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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.
Chief Metz has released the following statement today, December 3, 2018, in regards to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 30, 2018 at 10609 East Montview Boulevard:
"On July 30, 2018, Aurora Police officers were involved in a tragic incident where Richard “Gary” Black was shot by police. Officers responded to reports of an intruder attacking a child. The officers approached Mr. Black’s home upon hearing shots fired from inside. Officers then saw a man with a gun and a flashlight in hand. For reasons unknown to those officers, the man did not respond to commands to drop the weapon and an officer shot him. At the time, the officers did not know the man was Mr. Black and he had just shot the intruder who was viciously attacking his grandson.
The case was referred to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office, who issued a “declination” letter earlier today, which can be found here. The District Attorney has determined the evidence in this case does not support the filing of any criminal charges against the officer in discharging his weapon in the fatal shooting.
We understand the public’s interest in this tragic case. The Department weighs this along with its responsibility to protect the child victim, as well as the family’s privacy interests. In consult with the family, we are sharing a mutually-agreeable portion of the involved officer’s body-worn-camera in this chaotic incident.
The officer who shot Mr. Black currently remains in a non-enforcement role. With the release of the DA’s declination letter, an internal investigation will begin.
This was a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mr. Black’s family and those involved."
Information previously released on August 2, 2018
UPDATE: On Thursday August 2, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Aurora Police Department Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with the 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman and the18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler to address updates that can be released.
Chief Metz opened with a heartfelt statement, and acknowledged Mr. Richard “Gary” Black’s distinguished life such as being a Vietnam War Veteran, a purple heart recipient, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Mr. Black’s family attended a private viewing of the body worn camera footage and listened to Mrs. Black’s 911 call with members of the Aurora Police Department Command Staff. As a result of this, the family made a public statement requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release Mrs. Black's 911 call. They wished to be allowed to grieve, and did not want Mr. Black’s life to be remembered in this way.
The 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman spoke to their stance on requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release the body warn camera at this time.
A copy of all 911 calls, with the exception of Mrs. Blacks, a copy of our Officer-Involved-Shooting Directive, the International Associated of Chiefs of Police guidelines on Officer-Involved-Shootings, the statement from the Black family, and the entire video of this press conference will be uploaded onto your YouTube channel and/or at the below links:
Statement from the Black Family
Aurora Police Department Officer Involved Shooting Directive
IACP Officer Involved Shooting Guidelines
Statement Regarding Psychological Services After OIS Events
911 and Police Radio Traffic Recordings
Press Conference Packet
Aurora Police Department Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
[email protected]
Information previously released on July 30th, 2018:
On July 30, 2018, at approximately 1:29 a.m., the Aurora Public Safety Dispatch Center (PSDC) received multiple 911 calls advising there was a disturbance in the area of North Iola Street and East Montview Boulevard.
The PSDC received another 911 call from an adult female at 10609 East Montview Boulevard advising an adult male intruder was breaking into her home.
Aurora Police Officers arrived to a very chaotic and violent scene at 10609 East Montview Boulevard. While on scene officers heard gunshots fired from inside the home, and encountered an armed adult male. An officer discharged his firearm striking the armed male who was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The officers then cleared the home to ensure the scene was safe. Inside, officers found an injured juvenile and the deceased adult male intruder on the bathroom floor. The injured juvenile was later transported to a local hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, caused by the deceased intruder.
Further investigation revealed the armed male encountered by the officer was a resident of the home. Our preliminary investigation has revealed the deceased intruder on the bathroom floor was fatally shot by the armed adult male resident.
The names of the decedents will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The involved officer has been placed on administrative reassignment with pay as per Aurora Police Department Policy.
The investigation into this incident is being handled by the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 15-219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer involved shootings. We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the officer-involved shooting to contact Detective Randy Hansen at 303.739.6710
We are working jointly with the Denver Police Department and the 17th Judicial District to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. However, at the request of the 17th Judicial District, we cannot provide any additional details at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, and all who are involved. We anticipate a more detailed press conference later this week once all officers involved have been interviewed.
This is a very heartbreaking and tragic situation for everyone involved. We are providing assistance through our victim advocates to help the family of the deceased resident through this very difficult time.
Chief Nick Metz
Aurora Police Department
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On Thursday October 11, 2018 at approximately 5:15 p.m. Aurora Police officers responded to the 12000 block of East Exposition Avenue on a report of an attempted child abduction which just occurred.
Upon arrival, officers learned an 11 year-old female was walking alone eastbound on East Exposition Avenue from South Nome Street. A white male suspect, who was walking westbound on East Exposition Avenue, grabbed her and placed his hand over her mouth. The female fought off the suspect by screaming and biting his hand. This caused the suspect to release her, and he fled on foot westbound from East Exposition Avenue.
A White or Hispanic male driving a black older model four-door sedan was traveling eastbound on East Exposition Avenue and may have witnessed the attempted abduction. It is important to note this person is only a witness, not a suspect. We are asking for that person(s) to please contact the Aurora Police Department at 303-627-3100 .
Officers immediately began searching the area for the suspect, and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses. A resident in the area had a surveillance system which captured the suspect running. It did not capture the attempted abduction.
The suspect was described by the victim as a white male, thin build, approximately 39 years of age, wearing sunglasses, with hair under his chin and approximately 6’4” tall. The suspect was wearing a black or blue hooded jacket, blue jeans, a backpack and black and white shoes.
On Friday October 12, 2018 Aurora Police officers and detectives arrested the adult male suspect in his 30’s, at approximately 3:49 p.m. The suspect is a stranger to the victim.
The suspect will be charged with the following crimes:
• 18-3-404 Second Degree Unlawful Sexual Contact-Criminal Attempt, Class 5 Felony
• 18-3-302 Second Degree Kidnapping-Criminal Attempt, Class 5 Felony
The suspect is not eligible for bond, and this case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office after those charges are accepted.
At this time the Aurora Police Department will not be releasing the suspects name or booking photo so that we do not compromise the active and ongoing investigation.
The Aurora Police Department continues to ask for the public’s help by sending all tips, and video surveillance to [email protected]. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
If you have were involved in an unreported similar incident please call your local police department to make a police report.
Please see the below quote from Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz:
“Once our agency was made aware of the attempt abduction Patrol, Detectives, our Public Information Officers, CSI, and others worked tirelessly and collaboratively to solve this case as quickly as possible. A very alert patrol officer spotted the subject earlier today based on a description provided to her. The subject was detained and questioned by detectives. It was determined enough information had come together to place the suspect under arrest for the attempt abduction of an 11-year-old girl. I could not be more proud of the incredible work and tenacious investigation that went into taking this individual off the street. The Aurora community is blessed to have officers and technicians committed to keeping our community safe. I also want to give a very special shout out to the young lady who was attacked. She fought hard for her safety and stayed aware of her surroundings in order to provide valuable information to officers and detectives.”
Aurora Police investigators are still seeking information related to the homicide that occurred on September 28, 2016 at approximately 8:09 p.m. at 2072 North Iola Street.
Tragically on this date Miguel Freyre-Vieweg DOB 9/27/94 was gunned down. Despite all investigative efforts, and following up on all leads, this homicide remains unsolved.
Denver Metro Crime Stoppers is offering an increased reward up to $4,000.00 by calling 720-913-STOP. The Aurora Reward fund is also offering a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Agent Randy Hansen with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6710. By calling Denver Metro Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward.
No piece of information is considered insignificant, and detectives need help from the community to bring justice to this family.
The total amount of the rewards being offered is up to $6,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.
Previously released on September 28, 2016:
On Wednesday September 28th, 2016 around 8:09 p.m. officers responded to 2072 North Iola Street in the Boston Heights neighborhood on a report of an injury with a weapon call.
Upon officers arrival they located an adult male who was identified as Miguel Freyre-Vieweg DOB 9/27/94 with injuries to his head. Officers were unable to confirm the cause of his injuries at that time. Miguel was transported to a local hospital where further examination revealed Miguel had been shot in the head. Miguel succumbed to his injuries three days later on Saturday October 1, 2016.
Detectives and investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit have taken over the investigation and are asking for your help in identifying who is responsible for Miguel's murder. Miguel was a father and a husband. The attached photo if of Miguel and was provided by his family.
The Aurora Police Department Police is asking anyone with information about this case call Agent Randy Hansen at 303-739-6710 or tipsters can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain
anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
Desk: (303) 739-6038
On-Call PIO: (720) 432-5095
DATE: 09-25-18
CONTACT: Lieutenant Jad Lanigan, Traffic Section Commander, 303-739-6326
NATURE: Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint- Saturday, September 29th, 2018
Aurora, Colorado- The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, September 29th, 2018. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat drunk drivers and reduce alcohol related traffic accidents and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the DUI Checkpoint Colorado program. This checkpoint will be located on Peoria St.
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 Section Commander, Lt. Jad Lanigan, with any questions.
On September 17th, 2018, around 3:30 P.M., the Aurora Police Department was notified of a missing juvenile. Officers arrived in the 1900 block of North Elmira Street and began to gather information about a 10-year-old, Daniela Ruano-Morales, who had run away. Daniela is a Hispanic female, 4'10" tall, 65 lbs., and has brown hair and brown eyes. Daniela was last seen by her mother around 10:00 A.M. that morning.
Due to the age of Daniela, and the duration in which she had been missing, the Aurora Police Department reached out to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI). After consultation, they decided to issue an Endangered Missing Alert. Because there was no information that Daniela had been abducted, this incident did not meet the requirements to issue an Amber Alert.
Aurora Police Officers worked throughout the night knocking on doors and checking the area for Daniela but were not able to locate her.
We reached out to our neighboring agencies and received help from the following agencies: K-9 Jessie and Deputy K. Foster from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 Dax and Ranger J. Heibert from Boulder County Parks and Open Space, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, the FBI Denver Field Office, Aurora Fire Rescue and the Denver Police Department. Many others came to assist and were instrumental in our efforts.
Multiple Federal Agents, Officers, and Detectives began to canvas the area where Daniela was last known to be, where they conducted interviews, and gathered information.
Around 12:10 P.M., Officers were notified that Daniela had been found in the Hoffman Heights Neighborhood near East 6th Avenue and North Peoria Street. Daniela was found in the area by a distant relative. Officers responded and were able to locate Daniela safe.
This is still an active and open investigation. Officers are still trying to determine how Daniela got to the Hoffman Heights area. We do not believe that there is any danger to the community at this time.
Finally, we thank the thousands of members of our public who provided tips and information on the whereabouts of Daniela. Our partnership with our community is instrumental in investigating cases such as these.
Officer Matt Wells-Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
On August 31, 2018, a tragic shooting took place in the 1900 block of North Peoria Street that left two dead, one juvenile victim shot and one Aurora Police Officer shot. The Aurora Police Department is identifying Demarcus Brown-Jones (DOB 03/14/1990) as the suspect involved in that incident. Brown-Jones, who is 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 Attorney's Office.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on September 1, 2018
UPDATE:
The Aurora Police Department continues to investigate this shooting and anyone who has information about this incident is requested to contact Detective Matthew Ingui at 303.739.6067
Our officer is continuing to recover at home. The suspect is still receiving medical treatment at a local area hospital.
At the request of the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, we will not be releasing any additional information regarding the investigation.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on September 1, 2018
The officer who was shot in the vest last night has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Two male victims and one juvenile victim were transported to local hospitals. Both male victims sadly succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the hospital. The juvenile victim and the suspect are both receiving treatment at local area hospitals.
The names of the decedents will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Victims Services Unit is providing services to those affected by this tragic event.
A comprehensive investigation into this incident is continuing and we are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact Detective Matthew Ingui at 303.739.6067
No new updates are expected today.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on August 31, 2018
On August 31, 2018, at approximately 5:17 p.m., officers with the Aurora Police Department responded to a reported physical dispute in the 1900 block of Peoria Street.
While conducting an investigation, shots were heard coming from the 1900 block of the Peoria Street/Paris Street alley. Officers responded to the area where shots were coming from and located multiple people lying on the ground. One of the individuals was a juvenile and all were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
An officer then confronted an armed suspect and gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer and suspect being shot.
The officer, suspect, and others were all transported to local hospitals for treatment. The officer is in good condition and was wearing a bullet resistant vest which saved the officer from sustaining a life threatening injury.
The investigation into this incident is being handled by the Aurora Police Department's Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 15-219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer-involved shootings. We are also working with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office as we conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The involved officer has been placed on administrative assignment with pay per Aurora Police Department policy.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to this incident to contact Detective Matthew Ingui at 303.739.6067
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On the afternoon of September 2, 2018, at approximately 1:38 p.m., officers with the Aurora Police Department responded to the area of East Alameda Avenue and South Potomac Street on the report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers were able to determine that the shooting had occurred outside of a nearby 7-11, located at 13690 East Alameda Avenue. Officers responded to a local hospital after learning that several victims had made their way to the hospital for treatment of apparent gunshot wounds. One of the victims has been pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/ Homicide Unit has taken over this criminal investigation. Detectives are working tirelessly to identify who is responsible for the shooting. We are asking members of the public to come forward with any information pertaining to this incident. Members of the public should report any known information to Detective Chad Lampson at (303) 739-6013. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
The deceased victim will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office at a later date, pending the notification of next of kin. There is no further information available for public release at this time.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
UPDATE: On Monday, August 20, 2018, a large amount of blood was found next to a dumpster in the west alley of an Apartment Complex located at 142 Del Mar Circle.
The Aurora Police Department continues to aggressively investigate this incident. Information gathered during this investigation and through the use of specially trained K9s led us to an area inside the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS). On Saturday, August 25, 2018, a thorough search at DADS was conducted to uncover any information about the source of the blood. An area the size of approximately one acre was searched for almost twelve hours which resulted in no new information about this incident.
An analysis of the blood was conducted and after testing, was determined to be human. Further testing of the blood resulted in a DNA match with Eric Todd Ewing, who was subsequently reported as a missing person by the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit.
Ewing, who is pictured below, is a black male who is 43 years old. He is 6’9”, 225 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Ewing is homeless and frequents the area around East 6th Avenue and Peoria Street and the area of East Colfax Avenue and Florence Street.
The circumstances surrounding Ewing’s disappearance are not known at this time. If you see Ewing, please contact our dispatch center at 303.627.3100. If you have information about the whereabouts of Ewing, please contact Detective Sergeant Stephen Jokerst at 303.739.6092
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6616
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on August 21, 2018
On August 20, 2018, at approximately 9:00 a.m., officers with the Aurora Police Department responded to a suspicious occurrence at the Del Mar Apartments, located at 142 Del Mar Circle.
Officers arrived on scene and located a large amount of blood in the west-side alley of the apartment complex. The blood was found close to the dumpsters and, after testing, was determined to be human.
The Aurora Police Department is asking members of the public to contact our tip line if they have a friend, family member, associate or co-worker who lives in the area of Del Mar Circle who they have been unable to get in contact with. In addition, we are also asking anyone with information about this incident to call our tip line at 303.739.6400
Map of the Del Mar Circle Area
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6038
On August 13th, 2018 at approximately 7:29 a.m. Aurora Police officers responded to a report of a suspicious occurrence at 12041 E Harvard Ave.
Officers arrived on scene and located an unresponsive male inside the home. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Aurora Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the location and are actively investigating this incident as a homicide. The investigation is still in its early stages and there is no additional information for release at this time.
The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Heath Graw with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6213, or call our tip line at (303) 739-6400. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6022
Residents of Aurora are invited to celebrate 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 Teams for District 1, which serves West Aurora (areas west of I-225) will be hosting two community gatherings to celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Night Out.
North Event
Moorehead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
South Event
Utah Park, 1800 S. Peoria St.
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Download an event flyer.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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