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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer
To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].
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DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
(January 1) Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit and the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District are investigating and officer involved shooting incident that happened overnight on North Chambers Road.
On December 31, 2022, officers responded to a home in the 1200 block of North Chambers Road. A woman called Aurora 911 to report a domestic violence situation. When officers arrived on scene they found multiple people at the home, some of whom were uncooperative with the investigation.
Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest 38-year-old Juan Ruiz-Reta for domestic violence related harassment and criminal mischief. As officers tried to place him under arrest, he was uncooperative. During that time, another male became involved and one of the officers fired their weapon, striking that man in his lower leg. Officers immediately applied a tourniquet and called for an ambulance. The man who was shot was transported to the hospital for medical care. One officer and Ruiz-Reta were also evaluated medically for minor medical complaints.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County. Consistent with long standing department policy, the officer that fired their weapon was placed on administrative leave.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit will investigate the circumstances of the domestic violence incident. Both investigations are ongoing and further updates regarding the officer involved shooting will come from the Critical Incident Response Team.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 7) A second juvenile suspect has been arrested in connection to last week’s shootout with Aurora police officers in a shopping center parking lot in District 1.
The 15-year-old was arrested about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday near 11th Avenue and North Syracuse Street in Denver with the help of the Denver Police Department. The suspect, who’s name is not being released because he is a minor, was identified by detectives through evidence recovered at the scene.
The suspect was arrested on seven charges of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer and one charge of aggravated motor vehicle theft. Formal charges will be filed by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The Aurora Police Department, through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and the Aurora Reward Fund, offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the second suspect’s capture. We appreciate the tips we received from the public, but ultimately the suspect was identified, located and arrested thanks to the dedicated work of Aurora police officers, detectives, crime scene investigators and crime analysts.
“I know capturing the second suspect in this case was a top priority of Chief Dan Oates,” said interim Aurora police Chief Art Acevedo. “I’m proud of the diligent work of our investigators and gratified to be able to make this announcement on behalf of my good friend and colleague so early in my tenure with the Aurora Police Department.”
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is ongoing. The six officers involved in last week’s incident remain on paid administrative leave in accordance with agency policy.
No additional suspects are being sought in connection to this investigation.
Anyone with any additional information about this case is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released.
UPDATE: Juvenile Charged with Attempted Murder of 7 Aurora Police Officers
(December 3) After several days of relentless investigation, the Aurora Police Department on Saturday made an arrest in connection to the Wednesday, Nov. 30 incident that culminated in an officer-involved shooting.
Today, a 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested on seven charges of attempted murder of a peace officer and one charge of aggravated motor vehicle theft. Evidence on scene and the hard work of officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, and crime analysts determined that the 16-year-old who was found early Thursday morning in the open field near the getaway car was involved in the incident.
The juvenile was already in custody on active failure-to-appear warrants. His name and booking photo are not being released at this time because he is a minor.
“We are relieved that we have this one suspect in custody, but there is at least one other out there,” Chief Oates said. “We need the public’s help. There is still a $10,000 reward for any information that will lead to the capture and conviction of the remaining suspect or suspects who tried to murder our officers.”
The reward of $10,000 is being offered by Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and the Aurora Reward Fund. If you have any information about this incident, you can remain anonymous by calling the tip line at 720.913.STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
Aurora Police Involved in Shooting with Suspected Car Thieves
(December 1) Aurora police officers, following a stolen vehicle, were involved in a shooting Wednesday, Nov. 30 in District 1.
The incident began when officers began following a stolen white Kia sedan. About 9:45 p.m., the Kia pulled into a shopping center parking lot at East 6th Avenue and South Peoria Street, occupied by at least two suspects.
The Kia stopped in the parking lot, and one or more persons in the vehicle, unprovoked, began firing multiple rounds at two officers in an unmarked police car. These officers returned fire.
After this initial shooting, the suspects attempted to speed away from the scene, but were confronted by more officers responding to the initial shots fired call. The suspects fired multiple rounds at officers before driving out of the parking lot. A total of four police cars were struck by the suspects’ gunfire.
Shortly thereafter, officers located the suspect vehicle, crashed and unoccupied, at East 10th Avenue and South Lima Street. Officers set up a perimeter and began a search for additional suspects. A Reverse 911 was sent out to residents in the area to shelter in place.
A juvenile was found nearby in an open field and ultimately arrested on active warrants. Investigators are working to determine if this juvenile had any involvement in the shooting. The Aurora SWAT Team, K-9 and outside law enforcement agencies responded to conduct a search for more suspects. That search is ongoing and may continue into daylight.
In total, five Aurora police officers fired their weapons. Consistent with long-standing department policy, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.
No officers were struck by gunfire, but one was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries and was released.
The investigation is ongoing by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. No additional details will be released tonight.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(October 18) At about 11:49 p.m., on October 17th, 2022, Aurora Police Officers were called to the 7-11 at 599 South Airport Boulevard for a report of shots fired in the store. The clerk reported a male came into the store armed with a handgun and fired at least one round. As the male left the store, he got into a confrontation with another customer in the parking lot and more rounds were fired. Luckily, no one was injured. The male left the scene in a car. Officers gathered evidence and a description of the car the male was driving.
While on scene at the 7-11, officers learned the same male threatened someone with a gun at the Burger King across the street at 620 South Buckley Road prior to going to the 7-11.
At 00:01 a.m. Aurora911 began receiving calls from 18091 East Kentucky Avenue. The caller reported a male shot through the front door of the apartment. There were multiple people, including children inside. Thankfully, no one in the apartment was injured.
When officers arrived on scene, they saw the same car that left the 7-11. Additionally, the caller described the same male from the 7-11 and Burger King incidents. Officers set up a perimeter and began searching the area for the male. During that search, an officer located the male and the officer fired one round. No one was injured.
The male, identified as Eugene Demetrius Robertson, 38 years-old, was taken into custody and arrested on twelve counts of attempted murder, two counts of menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit | Office of the Chief of Police
720.432.5095
(October 2) On October 2, 2022 around 6:00 p.m., an Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Deputy was called to a group home in the area of Moline Street and East Colfax Avenue regarding someone causing a disturbance and committing rule violations. This man was part of a work-release program. Pursuant to ACSO policy, the deputy intended to take the man into custody.
The deputy located this man at a nearby bus stop where he had threatened several people nearby. The suspect, a 35-year-old, was reported to be armed with a large knife. The suspect then traveled to a corner store located in the 11000-block of Colfax. It was here that the Aurora Police Department began to receive 911 calls that a robbery had occurred at that location. Aurora Police Officers arrived to find that the suspect had left the store and had just boarded an RTD bus. Officers then boarded that bus and encountered the suspect. It was on this bus that a confrontation occurred. An Aurora Police Officer deployed their Taser and another their K-9, both of which were ineffective. Subsequently, two additional officers discharged their handguns, striking the subject who was inside the bus. Although medical aid was immediately rendered, the suspect was pronounced deceased after being transported to University Hospital. No one else was injured as a result of this incident.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 17th Judicial District responded and will be conducting this investigation. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this, and have not yet spoken to police, to please reach out to the 17th Judicial District CIRT by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
The Aurora Police Officers involved with this incident were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. The two officers that fired their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave per departmental policy.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the 35-year-old man after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Here is the LINK to this evening’s press conference with Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates and Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown.
Any additional information about this incident will be released by the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Critical Incident Response Team.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(July 19) On July 18th, 2022 around 12:45 p.m. Aurora Police Officers located a wanted fugitive at 438 North Oswego Street. The suspect, an adult male 27 years-old, had an active arrest warrant from the State of Georgia for a homicide that occurred in Roswell, Georgia on July 6th, 2022.
Once officers confirmed that the suspect was inside the location, SWAT responded to the scene. Other occupants of the home, acquaintances of the suspect, were able to exit the home. The suspect was given orders to leave the home, but he refused and remained inside. The Aurora Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team also responded to the address and team members were able to initiate communications with the suspect. Over the course of several hours, negotiators continued to try and convince the male to exit the home, unarmed.
Aurora Police Department requested the assistance of Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Deputies responded to the scene. We also received assistance from Littleton Police Department and Englewood Police Department.
At 9:37 p.m. officers on scene heard multiple gunshots from inside the home. At that time, officers did not return fire. They continued to try and communicate with the suspect using the public address system on the Armored Response and Rescue Vehicles that were on scene. He remained uncooperative and fired several more rounds throughout the course of the night.
At about 2:18 a.m. the suspect exited the home, armed with a rifle. Shots were fired by one Aurora Police Officer and one Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputy. Medical care was provided by Aurora Fire Rescue, and the suspect was transported to the hospital. He did not survive his wounds.
The Aurora Police Officer and Arapahoe County Deputy who fired their weapons were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. The have been placed on paid administrative leave per each department's policy.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
The 27 year-old man who was shot and killed has been identified as Fabien Perry. A drivers license photograph of Fabien is below, courtesy of the Roswell (GA) Police Department.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Here is the LINK to this morning's press conference with Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates and Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(July 5) On July 5, 2022, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to assist on a structure fire at the Ranger Motel, 11220 East Colfax Avenue. Once on scene, first responders were confronted with a man that was armed with a knife.
The armed male then entered a neighboring room where that occupant was able to safely escape. The male then barricaded inside of this room and a large contingent of officers from patrol, and special units such as SWAT and crisis negotiators, responded to the scene. For over an hour, officers attempted to communicate with the barricaded man in hopes of a peaceful resolution.
Just after 12:30p, the man emerged from the room and advanced at officers. A total of six officers fired their weapons, three of the officers firing less-lethal weapons. A medic assigned to APD SWAT immediately provided medical care and the injured man was then transported to the hospital. This man has since been pronounced deceased.
All of the Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. All have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the 51-year-old man after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
If you have any information about this incident, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Link to press briefing given by Chief Oates.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(July 20) On Tuesday July 20th, 2021 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a domestic violence incident in the 2300 block of South Xanadu Way. The caller advised that a male was armed with a gun and a shot had already been fired in the house.
Upon officers’ arrival, they were confronted with an adult male who was armed with a gun. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by giving numerous commands for the male to drop the gun, but he never did. A shot was fired by the male and officers returned fire, striking the male. Medical assistance was immediately called, and the male was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive. The victim of the initial domestic violence call was located, unharmed, and is being given support and resources by our Victim Advocates.
All uniformed officers had their department issued body-worn cameras activated at the time of the incident.
The two involved officers are 11 and 19-year veterans of the Aurora Police Department. Both officers are assigned to District One Patrol. Neither officer has been previously involved in an officer-involved shooting. The two Aurora Police Officers involved in this critical incident have been placed on administrative leave with pay per departmental policy.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team for the 18th Judicial District conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts in April of this year.
One in three women, and one in four men, experience relationship violence in their lifetime according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence based in Denver. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing relationship violence, please do not be ashamed or embarrassed. We are here to support you. You can call us anytime for assistance at 303.627.3100 or get more information by visiting https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/victim_services___rights.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On Monday July 12th, 2021 at 12: 06 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to the area of South Memphis Street and East Hampden Avenue in response to a 911 call from the victim of a Domestic Violence incident.
Officers contacted the adult female 911 caller at a 7-11 store located at 15296 East Hampden Avenue at approximately 12:10 a.m. Officers then attempted to coordinate a meeting with suspect of the alleged Domestic Violence incident at the 7-11 store. At approximately 12:30 a.m. a white Ford Taurus arrived at the 7-11 store parking lot. The Ford Taurus drove in the direction of an officer, and the officer made the decision to shoot. The driver of the Ford Taurus fled in the vehicle from the scene. The officer was not injured.
At this time, the driver of the Ford Taurus has not been positively identified and is at-large. It is not yet known if anyone in the Ford Taurus was injured, or if the driver of the Ford Taurus was the suspect in the Domestic Violence investigation.
The involved officer was hired by the Aurora Police Department in February of 2020 and has not been involved in any prior officer-involved shootings.
All uniformed officers had their department issued body-worn cameras activated at the time of the incident.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team for the 18th Judicial District conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Arapahoe and Douglas County. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts in April of this year.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the events leading up to and after the officer-involved shooting to please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On July 6th, 2021 investigators learned that an armed and dangerous fugitive wanted for homicide was staying at the Wolf's Motor Inn located at 15691 East Colfax Avenue.
At approximately 7:15p.m. the Aurora Police Department SWAT Team was summoned to the hotel to apprehend the suspect. For several hours crisis negotiators attempted to talk the suspect into surrendering peacefully; however he refused to leave his room. During the standoff it was learned that a woman was also in the suspect's room.
At around 10:04p.m. an officer heard a gunshot coming from the room. SWAT Officers forced entry into the room and more shots were fired and the suspect was struck. He was loaded into an ambulance and taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two SWAT Officers who entered the room also received minor injuries during the incident.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 17th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Adams and Broomfield Counties. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts In April of this year.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(June 22, 2020) On Monday, June 22, 2020, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Denver police officers were following an armed carjacking suspect in a vehicle which led them into the city of Aurora. The carjacking originated in the area of East 48th Avenue and North Chambers Road.
The suspect drove the carjacked vehicle into the area of East 35th Place and Abilene Street when the suspect exited and began walking eastbound on East 35th Place. The Aurora Police Department was requested to respond to the area, emergent, to assist the Denver Police Department. The suspect was still armed with a handgun, was wearing a full-faced mask, and was being given clear, loud, verbal commands to drop his weapon. The suspect refused to drop his weapon and instead decided to raise it towards the officers. There was one Aurora Police Officer and five Denver Police Officers who fired their weapons. The suspect was pronounced deceased on scene shortly afterwards.
There were no injuries to any Aurora Police Officers nor Denver police officers and no members of the public were injured as a result of this incident. Any further requests for information related to the involved Denver police officers should be directed to the Denver Police Department Public Affairs Office. Any inquires relating to the officer-involved shooting investigation will be directed to our agency. All involved uniformed officers were wearing their department issued body worn cameras.
In accordance with Senate Bill 15-219 members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department, and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will investigate this officer-involved shooting. Once this investigation is completed, it will then be presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a criminal culpability review.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the events leading up to and after the officer-involved shooting to please contact Agent Frederickson at 303.739.6106 or by reaching out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
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