Aurora Police News
Our blog has MOVED. Please go to: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/APD_news.

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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer. 

Public Information Officer Staff:

Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer 

To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].

Colorado Criminal Justice Records (CCJRA) can be obtained by completing an electronic request using our new NextRequest Portal.    

Stay connected and informed by signing up for blog e-mail alerts and by following us on our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, InstagramYouTube and Nextdoor.

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. 


Recent Posts
(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
Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 24, 2022 at 5:47 PM
  

On December 17th, 2018, Officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to 10653 East Jewell Avenue after a woman called 911 saying that there was a verbal and physical domestic fight occurring inside of the apartment.

Officers arrived on scene approximately 7 minutes later and as they approached the apartment, could hear yelling and screaming. As officers approached the door, they could see a male actively choking another male. Officers began to give verbal commands during this loud and very chaotic scene. One of the involved males then turns his attention officers and begins to advance on them. This male is later identified as Mr. David Baker.

Two different officers deployed their Tasers but neither had any effect. After the 2 unsuccessful Taser attempts, Mr. Baker pushes an officer out of the apartment and continues to fight. After some baton strikes that prove to be ineffective, the fight makes its way outside. Once outside, officers attempt to go hands on with Mr. Baker who instead throws an officer to the ground, injuring them. Mr. Baker continues to advance on the officers and ends up grabbing an officer’s baton and attempts to take it away.

At one point, an officer is in a position to apply a carotid control hold. While attempting to apply the carotid control hold, Mr. Baker is able to turn himself around and then places his hands around an officer’s neck and begins to choke him for several seconds. Other officers notice that the officer is being choked, attempt to drive-stun Mr. Baker as well as deliver baton strikes to his legs, all of which had no effect.

After finally letting go of our officers throat, Mr. Baker turns and begins to walk towards the open apartment door. Someone on the inside of the apartment notices this and quickly closes the door. Mrs. Baker is left outside pleading to her husband to please stop.

An officer attempts to de-escalate the situation by putting away his baton and going hands on instead. While trying to gain control of Mr. Bakers arm and take him to the ground, Mr. Baker is able to fight through and continues to fight officers. Officers then begin to punch, kick, and use their Taser to drive-stun Mr. Baker in an attempt to place him into custody. During all of this, Mrs. Baker, as well as a neighbor who has heard the yelling and screaming, are now both pleading to Mr. Baker to stop fighting.

Mr. Baker is finally taken to the ground but continues to kick and fight with officers as they attempt to take him into custody. Now over 6 minutes into the fight, the first backup officers arrive on scene. Mr. Baker is laying on his arms preventing officers from placing into handcuffs. An officer has to use his baton as a pry tool to get one of his arms free in order to successfully handcuff him. Once officers finally get his second arm free, it takes 4 pairs of handcuffs, linked together, to properly restrain Mr. Baker.

Feeling that Mr. Baker is still kicking, officers mention the use of hobbles. Officers prepare to apply a hobble, which consists of a separate waist chain and feet restraints. At NO time during a hobble do the hands ever get attached to the feet as they would in a hogtie. Also, while officers only mentioned applying hobbles, neither the separate waist chain nor the feet restraints were ever successfully applied.

As officers continue to effectively gain complete control of Mr. Baker, an officer recognizes that he may be unconscious. Officers request for Rescue to respond to the scene, who were already staged around the corner. Officers begin to check vital signs and it appears that Mr. Baker is not breathing although another officer can feel a pulse. Rescue was walked into scene where they took over the medical measures. Mr. Baker was transported to the hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Members of the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and requested the assistance from the Denver Police Department to complete a thorough and comprehensive investigation. They were also assisted by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.

The facts of the case were then presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office who ultimately concluded that no member of the Aurora Police Department violated any Colorado statute with respect to the events that occurred at 10653 E. Jewell on December 17, 2018.

This incident is now being reviewed by our Force Review board to determine if there were any policy violations.

Click the YouTube link below to watch the body worn camera video release.



Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Information previously released December 18, 2018.


On December 17, 2018 officers responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in the
10600 block of East Jewell Avenue, where one man ultimately died in the presence of Aurora Police Officers.


During a press conference on December 18, 2018, Chief Metz spoke about his experience in viewing body-worn camera videos that were captured by his officers. In part, the information that Chief Metz released is as follows:

As Officers approached a chaotic family disturbance, they heard screaming and ran to the apartment where the commotion was coming from. When they arrived, a man was choking an adult male in the living room where several small children were also present.

Officers immediately drew their tasers and pointed them at the man while giving multiple commands. The man turned on the officers and there was at least one taser deployment at this time which was ineffective.

A physical struggle started inside the apartment and then moved outside with the man and the officers. The man knocked the officers to the ground and at one point the man grabbed an officer’s baton and attempted to grab a taser.

Officers ordered the man to stop fighting, stop resisting, and to get on the ground repeatedly. In several instances officers appeared to gain control of the man, but he would start to fight again. Chief Metz remarked that he could hear family members and neighbors pleading with the man to stop fighting with police.

During this violent episode, the officers initiated a city-wide ‘help call’ and it took several minutes for more officers to arrive. By the time other officers arrived to assist, the three officers had been engaged in a violent fight for at least seven long minutes.
In the press conference, Chief Metz stated that in his 35-year law enforcement career this is one of the most violent altercations he had ever seen.

The man was finally taken to the ground & after a physical struggle on the ground, he was placed into handcuffs. Officers recognized that the male became unresponsive and initiated lifesaving efforts. Aurora Fire Rescue arrived to render aid and the subject was transported to an area hospital where he was declared deceased.

Chief Metz noted that there are limitations to what can be released at this time, pending a completed investigation by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office. That investigation will shed light as to the manner and cause of death.

The three initial responding Aurora Police Officers were described as follows: One male officer employed since June, 2017; one female lateral officer employed since February, 2016; one female officer employed since June, 2017. The suspect was described as an African American male, 5’8”, weighing 237 lbs.

No immediate updates are anticipated at this time, pending the completion of the Arapahoe County Coroner’s report.

The full press conference can be viewed here:



Office Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095


 

Information previously released on December 17, 2018

On December 17, 2018, about 6:15 PM Aurora Police Officers responded to a call of a physical family disturbance in the 10600 block of East Jewell Avenue at the Willowick Apartments.

When officers arrived they encountered a male in the apartment who was violently attacking family members. Because of the very violent actions the officers made a citywide ‘help call’ for additional assistance. Numerous officers responded from around the city to assist officers who were on-scene and involved with the violent male.

After the male was taken into custody, he became unresponsive. Officers administered life-saving efforts until medical personnel arrived. The male was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased. Two officers were also transported to area hospitals where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The identity of the deceased male, along with the cause and manner of death, will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office at a later time.

The involved officers have been placed on administrative reassignment with pay as per Aurora Police Department Policy.
This case is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department Homicide Unit per our standard protocol.

The Aurora Police Department will provide additional details as they become available. We remind the public that this investigation is in its early stages and maintaining integrity of the investigation is a top priority.

Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 24, 2019 at 9:38 PM
  

Today the Aurora Police Department was notified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office that the body that was discovered in the Olympic Park Pond has been positively identified as David Puckett. No traumatic injuries were found during the autopsy. Further investigation and studies need to be completed before the Coroner can determine a cause and manner of death. 

The Aurora Police Crimes Against Children Unit is still actively investigating this incident to determine the circumstance surrounding David’s death.

Arapahoe County Coroner's Office News Release.

Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095


Information previously released on January 3rd, 2017:

On Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 at 11:10 p.m. the Aurora Police Department conducted the first and final press briefing of the day on the grounds of the Yale Elementary School located at 16001 East Yale Avenue. The following information was shared:

Over 150 law enforcement personnel have assisted with the search in finding David over the past few days such as the FBI, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, NCMECArapahoe Rescue Patrol, Aurora Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team and the Search and Rescue Dogs of the United States  (SARDUS) . Additionally, over 200 citizens from our community and beyond volunteered in our search effort. 

Jefferson County Sheriff Bloodhound "Jessie" was on the ground searching by 8:00 p.m. on the night David went missing. NCMEC bloodhounds searched throughout this investigation as well. Last night, we called in SARDUS who deployed a total of six human remain detection, trailing, and air scent dogs today and yesterday. One of those dogs expressed interest in a small pond in Olympic Park. The Aurora Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team was deployed and found the body of a child inside the pond underneath the ice. At this time we cannot give positive identification.

Chief Metz has informed the Puckett Family of this information, and they are also aware positive identification will take some time.

We are treating the Olympic Park pond as a crime scene. Crime Scene Investigators and the FBI will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine what happened.

This area has been heavily search by law enforcement officers, citizens and the Puckett Family numerous times since David went missing. There was never any evidence someone fell into the pond or through the ice. At this time, our search efforts have not stopped as we have not positively identified the body as David's.

We will not be conducting any further press briefings. All new updates will be published via our social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.

The family has requested privacy and asked we notify the media they do not wish to be interviewed at this time. The Puckett family has specifically asked we share their deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has helped in the search for David.

At this time the family has not authorized any fundraising efforts. If an authorized fundraising site is organized we will share that information via our social media sites. 

Thank you again to everyone who has continued to show your support, and your efforts in #FindingDavid.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
Desk: 303-739-6038
On-Call PIO: 720-432-5095


Information previously released on January 2, 2017:

On Monday January 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. the Aurora Police Department conducted a second press briefing on the grounds of the Yale Elementary School located at 16001 East Yale Avenue. The following information was shared:

We would like to continue to thank the public for their continued support in helping us find David, and again thank you to the media who have played an important role in helping us find David.

We began with answering questions from today's earlier press briefing, and provided the following answers:

David was confirmed to have been seen by someone other than his family earlier on Saturday.

David went missing approximately one hour prior to the Aurora Police Department being notified. The reason for the delay was the family began searching for David in locations they believed they might find him.

David has three other juvenile siblings living in the home.

The family has been cooperative with police, and investigators have thoroughly searched the home multiple times.

We are speaking with all known sex offenders in the area as part of our investigation.

The FBI coordinated road canvasses today. This is just another tool we use to help bring awareness to finding David.

A Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Bloodhound responded immediately to the scene the night David went missing.

Arapahoe Rescue Patrol and officers, have checked bodies of water in the area.

We are asking for the public to call our tip lines immediately if you believe you have found something of interest to this investigation. Additionally, we are asking everyone to not share or report those items on social media as they are not monitored 24/7, and we would like an officer to respond immediately.

The public can help by physically searching their homes, automobiles, and any structures on their property where a child may be able to hide. Children may not respond to you by simply calling their name, so its important to physically search these areas.

The Metro Crime Stoppers Denver (MCSD) have previously offered a $2,000.00 reward, with an additional $3,000.00 special reward. Today, The Aurora Police Reward Fund has contributed $5,000.00 bringing the total reward fund up to $10,000.00. You can call CrimeStoppers at 720-913-STOP or text DMCS at 274637 and remain anonymous. See the flier with reward information here #FindingDavidReward.pdf.

Tomorrow our press briefings will be held at a different location, and we will provide the time and new location via Twitter tomorrow morning. 

Again, we would like to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their continued supporting in #FindingDavid.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Officer of the Chief of Police
Media Relations Unit
DESK: 303-739-6038
On-Call PIO Line 720-432-5095




 Information previously released January 2, 2017:

On Monday January 2, 2017 the Aurora Police Department conducted a press briefing on the grounds of the Yale Elementary School located at 16001 East Yale Avenue. The following information was shared: 

We confirmed missing 13 year old Fabian Xavier Rosales as found safe at a friends home. 

We have been in constant consultation with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reference the issuance of an Amber Alert since New Years Eve. Due to the passage of time, the impending weather, and out of an abundance of caution and to leave no stone unturned, CBI has issued an Amber Alert today at approximately 2:40 p.m.

Today marks three days in our search in #FindingDavid.

Today officers continued to conduct thorough neighborhood canvasses, and interviews.

We are looking for residential and commercial videos. If anyone has video they believe would be beneficial to this investigation please call our tips lines at 303-739-1865, 303-739-1868 or 303-739-1870.

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and the entire command staff have been and continue to be heavily involved in the investigation.

The Aurora Police Department would like to thank our state, local and federal partners who are assisting us today, and have been since the beginning such as:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF)
Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Westminster Colorado Police Department
Aurora Public Schools (APS)

We would like to thank the citizens who have organized in assisting us in the search for David. Today we have deployed the NCMEC bloodhounds, and are asking citizens to stop their voluntary searching. This is in an effort to not interfere with the bloodhounds doing their jobs.

APS has been actively involved since the beginning of this investigation. They sent out alerts to parents of students at Dartmouth Elementary where David attends school. They have also prepared to have mental health professionals on hand to assist students, parents and staff as needed.

The Aurora Police Department will provide press briefings in the morning and evening from this point forward. We will notify everyone of the times and locations of these press briefings via our Twitter @AuroraPD and Facebook @AuroraCOPD accounts.


 Previously released on January 1, 2017:

On Saturday December 31, 2016 at approximately 5:45 p.m. Aurora Police officers responded to a residence in the 15700 block of East Amherst Place in reference to a missing at-risk six-year-old boy.


Officers learned the missing boy’s name is David Puckett. David is believed to have wandered from his home.  He is considered at-risk due to his young age. He has wandered from his home in the recent past, and was located by citizens. 

David is a white male, approximately 3’02” tall, and 55 pounds. He has brown hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing green camouflage pants, a black t-shirt, black boots with a little bit of orange trim, and a light girls Army style tan jacket.

Since David has been reported missing, at least three Reverse 911 calls have been issued. The reaching over 27,000 Aurora residents within a 2 ½ mile radius from his home.

In addition to Aurora Police patrol officers searching for David, we activated our Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Strategic Response and Tactics (SRT) Team. The Major Crimes Unit, and Crimes Against Children Unit are also actively involved in this investigation with the assistance of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. NCMEC also provided two bloodhounds for the search today.

The Aurora Citizens Police Alumni Association, which has over 400 volunteers, deployed their Citizens Missing/Abducted Response Team (CMART) immediately last night, and today.  

We want to thank our local law enforcement partners for providing immediate assistance in the search for David last night and today.

The Denver Police Department Air One Helicopter equipped with an infrared system, provided air support last night while a Bloodhound from The Jefferson County K-9 Team was on the ground searching with Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputies.

We want to thank the public for the tremendous outpouring of support, and participation in sharing our social media messages. You can “Like” us here on Facebook and  “Follow” us on Twitter to stay in the know.

We ask everyone to continue to monitor or Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates. We will continue to provide updates as new information comes available including when and where assistance from the public is needed in this search.

In an effort to relieve the 911-system, three tip lines have been temporarily established to receive information from the public. These lines will be available 24/7 until further notice. If you attempt to call the tip lines, and do not get an answer please call 911 if it is emergency, or the non-emergency police dispatch line at 303-627-6011. Please call any of the below listed numbers if you have information related to our search for David, or believe you have seen him:

303-739-1870
303-739-1865
303-739-1868

After consulting with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, an Amber Alert will not be issued as this time due to this case currently not meeting the requirements. You can read more about the purpose and requirements of the Amber Alert on the CBI website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cbi/amber-alert .

CrimeStoppers is offering a reward up to $5,000.00 to anyone with information regarding this case. Please call the Aurora Police Department or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Tipsters to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward.

Once again, thank you to everyone who have, and continue to help in our search to find David.

Officer Crystal McCoy

Office of the Chief of Police 

Media Relations Unit

DESK 303-739-6038

On-Call PIO 720-432-5095

16-52040 Endangered Runaway David Puckett.pdf

David PuckettDavid PuckettDavid PuckettDavid Puckett

 Map


 

 

 

Posted by [email protected]  On Jan 04, 2017 at 3:27 PM
  
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