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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.
(March 25) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a person was found dead in a field in northeast Aurora.
On March 25, 2022, about 7:15 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the area of East 56th Avenue near E470 on reports of a down party. Officers located a person lying in the field just off the roadway. This person was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect information, are still to be determined.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit is asking for anyone who was traveling last night along East 56th Avenue, between E470 and Picadilly Road, and observed anything suspicious, to please call Detective Jonsgaard at 303-739-6127 or Sergeant Longnecker at 303-739-6041. Tipsters can also report anything suspicious to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720.913.7867 and be eligible for a reward of up-to $2,000.
The Adams County Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(March 10, 2022) The Aurora Police Department has made four arrests in connection to a shooting that occurred on Wednesday Night at the Quality Inn.
Shortly after the initial shooting call, Aurora911 received a report of another person shot at North Chambers Road and East Smith Road. Officers from the Aurora Police Gang Intervention Unit contacted three juvenile males and one 18-year-old male. They discovered that the adult male was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Officers were quickly able to determine that all the subjects had been involved in the shooting and took them into custody. The adult male was taken into custody this afternoon after he was released from the hospital. All four of the subjects have been arrested for 1st Degree Murder. Due to their ages Aurora Police will not be releasing the names or booking photos of the juveniles. The adult who was arrested is Rafael Bergeron Martinez of Westminster.
Detectives are still looking for witnesses and other people who may have been involved in the altercation that lead up to this shooting. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.
“I want to highlight the exceptional teamwork that these arrests represent. Our officers and detectives from patrol, the Gang Unit and the Major Crimes Homicide Unit worked quickly to apprehend these violent criminals.”
--Vanessa Wilson, Chief of Police
“Last night, our community was, once again, shaken by the news of gun violence involving young people. A 16-year-old is dead, and several others are hurt as a result of this mass shooting. This is yet another horrific case of a teen losing their life because too many young people have easy and unsupervised access to firearms. Parents and trusted adults, please talk with teens about whether they have a gun. Gun owners, sales of guns spiked during COVID and we are seeing many guns being stolen out of vehicles or other unsecure locations that end up in the hands of teenagers. Please secure your guns properly so you can ensure that there is one less gun out on the street.”
--District Attorney Brian Mason, 17th Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield Counties)
Rafael Bergeron Martinez, DOB: 12/08/2003
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on March 10, 2022:
(March 10) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a juvenile was shot and killed. Two other adult females were transported to the hospital, and a fourth victim self-transported to the hospital.
On March 9, 2022, about 07:05 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the Quality Inn, located at 3300 N Ouray Street, on a report of a shooting inside the hotel, near the pool. Upon officers' arrival, they located a 16-year-old male juvenile suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Tragically, the juvenile was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Shortly after the shooting, officers located a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old adult female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both females were transported to a local hospital in serious condition. The suspects left the scene prior to officers' arrival.
At approximately 07:39 p.m., officers were advised that a fourth victim, of unknown age, had self-transported to the hospital suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and expected to survive.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and were responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect descriptions, are still being determined.
The Adams County Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about this homicide is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
This is Aurora's seventh homicide of 2022.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(February 17) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a woman dies, male transported to the hospital, following an early morning shooting in Aurora.
On February 17, 2022, at 6:56 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the Glen at the Park Apartments, 291 South Jasper Circle, on reports of a shooting. At this time, it appears that an argument ensued prior to the shooting. Officers located a 38-year-old woman who had been shot and was pronounced deceased on scene. A 28-year-old man was also found shot with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound and was transported to the hospital in serious condition, but expected to survive. The man and woman were known to one another and are believed to have been in a relationship. A gun was recovered at the residence. No charges have been filed in this case and the investigation is ongoing.
A teenager was inside of the home at the time of the incident. Support and resources are being provide by members of our Victim Services Unit.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
If you or someone you know is a victim of or experiencing domestic violence, there are a number of resources readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233, texting SMART to 88788, or visit ViolenceFreeColorado.org. Additional resources and information is available 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
On February 11, 2022, at approximately 4:38 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of an adult male armed with a gun at the La Fontaine Apartments, located at 1325 N Idalia Ct. Multiple callers advised the male was going door to door and displaying a gun. The male was described as a Hispanic male, wearing a black hoodie.
Upon arrival, officers located the male outside the apartment complex matching the description provided by the callers. Officers gave numerous commands for the male to put his hands up in English and Spanish. The male didn’t comply with the officer’s commands which led to shots being fired by the officers, striking the male. Medical assistance was immediately called for and provided by the officers. Once paramedics arrived, the male was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The two Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. They have both been placed on paid administrative leave per department 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 conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the 31-year-old suspect after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
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 Aurora Police.
Tweet from Chief of Police Wilson regarding this morning’s officer involved shooting.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(February 9) The suspect that was identified in this case was killed this evening after an officer-involved shooting.
More details about that incident can be found HERE.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Release
(February 6) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is needing the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted for killing a woman, injuring two men, inside of an Aurora Church.
On February 4, 2022, about 08:15 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 538 North Olathe Street, Iglesia Faro De Luz, on reports of a shooting. Since that time, Detectives with Aurora’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit have been interviewing witnesses, examining physical evidence and attempting to positively identify the suspect responsible for this shooting.
After numerous interviews, Aurora Police Detectives have now identified the suspect as:
Jose De Jesus Montoya Villa (01/11/1991)
Jose has an active arrest warrant for 1st Degree Murder. We are asking anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Jose to either contact your local law enforcement agency or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous.
There is currently a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of Jose.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
.png "Jose De Jesus Montoya Villa")
Information Previously Released
(February 4) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating after a woman killed, two other men shot, inside of a church in Aurora.
On February 4, 2022, about 08:15 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 538 North Olathe Street, Iglesia Faro De Luz, on reports of a shooting. Officers located a 36-year-old woman, a 42-year-old man and a 40-year-old man, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The woman was tragically pronounced deceased on scene. The two men were transported to the hospital, expected to survive. A fourth adult was also transported to the hospital for other medical reasons.
Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. Early information obtained is that there was an event at the church tonight where approximately 15-20 people were in attendance. Investigators do know that there is a personal connection between the suspect and one of the shooting victims. The facts and circumstances that led up to this shooting are still be determined.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone who may have observed anything suspicious, or has information about this case, and have not yet spoken to police, 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
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On February 9, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at 820 North Dayton Street. Information obtained was that a suspect pulled out a gun on numerous people and fired shots in the parking lot, striking a 26-year old man. Immediately following that shooting, the suspect forcefully stole a vehicle at gunpoint in that parking lot. The suspect then left the scene and got into a hit and run accident at East 13th Avenue and North Dayton Street at approximately 3:57 p.m.
At approximately 4:10 p.m., the Aurora Police Department began to receive calls about an armed robbery at a liquor store, located at 728 North Peoria Street. As officers arrived, they were given a suspect and vehicle description that identically matched the suspect and the vehicle he stole.
Just a few minutes later, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to another vehicle forcefully taken at gunpoint near Interstate 225 and South Parker Road. The suspect description, including the vehicle that was abandoned, identically matched what was given from the liquor store robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect was no longer on scene.
Approximately 4:40 p.m., Two District 3 Patrol Officers, riding in the same vehicle, were in the area of South Parker Road and East Jamison Avenue. Officers spotted the vehicle that was taken by gunpoint a few miles away near Interstate 225 and South Parker Road. After observing the vehicle going eastbound on East Jamison Avenue, The Officers activated their emergency lights and siren, the vehicle stopped, and shots were fired. The suspect was then transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries. There were no injuries to any of the officers. A gun was recovered from the scene.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will confirm the suspects identity. It is believed that the deceased is Jose De Jesus Montoya-Villa. He is the suspect in the shooting that happened at the Iglesia Faro De Luz Church on Friday night. Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit and the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team have been working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect since Friday night's homicide.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th 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 Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert County. The Aurora Police Department will investigate the crimes leading up-to the officer-involved shooting.
The two Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department issued body cameras which will be used as part of this ongoing investigation. They have both been placed on paid administrative leave.
We want to thank our partners from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Police Department, Rocky Mountain Falck and South Metro Fire Rescue for their quick response and assistance during this incident.
Tweet from Chief Wilson regarding tonight’s incident.
Link to our press briefing.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On January 29th, 2022 at 6:43p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of an injury crash on East Stephen D. Hogan Parkway between East 6th Avenue and South Picadilly Road.
Upon arrival first responders found a heavily damaged Toyota Tundra pickup truck and a Honda Pilot in the roadway. A 60-year-old man who was the driver of the Toyota was deceased at the scene. A 18-year-old woman who was driving a Honda Pilot was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
Investigators believe that the Honda Pilot was traveling westbound on Hogan Parkway when it crossed the center line and traveled into the eastbound lanes striking the Toyota Tundra head-on. The driver of the Toyota was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have been a contributing factor in this crash.
The name of the deceased 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 kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is conducting the investigation into this fatal crash. No arrests have been made and this case remains an open and active investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call the Traffic Investigation Unit.
Both directions of Hogan Parkway were closed for several hours while investigators completed their on-scene investigation.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 24) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with Fire Investigators from Aurora Fire Rescue and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, is announcing the arrest of a woman accused of starting the fire that killed a five-year-old boy earlier this morning.
On January 24, 2022, about 1:30 a.m., Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 15320 East Evans Avenue. Aurora Police and Fire Investigators immediately began looking into how this fire started and if it was intentional. Through interviews with numerous witnesses, and by examining physical evidence from the scene, detectives positively identified a woman whom they believe was involved.
This woman, identified as Alondra Michel (04/13/1984), has been arrested and initially charged with:
- First Degree Murder
- First Degree Arson
- Three (3) counts of Attempted First Degree Murder
Additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Early information obtained in the investigation is that Alondra was involved in a domestic violence incident with a resident on the main level of the apartment building. Alondra intentionally set something inside of the apartment on fire, which quickly spread to adjacent units, including the second story apartment where the five-year-old was found.
This investigation is now being considered a homicide, the second in Aurora for 2022, and will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Any additional media inquiries should be directed to their office.
A booking photo is not yet available for release.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(Information Previously Released)
(January 24) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with Fire Investigators from Aurora Fire Rescue, will be investigating an early morning fire that resulted in the death of a small child.
On January 24, 2022, about 1:30 a.m., Aurora Police and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at 15320 East Evans Avenue. First responders arrived at a 3-story apartment building that was engulfed in flames. During searches of the building, a five-year-old boy was located. This child was quickly transported to the hospital where they sadly died a short time later. No other information is being provided about the child.
Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for the death investigation. Investigators with Aurora Fire Rescue will continue their work into the determination of origin and cause of the fire.
Investigators are currently interviewing numerous witnesses and gathering evidence on scene. 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.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death and release the victim’s name after positive identification.
The Aurora Police Department offers our deepest condolences to the immediate family and community impacted by this fire. The Aurora Police Victim Services Unit continues to provide support and resources to the family of this tragedy.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Link to AFR News Release: https://bit.ly/AFRFireInvestigation
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal two-car crash that occurred at the intersection of North Airport Boulevard and East 6th Avenue.
At around midnight Aurora Police responded to that intersection and located a damaged Ford SUV and Nissan Sedan. The front seat passenger inside of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with a broken leg. The driver of the Ford was not injured.
Traffic investigators believe that the Nissan was traveling northbound on Airport Boulevard and failed to stop for the red traffic signal and struck the Ford which was traveling eastbound on 6th Avenue. Alcohol consumption by the driver of the Nissan is believed to be a contributing factor in this case. He remains hospitalized due to his injuries.
The identity of the adult female passenger is not being released at this time and will be made public by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified.
This is the 38th traffic fatality in the city of Aurora for 2021.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 16) On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 9:25 p.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting. The 18-year-old victim later died at a local hospital.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Abel Vargas (DOB: 07/01/2003). Vargas was arrested and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-104 Manslaughter in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Vargas has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
Information learned from this homicide is that Vargas and the victim were known to each other. Both gathered at the location on East 33rd Place when Vargas produced an AR-15 rifle to show the victim. Vargas was handling the weapon when he then pulled the trigger, shooting the victim.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 17th 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
.jpg "Vargas, Abel")
Information previously released
(November 15) One dead following a shooting in the area of the 13000 block of East 33rd Place.
On November 14, 2021, at 09:25 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting.
Once officers arrived on the scene, they learned the victim’s friend had transported the 18-year-old male to a local hospital. A short time later, officers were notified about an adult male brought into the hospital and suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release the deceased's identity after the victim has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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