
WHEN: Monday April 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, Office of the Chief of Police, 15001 East Alameda Parkway
WHO: Chief of Police Nick Metz
CONTACT: Officer Diana Cooley, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(303) 739-6022
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
Aurora, Colorado-The Aurora Police Department will be holding a press conference to brief the media about the circumstances related to an officer involved shooting involving an Aurora Police Officer that occurred near East Colfax and North Sable Boulevard.
The conference will take place today at Aurora Police Headquarters (15001 East Alameda Parkway) at 5:00 p.m. Aurora Chief of Police Nick Metz be providing an update on the events of last Saturday.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of police headquarters so the media is asked to arrive prior to 5:00 p.m. at the north doors of police headquarters near the crime lab vehicles. A representative of the Media Relations Unit will then provide access into the building.
Local Organizations Host First “Every 15 Minutes” Program in Aurora Colorado
Two-day simulation to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving
WHO: Aurora Police Department (PIO: Diana Cooley 720-432-5095)
Aurora Public Schools, Hinkley High School (CCO: Patti Moon 303-326-7805)
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center (PIO: Michael Bryant 303-739-7181)
Children’s Hospital Colorado (PIO: Hollon Kohtz, Media Pager: 303-890-8314)
Aurora Fire Rescue (PIO: Tony Krenz 720-477-0315)
Falck Ambulance
Arapahoe County Coroner
Health One Air Life
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Denver Metro Teen Drivers
WHAT: The “Every 15 Minutes” Program is a two-day event that brings together high school juniors and seniors and challenges them to think about the consequences of drinking and driving. The program also educates students on personal safety, responsible and mature decision making and the impact their decisions can have on family, friends, the community and their futures. Students work with local organizations and family members to craft a scenario to act out in front of peers and role play the consequences of their decisions and actions.
WHEN: Monday, April 3
(Please arrive at 11:30 a.m. to set-up before the crash scene begins at 12 p.m.)
WHY: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., more than homicide and suicide combined. There are at least 60 traffic fatalities in Colorado every year that can be attributed to distracted driving. Alcohol-related collisions are the leading cause of death among teenage youth.
The Aurora Police Department and Aurora Public Schools are partnering with Hinkley High School to host the first-ever “Every 15 Minutes” program in Aurora Colorado. The event brings together community leaders including the City of Aurora, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora Fire Department, City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center, Arapahoe County Coroner, Health One Air Life, Falck Ambulance and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to take a proactive step in educating local high school students about making mature decisions when alcoholic beverages are involved.
Additional Information and Media Opportunity:
Media is welcome to attend the crash scene that will be simulated on April 3 at 12 p.m. There will be a designated area for media to set up, as there will be many moving components during the scenario (arrival of ambulances and a helicopter).
Interviews will be provided to media before or after the crash scene on April 3. If interested in filming other parts of the event, please contact the designated PIO to make arrangements.
Media are invited to attend the second day of the event on Tuesday, April 4 at 8 a.m. at Hinkley High School. Students, parents and teachers will gather to watch the video that was created on April 3, and there will be speakers including members of the Aurora Police Department, Hinkley High School and MADD.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
[email protected]
On March 7th, 2017, at about 6:57 PM, Aurora Police Traffic Officers responded to an Auto Pedestrian crash at East 28th Avenue and North Tower Road. When they arrived, they found that a 52 year old male was walking west across North Tower Road on the north side of the intersection. The intersection is not controlled by traffic signals. A 1993 Toyota Corolla driven by a 70 year old male was northbound in the left through lane of traffic. The driver of the Toyota saw the pedestrian and tried to brake but was unsuccessful. The pedestrian was struck by the Toyota.
The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Detectives are currently trying to positively identify him. Once identified, his identity will not be released until next of kin are notified.
The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota remained on scene. He was not injured. His identity is not being released at this time.
Traffic investigators continue to work the scene. At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash. It will take some time to determine fault. Northbound Tower Road remains closed during this investigation.
Sergeant William Revelle
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303 739 6374
UPDATE: Investigators are releasing video footage of the crash which is attached to this news release. They are searching for additional witnesses to this crash. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Agent Steve Chinn with the Traffic Investigations Section at 303.739. 6342.
VIDEO FOOTAGE:
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on February 14th, 2017 at 6:10PM.
UPDATE: Investigators have reviewed surveillance video at the railroad crossing. The videos show that the driver of the van pulls into the railroad crossing area and stops prior to the crossing gates being activated by the approaching RTD A-Line commuter train. He remains idle for approximately 38 seconds and then drives directly into the path of the train. Investigators have now focused their investigations into whether or not the actions of the driver were intentional.
North Chambers Avenue and East Smith Road will remain closed until midnight tonight.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
72-432-5095
Information previously released on February 14th, 217 at 08:05a.m.
On Tuesday February 14, 2017 at approximately 3:49 a.m. a passenger van traveling south bound on North Chambers Road was struck by an eastbound A-Line RTD train while the van was on the train track between the crossing gates.
An Aurora Police Officer was present and working at this train crossing intersection, as well as an employee contracted by RTD, at the time of the crash and witnessed this incident. The Aurora Police officer attempted to stop the driver of the passenger van from traveling onto the tracks as the A-Line RTD Train was approaching on the tracks, but the van failed to stop and was struck by the train. After the collision the train continued to travel for approximately 1/4 of mile before coming to a complete stop. The adult male driver of the van was extricated from the vehicle by the Aurora Fire Rescue Department. He was pronounced at the scene.
At this time we know 56 occupants were on board the RTD A-Line train. Four total patients were treated with only one being transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The identity of the driver is not being released at this time. His name will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section will be the lead agency investigating this crash. The Federal Railroad Authority and Regional Transportation District (RTD) are also involved with this investigation.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
UPDATE-Press release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office:
17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young announced Friday that formal charges of first-degree murder after deliberation have been filed against Jose Luis Lozoya in the stabbing death of 18-year-old Alonzo Devault on Monday.
Aurora police responding to a 911 call found Devault with multiple stab wounds on the ground in a parking lot at 14551 E. Colfax Avenue on at about 12:20 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16.
Lozoya (DOB 11/04/92) is charged with one count of first-degree murder after deliberation (F1). He was advised of the charge Friday morning and a preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Feb. 21 in Division T of Adams County District Court. Lozoya is held without bond.
Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Aurora Police Detective Jamie Krieger at 303-739-6113.
The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sue Lindsay
Public Information
17th Judicial District Attorney's Office
303-835-5639
Information previously released on January 16, 2017
On January 16, 2017, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Aurora Police were dispatched to a report of a physical altercation between two parties in the 1600 Block of N. Eagle St. Upon arrival officers located an adult male who had been stabbed. Officers on scene rendered aid to the victim and rescue personnel were summoned to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The suspect, an adult male, was located by officers in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The identity of the suspect is not being released at time. They are actively investigating this case and interviewing witnesses.
Detectives from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation into this case.
The name of the deceased victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they have positively identified him and his next of kin have been notified.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this case to call Agent Jamie Krieger at (303) 739-6113.
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