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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.
UPDATE: The second day of the event being held on Friday, April 27 has been cancelled due to the closure of all Aurora Public Schools. The video will be presented to Junior and Seniors in their classrooms next week.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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Information Previously Released on April 22, 2018
Local Organizations Host “Every 15 Minutes” Program at Rangeview High School
Two-day simulation to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving
WHO: Aurora Police Department (PIO: Kenneth Forrest 720-432-5095)
Aurora Public Schools, Rangeview High School (PIO: Corey Christiansen 303-326-2755)
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center (PIO: Michael Bryant 303-739-7181)
Medical Center of Aurora (PIO: Laura Stephens 303-873-5699)
Aurora Fire Rescue (PIO: Tony Krenz 720-477-0315)
Falck Ambulance
Arapahoe County Coroner
Health One Air Life
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: Thursday, April 26
(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 Rangeview High School to host the “Every 15 Minutes” program in Aurora Colorado. The event brings together community leaders including the City of Aurora, Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora Fire Rescue, City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center, Arapahoe County Coroner, Health One Air Life and Falck Ambulance to take a proactive step in educating local high school students about making mature decisions when alcohol and drugs are involved.
Additional Information and Media Opportunity:
Media is welcome to attend the crash scene that will be simulated on April 26 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 patrol cars, fire trucks, ambulances and a helicopter).
Interviews will be provided to media before or after the crash scene on April 26. 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 Friday, April 27 at 8 a.m. at Rangeview High School. Students, parents and teachers will gather to watch the video that was created on April 26, and there will be speakers including members of the Aurora Police Department and Faculty and Staff of Rangeview High School
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On February 12, 2018, the Aurora Police Department held a press conference to update the public and media on the officer involved shooting that occurred on February 10, 2018. Below is a summary of the details given at the press conference. For more details and to view the press conference Click Here .
The investigation has revealed that the incident began on February 9th (the night before the shooting) at 9: 13 p.m. with a reported felony menacing at I225 and East Mississippi Avenue. In this incident, the subject pointed a handgun at the reporting party. The reporting party described an armed individual and a suspect vehicle. The officers that responded were unable to locate the armed subject or vehicle and a report was taken.
On February 10th, at 11:27 p.m. the same officers who had taken the report of the felony menacing from the day before were in the area of East Smoky Hill Road and South Chambers Road when they observed the suspect vehicle from the felony menacing. Officers initiated a traffic stop at which time the driver, who fit the description from the felony menacing, exited the vehicle and advanced towards the officers. The subject refused the verbal orders given by the officers. As officers continued to give orders the subject began returning to the vehicle ignoring the officers' commands. As an officer attempted to go hands on with the subject, the subject produced a handgun and the officer discharged their duty weapon striking the subject.
The identity of the subject will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the his positive identification and the notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information to this incident is asked to contact Detective Todd Fredericksen at 303.739.6106.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-.432.5095
Information Previously Released on February 12, 2018
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department
WHEN: Monday February 12, 2018, 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
Information previous released on February 11, 2018
On February 10, 2018 at approximately 11:28 pm officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of East Smoky Hill Road and South Mobile Way. Officers at the scene contacted an adult male subject in the vehicle. A short time later, an officer fired his weapon at the subject. Officers on scene immediately rendered aid to the subject who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A weapon was located in the subjects vehicle.
There were no injuries to the officers involved.
Detectives and investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation into this case. This is an active an ongoing investigation.
As is standard with the occurrence of an officer-involved shooting, the Officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Anyone with information to this incident is asked to contact Detective Todd Fredericksen at 303.739.6106.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-.432.5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit announces the arrest of Nickolas Khalil Vinson (Date of Birth 08/17/1998) in connection with the homicide that occurred on December 14, 2017 in the in the 2700 block of South Rifle St. Due to the on-going criminal investigation, a mug shot of Vinson will not be provided at this time.
There are no other updates in this case, which is expected to be filed with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office. All further media inquires should be directed to their office.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
Information previously released December 14, 2017:
On December 14th, 2017, at approximately 6:56 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a report of a party stabbed in the 2700 block of South Rifle St. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The male was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
A short time later, the suspect was contacted and placed into police custody. The identity of the suspect is not being released.
The victim’s identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once the victim has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
There is no further information to release at this time.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6616
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 Mr. Oakey Kite’s Homicide investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest. An 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 person of interest’s predicted and actual appearance.
On May 24th, 2004 Officers found the body of Oakey Kite in the basement of his town home at 2002 South Helena Street. Mr. Kite had failed to report to work which prompted co-workers to call the police for a welfare check. Mr. Kite had been bound, tortured, and killed with his own kitchen knives. The suspect cleaned the crime scene after the homicide and removed items of evidence from the scene. The investigation revealed that Mr. Kite had recently placed an ad in the paper and on the internet for a roommate. This ad was answered by the suspect, who used the name Robert Cooper. The information Robert Cooper gave the victim was false. After the murder, Mr. Kite’s credit card were used at nearby Wells Fargo ATM. The suspect was photographed at the ATM machine wearing a mask and gloves in the victim’s vehicle. The victim’s vehicle was returned near the victim’s residence.
If you or someone you know can provide information on this unresolved homicide investigation, you are encouraged to contact Agent Thomas Sobieski at (303) 739-6103, e-mail [email protected].
Acting Sergeant Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Aurora Police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead in Southeast Aurora early this morning.
At approximately 3:30a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a disturbance at the Cambrian Apartments. In the parking lot of 15651 East Caspian Circle, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital were he later died from his injury. Police have no suspect information to release at this time and are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this homicide.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Agent Heath Graw with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6213 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster may remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Acting Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Approximately 6 months ago on the early morning of February 18, 2017, a man was murdered in the 4000 block of S. Crystal Cir. in Aurora. Kelly Acosta, a 29 year old man, was fatally shot while he was intervening in a robbery as a Good Samaritan.
Detectives of Aurora's Major Crimes Unit have investigated every possible lead in the case and continue to work diligently towards justice for Acosta and his family. The case remains unsolved and there are still many questions that remain unanswered. It is believed that there is somebody out there who has information about Acosta's killer. Detectives and Acosta's family are pleading with the public to please come forward with any information that they might have in regards to this case.
Prior to today, there was a total of up to $27,000 in reward money available to anybody who has information leading to the arrest of Acosta's killer. As of today, that reward total has been increased to $40,000.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is offering a reward for up to $10,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide. This reward is being offered through a partnership with ATF and the Aurora Police Department under the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) initiative.
The following organizations are offering additional reward amounts:
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000.
The Aurora Police Department Reward fund is offering a reward of $7,000.00.
Memorial Fund (established by friends and family of the victim) is offering a reward of $21,000.
We are asking anyone who might have witnessed or have information about this murder to call Sergeant Matt Fyles with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6041. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Information previously released on March 7, 2017
The Aurora Police Department needs the assistance of the public with solving a murder that occurred in the early morning hours of February 18, 2017 in the 4000 block of S. Crystal Cir. The deceased victim in this case was intervening in an assault as a good Samaritan and was killed for his efforts. At this time, there is no further information available to release. This case is unsolved and the investigation remains very active.
We are asking anyone who might have witnessed or have information about the homicide to call Agent Jamie Krieger with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6113. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is offering a reward for up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide. This reward is being offered through a partnership with ATF and the Aurora Police Department under the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) initiative.
The following organizations are offering additional reward amounts:
The Aurora Police Department Reward fund is offering a reward of $5,000.00.
Memorial Fund (established by friends and family of the victim) is offering a reward of $15,000.
The total amount of rewards being offered is $27,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for this crime.
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Information previously released on February 18, 2017
On Saturday February 18, 2017 at approximately 04:25 a.m. Officers responded to a parking lot in the 4000 block of S. Crystal Cir. on the report of parties fighting at this location with shots fired.
Upon arrival, Officers located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
This is still an active and on-going investigation and there are no further details to provide at this time. The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is handling the investigation into this matter. At this time there is no suspect information available for release. The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victim and notification of his next of kin.
The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Sergeant Matt Fyles with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6041. 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 Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate National Night Out (NNO) with the Aurora Police Department and the rest of the country on Tuesday, August the 1st. NNO 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 3, which serves the Southeast area of Aurora has announced the District's plans for the evening. A caravan of police officers and department vehicles will be traveling to and visiting NNO events throughout the District. Below is a list of their scheduled stops.
4:00p.m. Target Store at 16190 East Quincy Ave.
5:40p.m. Eastern Hills Community Church, 25511 E. Smoky Hill Rd.
Sagebrush Park, 4744 S. Evanston Way.
6:15p.m. Summit Park Townhomes, 4245 S. Fraser St.
Frontier Elementary School, 3200 S. Jericho Way.
6;55p.m. Mission Viejo Park, 3999 S. Mission Pkwy.
Lake Shore, S. Zeno St. & E. Wesley Pl.
7:25p.m. Tierra Park, 14793 E. Asbury Ave.
Peace with Christ Church, 3290 S. Tower Rd.
Officers will spend about 30 minutes at each event. Times are subject to change.
For more information call 303.627.3172
Download an event flyer.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
DATE: 07-18-2017
CONTACT: Traffic Officer Kevin Deichsel, 303-739-6373
NATURE: Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint- Friday July 21st, 2017
Aurora, Colorado- The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday July 21st, 2017 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat impaired drivers and reduce alcohol and drug related traffic collisions and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the DUI Checkpoint Colorado program, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend continuing through Labor Day weekend. The checkpoint will be in the area of E. Hampden Ave. and S. Tower 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 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.
Please contact Traffic Officer Kevin Deichsel with any questions.
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UPDATE: Aurora Police are releasing the identity of the suspect arrested in connection with this homicide. Phillip K. Wilson (Date of birth 10/20/82) was arrested for:
- 1st Degree Murder
- Misdemeanor Assault
- Misdemeanor Battery
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on June 19, 2017:
Early this evening at around 5:30p.m. the Aurora Police Public Safety Communications Center received a report of a party shot at 1948 South Ouray Street in South Central Aurora.
Upon arrival at that location Officers located an adult male in the driveway suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officers at the scene were able to get a good description of the shooter and located him a short distance from the scene on an RTD bus. He was taken into custody without incident. Investigators are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and the next of kin have been notified. The name of the suspect is not being released at this time.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Agent Warren Miller with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6117.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432-5095
On Sunday May 14, 2017 at approximately 1:13 a.m. officers responded to 16100 block of Brunswick Drive on report of a fight at a house party.
Upon arrival officers observed people fleeing the house on foot and in vehicles. Officers on scene were unable to locate any victims. As officers continued the investigation at the scene they received information that two adult males were being treated at a local hospital for stab wound injuries. The two males are believed to be involved in the altercation at Brunswick Drive. Despite medical efforts one of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second victim is expected to survive.
Detectives from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating this homicide to determine what events lead up to this deadly fight.
Police are not releasing the name of the victim who was killed, that will be done by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he is positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
If anyone has information about this case they are asked to call 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 Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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