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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.
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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.
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department District 2 Detective Unit is seeking the public's assistance in obtaining photos and videos of last nights disturbance at the Town Center of Aurora. Detectives are particularly interested in obtaining photos and videos that show criminal activity such as fighting, assaults, and property damage.
Anyone with this type of media is asked to contact Agent Eric White at 303-739-6011 or [email protected]
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on December 26th, 2016
At approximately 4:45 this afternoon Aurora Police responded to a large disturbance at the Town Center of Aurora (14200 East Alameda Parkway).
An APD officer that was working off-duty encountered a fight that was taking place in the Food Court. When the officer went to arrest one of the subjects involved he was surrounded by a unruly crowd. As the officer was attempting to escort the arrestee to the Aurora Police Substation inside of the Town Center the crowd continued to advance on the officer and several other fights broke out. A citywide call for help was aired over the radio and all available APD units responded to the center. The crowd grew in size to approximately 500 people (mostly juveniles). After consultation with Town Center management the decision was made to close the mall in the interest of public safety.
Assistance was requested from the Denver Police Department and Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. Early estimates show that over 50 law enforcement officers responded to the Town Center.
During the incident several skirmishes occurred in the parking lots of the Century Theatre and the RTD Centrepoint Station. One male was assaulted at that location, his injuries were not serious.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries during the disturbance, one arrestee had very minor injuries and no officers were injured.
5 arrests were made, all of the suspects are juveniles. Charges they are facing include Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and Resisting Arrest.
It is believed that a post on social media announcing a fight at the Town Center is what drew this unruly crowd to the Town Center of Aurora.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On 11-25-16, at 6:45 pm, The Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Department responded to East 26th Avenue and North Picadilly Road on the report of a rollover crash. The crash scene was approximately 1/2 mile east of North Picadilly Road on East 26th Avenue.
The preliminary investigation showed a Chevy Tahoe was westbound on East 26th Avenue when, for unknown reasons, it went partially off the north side of the roadway. The driver tried to steer the Tahoe back onto the roadway but over corrected causing the Tahoe to roll approximately two times before coming to rest in the middle of East 26th Avenue. There were three occupants inside the Tahoe - an adult male driver and two juvenile male passengers. The driver and one of the juveniles had to be extricated from the Tahoe. All three occupants were transported to local area hospitals. Unfortunately, the driver and one of the juvenile males were later pronounced dead. The other juvenile male had minor injuries. At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the cause of the crash. The Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit will continue its investigation of this crash.
Sgt. Craig Baumfalk
Aurora Police Department
Traffic Section
On November 24, 2016, at approximately 2:29 a.m. Officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Travelodge, 14200 East 6th Avenue. When they arrived they discovered an adult male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumb to his injuries.
Detectives from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation into this case. They are actively investigating this case and interviewing witnesses to determine what occurred this morning.
The name of the deceased victim will be released by the Arapahoe 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 Todd Fredericksen at (303) 739-6106 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Tipsters to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On 11/10/16, at approximately 10:10 pm Aurora Police and Aurora Fire responded to the report of an auto/pedestrian crash on I-225 north of E. 6th Ave. Arriving officers found an adult male laying in the Northbound lanes of I-225. The male was pronounced dead at the scene. The on-scene investigation revealed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross from the west side of I-225 to the east side when he was struck by a car going northbound on I-225. After the initial collision, the pedestrian was struck by two other vehicles. There was no indication of alcohol or excessive speed by any of the drivers. The Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit will continue its investigation of this crash. The name of the pedestrian is not being released at this time pending notification of family members.
Northbound I-225 at E. 6th Avenue was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation.
Sgt. Baumfalk
Aurora Police Department
Traffic Unit
UPDATE: The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has determined that the victims gunshot wound was self-inflicted and is investigating this case as a suicide.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on October 6, 2016:
On Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 7:38 a.m. officers responded to Side Creek Park located at 19001 East Colorado Drive on a report of a mannequin with a weapon in the park. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male with a gunshot wound. At this time there is no further information available as this is an active and ongoing investigation.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once a positive identification has been made, and next of kin has been notified.
The Majors Crime/Homicide unit and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Aurora Police is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Agent Jamie Krieger with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6113. Tipsters can also use Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a $2,000 reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in six 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 collection sites in Aurora. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 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 October 22 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
Aurora collection locations:
The Medical Center of Aurora, South Campus
1501 South Potomac Street (North parking lot)
Pickens Technical College
500 Airport Blvd
The Medical Center of Aurora, Saddle Rock Emergency Room
22500 E. Dry Creek Road
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
Aurora, Colorado-The Aurora Police Department has organized a blue and pink human Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon formation on the Great Lawn located at 15001 East Alameda Parkway this Thursday September 29th, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. to kick off the first #BlueGoesPink campaign during the month of October. This event will be filmed for a video to be released via social media in October.
This is a symbol to show our support for those impacted by Breast Cancer in our community and beyond. Employees of the City of Aurora, their families, friends and our community are invited to participate. Signing up is required at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f48acae2ea3fb6-breast/42502158. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday September 28th, 2016, and cannot exceed 300 participants.
WHAT: #BlueGoesPink
WHEN: Thursday September 29th, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: City of Aurora Great Lawn, 15001 East Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO 80012
WHO: Aurora Police Department, City of Aurora staff, Friends, Family and Community
CONTACT: Officer Crystal McCoy, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department (720) 432-5095
NATURE: MEDIA ADVISORY FOR #BLUEGOESPINK CAMPAIGN
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Marcus Dudley Appointed to Rank of Commander
Chief of Police Nicholas Metz is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Dudley to the rank of Commander. He is the second African-American in the department’s history to attain a senior executive position on the department’s command staff. He will oversee the operations of District 2 and command 126 personnel. District 2 provides law enforcement services to Northeast Aurora and is approximately 101 square miles in size with a population of about 95,000 residents.
Commander Dudley joined the Aurora Police Department in 1996. During his tenure as a Police Officer he was assigned to Patrol, the School Resource Officer Unit, and the Training Section where he served as a Police Training Instructor. He was later assigned to the Media Relations Unit where he served as one of the department’s public information officers. In 2007 he was promoted to Agent (detective) and was assigned to the Media Relations Unit and the Crimes Against Children Unit.
In 2009 Commander Dudley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure as a Sergeant he supervised a patrol team and the Intelligence Unit. In 2013 He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to District 3 as a Watch Commander. In April of 2015 he was selected to serve as the Executive Officer to Chief of Police Metz where he oversaw the operations of the Media Relations and Recruiting Units and the department’s community outreach efforts.
Commander Dudley earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Economics from Bethany College. He is a graduate of Leadership Aurora and recently completed the Senior Management Institute In Policing which was sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum.
Lieutenant Darin Parker, New Executive Officer to the Chief of Police
Chief Metz has selected Lieutenant Darin Parker to serve as his Executive Officer. He will oversee the department’s community outreach efforts and command the Media Relations and Recruiting Units. He most recently served as the Deputy Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau where he played an instrumental role in reforming the bureaus policies, procedures and investigative methods.
Lieutenant Parker started his law enforcement career as a Police Officer with the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department in 1989. In 1995 he moved north to Colorado and joined the Aurora Police Department. He later promoted to Agent (detective) and was assigned to the Crimes Against Person’s Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit where he investigated serious felony crimes.
In 2002 Lieutenant Parker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He supervised a patrol team, the Pattern Crimes Unit and was an Investigator with the Internal Affairs Section. In 2009 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Watch Commander at District 1, the Sector Lieutenant for District 2. He also commanded the Narcotics Section and the Operations Support Section (SWAT and K-9 Units).
This summer Lieutenant Parker completed the Senior Management Institute In Policing which was sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum. He has also completed the IACP Leadership in Police Organization Course and the University of Denver Executive Leadership Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University.
Other Executive Leadership Team Changes
Chief Metz also announcing the following changes to his Executive Leadership Team:
Commander Mike Dailey, the Commander for District 2 will now serve as the Commander for District 1. District 1 provides law enforcement serves to West Aurora. It 19 square miles in size and has about 122,000 residents. He will command 172 personnel.
Commander Ernie Ortiz, the Commander for District 1 will now oversee the operations of the Investigations Bureau which includes the Major Crimes Investigations Section, Community Resources Section, Traffic Section, Crime Lab Section and the Electronic Support Section. He will command 121 personnel.
Chief Metz said “There is little doubt that our nation is experiencing the most difficult and complex time as it pertains to police-community relations. Commander Dailey and newly promoted Commander Dudley get it. I look forward to working with them as they take their respective districts to new heights. I am exited for Commander Ortiz's new role in overseeing complex and important investigations. I know he will ensure high quality and professional investigations and will protect the rights of victims, families of victims and those accused of committing crimes. I also look forward to working closely with Lieutenant Parker as my new Executive Officer.”
All of these changes will take place on September 24th.
Commander Marcus Dudley
Lieutenant Darin Parker
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
UPDATE: The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has identified James Anthony Draper DOB 10/23/82 as a person of interest in this homicide. Draper was taken into custody today in reference to case number 2016-26446 (see forthcoming press release). This investigation is still active and ongoing. We will not be releasing a booking photo at this time so we do not compromise the investigation.
The Major Crimes/Homicide unit is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Agent Alton Reed with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6068. Tipsters can also use Metro Denver
Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a $2,000 reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
information previously released on September 10th, 2016:
On Saturday September 10th, 2016 at approximately 7:16 a.m. officers responded to the Americana Apartments located at 407 South Memphis Way Apartment 300, to check the welfare of a party inside.
Upon arrival officers found a slightly ajar door with a deceased 29 year old adult black female with an apparent gun show wound to the body on the floor. No other occupants were in the residence at the time, and no suspects are in custody.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office once a positive identification has been made, and next of kind has been notified.
The Majors Crime/Homicide unit responded and has taken over the investigation. Aurora Police is asking anyone with information about this case is asked to to contact Agent Alton Reed with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6068. Tipsters can also use Metro Denver
Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a $2,000 reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Guest
On Saturday September 10th 2016 at approximately 11:30 a.m. officers responded to the 1000 block of Powhatan Road on report of an apparent deceased body.
Upon officers arrival they discovered a deceased female. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office once a positive identification has been made, and next of kin has been notified.
The Majors Crime/Homicide unit responded and has taken over the investigation. Aurora Police is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Agent Jamie Krieger with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6113.
Tipsters can also use Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a $2,000 reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
Desk: (303) 739-6038
On-Call PIO: (720) 432-5095
Guest
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