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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.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section would like to give an update regarding the incident that occurred on November 16, 2018, in the area of South Uravan Street and East Kentucky Avenue.
Immediately after the mother tragically backed over her one year old son, she grabbed her child, placed him in the car, and called 911. The mother then began to drive to the nearest hospital all while still on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. At the direction of the 911 dispatcher, who had already started police and fire, directed the mother to pull into the parking lot of the Shell Gas Station at South Buckley Road and East Alameda Parkway. This is where she was met by officers and rescue personnel who began to administer aid to the young boy.
This incident appears to be a heartbreaking accident. Aurora Police Detectives will continue to investigate this thoroughly and determine if criminal charges are appropriate.
Lt. Jad Lanigan
Aurora Traffic Section
720-675-8915
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Information Previously Released on November 16, 2018
On November 16, 2018, at 10:10 A.M., Officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to the Shell Gas Station at South Buckley Road and East Alameda Parkway on reports of parent calling in about their child being struck by their vehicle. Investigation later revealed that this incident occurred in the area of South Uravan Street and East Kentucky Avenue.
Initial investigation confirmed that a parent was backing out of their driveway when a 12-month old child was struck by their vehicle causing serious injuries. The parent then drove to the Shell Gas Station where she was met by Aurora Police Officers. Officers performed life saving measures on the child until Aurora Fire Rescue arrived and transported the child to an area hospital.
We regret to inform you that the young child passed away from the injuries.
The incident is being investigated by our Aurora Police Traffic Section with the assistance from the Crimes Against Children Unit.
Inquiries or further information can be directed to:
Lt. Jad Lanigan
Aurora Traffic Section
303-739-6326
720-675-8915
The Aurora Police Department is announcing an arrest in the homicide that left one person dead on October 31, 2018 near North Billings Street and East Montview Boulevard.
A 15-year-old male was arrested last night on October 31, 2018 for the charge of First Degree Murder. The male’s identity and photograph cannot be released because of his status as a juvenile.
The criminal case remains open and to protect the integrity of that investigation, no further information is available at this time. The prosecution of the case is now in the hands of the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Further media inquiries should be referred to their office.
Sergeant Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information Previously Released on October 31, 2018
On October 31, 2018, at approximately 11:14 A.M., Aurora Police Department responded to the area of North Billings Street and East Montview Boulevard on a report of shots fired in the area. The reporting party was a deputy from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, who was in the area conducting an unrelated investigation. Assistance from the Aurora Police Department was immediately requested.
Officers quickly arrived and found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers administered lifesaving measures and the adult male victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased. The deceased victim will be identified at a later date by the Adams County Coroner’s Office, pending notification of next of kin.
For a short period of time, Sable Elementary was on a secure perimeter which has since been lifted. Residents in the area also received a reverse 911 call telling them to shelter in place while officers were continuing to search the area.
Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Detectives responded to the scene along with additional police resources. As part of the on-going investigation, detectives will work to determine what led up to the shooting. At this time, there are no suspects in custody. We are asking for the public’s assistance in solving this murder and gathering any information that witnesses may have. If you have information, you are asked to contact Detective Heath Graw at (303) 739-6213. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913- STOP (7867).
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
The Aurora Police Department is releasing the identity of a male suspect who was involved in an officer-involved shooting on September 5, 2018 in the 2200 block of North Fairplay Street. Martin Lobatos-Realzola (DOB 08/26/1971), pictured below, remains in stable condition and in police custody at an area hospital.
The case is in the hands of the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office and therefore the Aurora Police Department cannot comment any further on the matter. Please refer additional media inquiries to the 17th Judicial District.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on September 5, 2018
On September 5, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers with the Aurora Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team were in the 2200 block of North Fairplay Street in an attempt to make contact with a wanted suspect.
The SWAT team was assisting District Detectives in locating an adult male suspect who was wanted for domestic violence related criminal charges.
SWAT officers arrived in the area and contact was made with the wanted male suspect, who was armed. One officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. First aid was immediately rendered to the suspect by a SWAT Medic, and he was transported to a local hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
No officers were injured during this incident. The involved officer will be placed on administrative assignment with pay, per Aurora Police Department policy.
This incident is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Major Crimes Unit. We are also working with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office as we conduct a thorough investigation. The investigation into this incident is in its early stages and much work needs to be done to determine what circumstances led up to this officer-involved shooting. Officers involved in this incident were equipped with body worn cameras that were activated.
We are requesting anyone who was a witness to this incident to contact Detective Nick Huber at 303.739.6090
At the request of the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, we will not be releasing any further information.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On September 7, 2018, at approximately 8:08 p.m., Aurora Officers responded to a single vehicle rollover accident at I-70 and North Airport Road. Two occupants were transported to a local area hospital where the driver was later pronounced deceased.
The investigation has revealed that a black SUV was westbound on Interstate I-70 and was attempting to exit onto southbound Airport Boulevard. The SUV failed to navigate a turn and left the roadway, where it rolled at least one time.
This accident is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Traffic Section. It appears that speed and alcohol are both factors in this crash. The names of the involved individuals are not being released at this time.
Sergeant William Revelle
Traffic Section
303.739.6374
On September 6, 2018, at approximately 5:18 p.m., Aurora Officers from District 2 and the Aurora Traffic Section responded to a serious accident involving a sedan and a dump truck at the intersection of East 6th Avenue and North Picadilly Road. The driver of the sedan was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
The investigation revealed that a silver sedan was southbound on North Picadilly Street. The sedan came to a stop at a stop sign at the intersection, and then pulled in front of a dump truck that was westbound on East 6th Avenue.
The details of the collision are still under investigation and there are no immediate indications that speed or alcohol were factors in this crash. The names of the involved individuals are not being released at this time.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On July 26, 2018, the Aurora Police Department was made aware of allegations of abuse involving a juvenile female student and a teacher at Vista PEAK Preparatory School located at 24500 E 6th Avenue. Subsequently, a comprehensive investigation was conducted by the Aurora Police Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit and it was learned that an inappropriate sexual relationship existed between the student and the teacher. This investigation took a number of days to complete as detectives completed interviews, collected statements, etc.
During the investigation, the Aurora Police Department developed probable cause to arrest the teacher, Gabriel Alsina (DOB 07/07/1983), for Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust and Pattern of Abuse. Alsina was arrested this morning, August 7, 2018, at Vista PEAK Preparatory School prior to the start of school. Since the time that the incident was reported to the Aurora Police Department, Alsina has not had any contact with Students. Alsina has been employed as a teacher at Vista PEAK Preparatory School since July, 2013. The Aurora Police Department works in close partnership with the Aurora Public School District and they have cooperated fully with this investigation.
Due to the nature of this case and to protect the active criminal investigation, no further details will be released at this time. This case is now in the hands of the 18th Judicial District so further media inquiries should be directed to their office.
The Aurora Police Department cares greatly for the safety and wellbeing of Aurora’s student body. If any parents, students or teachers have information about this case or wish to report inappropriate behavior involving Alsina, please contact Aurora Police Dispatch (non-emergency line) immediately at (303) 627-3100.
Gabriel Alsina is pictured below:
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department is announcing an arrest in the hit and run accident that left one woman dead the evening of August 6th, 2018.
Henry Lawrence Wardwell Jr. (DOB 01/09/1970) was arrested for Vehicular Homicide, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death and various other lesser charges.
The investigation into this tragic incident remains open and is actively being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit. Media questions can be directed to the APD Traffic PIO at 720.675.8915, however there is no further information to release at this time.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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Information previously released on August 6th, 2018:
On August 6th, 2018 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officers of the Aurora Police Department, were made aware of a very dynamic and rapidly evolving situation involving multiple locations.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck pulling a camping trailer, backed into a sedan in the parking lot of a business located near the intersection of East Mississippi Avenue and South Chambers Road. The adult male driver of the pickup truck then left southbound on South Chambers Road and the sedan which was occupied by two adult females and one adult male followed the pickup truck, presumably trying to get the attention of the pickup driver.
The pickup driver turned west at the intersection of East Mexico Avenue and South Chambers Road and pulled over several hundred feet to the west of the intersection. At that time, the adult male from the sedan and his wife approached the driver of the pickup about the aforementioned accident.
Soon thereafter, the driver of the pickup began to make a U-Turn and in the process, the adult female was struck by the camping trailer and run over. Additionally she became trapped under the trailer for several blocks before being dislodged from the trailer.
Numerous witnesses called 911 to report what was occurring. Witnesses also followed the pickup truck and trailer and assisted Aurora Police Dispatch in directing police officers to the location of the vehicle. At approximately 5:43 p.m., officers were able to locate the pickup truck and trailer and subsequently take the driver into custody.
The adult female who was run over was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At this time we are not releasing the identities of the persons involved. It is still early in this very complicated investigation and anyone who may have additional details, is asked to contact Detective Casey Crowfoot at 303.739.6317
Additional updates to this release will be completed as necessary.
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Night Out with the Aurora Police Department and the rest of the country on Tuesday, August the 7th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal of the campaign is to make Aurora a safer place.
The Police Area Representative Team for District 2, which serves northeast Aurora has announced the District's plans for the evening. There will be a series of parties at several locations throughout the District and a caravan of Officers and vehicles will visit each location.
National Night Out party locations:
Landon Park Apartments, 100 S. Sable Blvd.
APD will be visiting from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Town Center of Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave.
APD will be visiting from 5:05 p.m. to 5:35 p.m.
The Preserve at City Center, 1098 S. Evanston Way.
APD will be visiting from 5:40 p.m. to 6:10 p.m.
Highland Point Apartments, 16893 E Arkansas Ave.
APD will be visiting from 6:15 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.
Murphy Creek, 23945 E Florida Ave.
APD will be on scene from 6:45 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Download an event flyer.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Last Friday, June 29, 2018, the Aurora Police Department released details reference an officer involved shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a gas station located 14401 East 6th Avenue at approximately 3 P.M.
The investigation has revealed new details that the Aurora Police Department wishes to provide to the public for the sake of continued transparency. Detectives still have evidence to review, thus this investigation is still considered to be open.
To date, this investigation has revealed the suspect was being sought for attempt murder in the first degree in regards to a shooting that occurred on June 28, 2018, in which an adult male was shot two times. On June 29, 2018, the male suspect was observed inside a Nissan sedan by Aurora Police Officers. A traffic stop on that car was initiated at approximately South Peoria Street and East Alameda Avenue. The car appeared to pull over near the Highline Ballfields located at 50 South Peoria Street.
The suspect then began to flee the traffic stop at a high rate of speed and was recklessly driving through the ball fields where youth softball teams were present and actively playing softball. At this point, the suspect was observed by an independent witness driving while also holding a handgun.
A pursuit was initiated northbound through the ball fields with lights and sirens activated. The pursuit lasted for several minutes and eventually ended in the parking lot of the gas station located at 14401 East 6th Avenue. A Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) was executed for the safety of the public to end the pursuit. Officers were able to block the suspects’ car in the parking lot. As the suspect was still seated inside the vehicle he produced a handgun and pointed it in the direction of officers. Three officers subsequently fired their weapons. Officers on scene immediately began rendering aid to the suspect to include CPR. Despite providing life saving measures to the suspect he later died at the scene. The suspect will be identified at a later time by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
All three officers who fired their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard protocol. Officers present on scene were equipped with and activated their body worn cameras. If further information becomes available for public release we will provide an update here.
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on June 29, 2018 at 5:33 PM
Yesterday, June 28, 2018 at approximately 3 P.M., officers responded to a local hospital after learning that an adult male victim was suffering from two gunshot wounds at that hospital. Officers investigated that shooting and learned that it occurred in the area of E. 14th Ave. and N. Chambers Rd. As a result of that investigation, detectives were able to positively identify an adult male suspect and subsequently established probable cause to arrest that suspect for attempted murder in relation to that incident.
Then today on June 29, 2018 just after noon, investigators located that suspect who was wanted in connection with the aforementioned shooting. The male was traveling in a Nissan sedan when he was located. Officers attempted to stop this male, who was considered to be armed and dangerous, and the male eluded police in the vehicle. A pursuit was initiated near North Peoria Street and East 1st Avenue. The pursuit lasted for several minutes and eventually ended in the parking lot of a gas station located at 14401 East 6th Avenue. As the pursuit ended, shots were fired by officers. A weapon not belonging to officers was recovered at the scene.
After shots were fired, officers pulled the lone suspect from the vehicle and began administering live saving measures. Despite the life-saving efforts, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. That subject will be identified at a later time by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
This incident is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department Major Crimes Unit. The investigation into this incident is still in its early stages and much work needs to be done in order to determine what circumstances lead up to the officer-involved shooting. The number of officers who fired their weapons is not being released at this time. Detectives will also review available body camera footage at a part of the investigation.
If any member of the public was witness to the officer involved shooting or the shooting that occurred on June 28, 2018, you are asked to contact Detective Todd Fredericksen at (303) 739-6106.
More information will be made available to the public in the following days.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relation Unit
(720) 432-5095
On January 3, 2018, Erik Leon Baker was found shot to death near East 26th Avenue and North Himalaya Road. Since then, Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Detectives have worked towards finding the persons who are responsible for killing Erik. The Aurora Police Department is pleased to announce that the perseverance of our Detectives has led to the arrest of three individuals connected with this murder.
The following individuals have been arrested for the listed charges respectively: Barbara Walker (DOB 09/22/1988)- Accessory to First Degree Murder; Raymond Walker Sr. (DOB 01/09/1954)- Accessory to First Degree Murder; and William Ardoin (DOB 05/24/1984)- First Degree Murder (and various other lesser charges). Photos of the persons arrested are below.
In order to protect the integrity of the prosecution of the case, the Aurora Police Department is unable to provide any further details at this time. Further media inquiries will be referred to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
 
Barbara Walker (DOB 09/22/1988) Raymond Walker Sr. (DOB 01/09/1954)
William Ardoin (DOB 05/24/1984)
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on January 3, 2018
On January 3, 2018 at approximately 12:41 P.M. Aurora Police responded to E. 26th Ave. and N. Himalaya Rd. after a deceased body was located by a passerby. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased adult male in a ditch who was suffering from apparent trauma.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is actively investigating this incident. The identity of the victim will be released by the Adams Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victim and the notification of next of kin.
The investigation is active and in its early stages. There is currently no additional information available for release at this time. The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Nick Huber with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6090. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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