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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
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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.
(February 7) Man dies almost a week after a hit and run crash on South Chambers Road.
On January 28, 2023, at 12:47 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a hit and run crash near the intersection of South Chambers Road and East Tennessee Avenue.
Officers found the driver and a passenger of a Toyota Camry suffering from injuries. Both were transported to the hospital but only the passenger, a 70-year-old man, had life-threatening injuries. Sadly, on February 3, the man died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigation responded to the scene and closed South Chambers Road for several hours so they could collect evidence, photograph the scene, and take necessary measurements. The initial investigation revealed the Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on South Chambers Road. A silver Toyota Corolla was leaving a private driveway, just south of East Tennessee Avenue, trying to turn left to go northbound on South Chambers Road. This vehicle did not yield to oncoming traffic, causing a collision. The driver of the Corolla did not stop after the crash, drove away from the scene and has not yet been identified.
Investigators need your help identifying the vehicle and driver of this hit and run. The vehicle is believed to be a 2014-2016 silver Toyota Corolla which should have significant damage to the driver's side of the car and airbags deployed. The license plate is unknown. We have included a picture of the vehicle below. If you witnessed the crash or have any information, and you have not already spoken to investigators, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
This is the 4th traffic related fatality of 2023.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
(January 27) Aurora Police Officers arrested a man in connection with yesterday's fatal hit and run crash.
Daniel Saenz-Moreno, 27-years-old, was arrested yesterday and will face one charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. This case will be filed into the 17th Judicial District.
This investigation is still ongoing to determine any contributing factors to this crash and detectives are asking anyone with information, who have not yet spoken to investigators, to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(January 26) One man is dead after a hit and run crash on Peoria Street.
On January 26, 2023, at 5:56 a.m. Aurora 911 began receiving calls about a crash at the intersection of Peoria Street and East 19th Avenue involving a pedestrian. Officers arrived on scene and found a man lying in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. The man was transported to the hospital but sadly, he died from his injuries.
The identity of the pedestrian will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once next of kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and closed Peoria Street for several hours so they could collect evidence, photograph the scene, and take necessary measurements. The initial investigation revealed a large SUV was traveling southbound on Peoria Street. A pedestrian was crossing from at the East 19th Avenue intersection, walking west to east. The driver of the SUV struck the pedestrian at the intersection of Peoria Street and East 19th Avenue, fatally injuring him. After striking the pedestrian, the driver drove away from the scene, failing to render aid. The involved vehicle was located nearby a short time later, but the driver remains unidentified at this time.
The investigation is ongoing and will determine if any additional factors contributed to the crash. If you witnessed the crash or have any information about the identity of the driver, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
This is the 2nd traffic related fatality of 2023.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
(October 23) One woman was arrested Saturday evening after leaving the scene of a crash involving a motorcycle near South Peoria Street and East Warren Place.
Valerie Zamora, 50, of Aurora was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
On October 22, 2022 at about 4:45 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to South Peoria Street near the intersection of East Warren Place on reports of a serious motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Officers discovered two people, a man and a woman, lying in the roadway, both suffering from life-threatening injuries. They were transported to the hospital but sadly the woman did not survive. The man remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigators learned that the man and woman were both on a Honda Motorcycle going southbound on South Peoria Street. A Subaru Outback was exiting the parking lot of a gas station at the intersection, going westbound across all lanes of traffic on South Peoria Street, when the Honda Motorcycle struck the rear of the Subaru. The motorcycle then struck a stationary Toyota SUV. Immediately following the crash, the Subaru left the scene without stopping or providing aid.
Officers obtained information about that Subaru and were able to locate the vehicle unoccupied a short distance away. Through their investigation, they then located the driver of the Subaru, Valerie Zamora, and placed her into custody.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased victim once she has been positively identified and next of kin notified.
The intersection was closed for a few hours so Traffic Investigators could collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing, but alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.
Please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators, by reaching out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
This is the 37th traffic related fatality for 2022.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(March 4) The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit is announcing the arrest of Adan Antonio Tobias-Ramirez (DOB: 09/23/1999). Adan was arrested for Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1601 Left scene after accident involving death. A booking photo is not available at this time.
This case is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquires should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on September 9, 2021
(September 9) UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section Investigators have ruled out the white SUV/minivan as a suspect vehicle.
During the course of their investigation, officers located the white SUV/minivan in question and determined that the vehicle was not involved in this crash.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigators are still seeking information about the white vehicle with tinted windows involved in this fatal crash. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash-camera footage, or any additional information, is asked to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 303.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released on September 8
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on East Colfax Avenue and North Akron Street.
(September 8) On September 7, 2021 at 11:56 p.m., Aurora Police officers responded to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Akron Street on a report of person laying on the ground.
Once on scene, officers discovered a 35-year-old male who was suffering from a significant head injury. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Tragically, today the victim died from his injuries. The name of victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section investigated the scene and determined the victim was crossing East Colfax Avenue, northbound, at North Akron Street, when a vehicle struck the victim and then fled the scene. Investigators have identified a white SUV/minivan along with a small white sedan, pictured below, with dark tinted windows as possibly being involved. Investigators will continue working to identifying the vehicles and their drivers involved in this crash. No additional information is available at this time.
The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash or otherwise have any information related to this incident, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP. Your tips can remain anonymous and you may still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
 
On July 4th, 2021 at 11:37p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to a three car crash on North Havana Street just south of North Del Mar Parkway.
The preliminary investigation reveals the following:
A Nissan Rouge and Chrysler Town and Country minivan were traveling southbound on North Havana Street. After they passed North Del Mar Parkway a Chevy Avalanche that was traveling northbound on Havana Street crossed the centerline and struck the Nissan head on. The Nissan then struck the minivan which was in the lane next to it.
The three occupants of the Avalanche then ran from the scene. The adult male driver and adult female passenger of the Nissan were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, the women succumb to her injuries and was pronounced at the hospital. The occupants of the minivan were not injured in the crash.
The identity of the deceased women is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified.
Havana Street was closed for several hours as Traffic Investigators processed the crash scene.
Anyone who witnessed this crash or anyone with information about the identity of the occupants of the at-fault vehicle who fled the scene are asked to call the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipster to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On October 12th at 6:41 a.m. a woman was struck
and killed as she crossed East Iliff Avenue near I-225. The vehicle that struck her fled the
scene. Information was gathered from
witnesses and evidence at the scene.
This information was then sent out to all Aurora Police Officers. A few District One patrol officers continued
synthesizing this information and discovered a possible suspect vehicle which was
registered to an apartment complex near the crash location. Due to their continued investigation they found the suspect vehicle.
Subsequent investigation led to them finding the registered owner of the suspect car which was Jackson Donald 11/18/95 from Aurora (see attached booking photo). It was then determined he was the driver of the suspect vehicle
that struck the pedestrian. He was
arrested and charged with Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries, a
Class 3 Felony and held for bond.
Sergeant Chris Carleton
Traffic Investigations
303.739-6243
[email protected]
information previously released on October 12, 2019:
On Saturday October 12, 2019 the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit began their investigation into a vehicle fatally striking a pedestrian on East Iliff Avenue at I-225 in the early morning hours.
Through their continued investigation officers located the suspected driver and involved vehicle. Traffic Investigators are continuing their investigation with this newly developed information. Due to this, no further information will be released at this time.
We implore every one to focus on the roadways while driving, and walking. Use extreme caution in low visibility conditions, and slow down when approaching to make turns. Finally, never ever leave the scene of an accident. Anyone who has additional information about this investigation or witnessed this incident please call 303.739.6243.
Public Information Officer
Crystal McCoy
[email protected]
720.435.5095
information previously releases on October 12, 2019:
On Saturday October 12, 2019 at 6:40 a.m., Aurora Police officers responded to East Iliff Avenue at I-225 for a pedestrian that had been struck crossing the
road. That pedestrian was a woman who was just involved in a two-car
crash prior to being fatally struck. She was in
the process of contacting the other driver from her crash, and had to walk across
westbound East Iliff Avenue to do so. As she
did this, she was struck by a vehicle which fled the scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital
where she died as a result of her injuries.
Evidence gathered at the scene led investigators to believe
that the suspect vehicle is a black 2015 to 2018 four-door Nissan Altima (see below images). It will have damage to the left (driver’s
side) bumper with part of it missing. The
driver’s sideview mirror will also be missing.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to
call APD Traffic Investigations at 303-739-6243. Anonymous tips to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 by calling 720-913-STOP.
Chris Carleton
Sergeant, Aurora Police Department
Traffic Investigations
303.739-6243
[email protected]
 
On April 24th, 2019 at 6:20 p.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to a traffic crash on East Montview Boulevard at Elmira Street. Upon officers arrival they discovered a vehicle fled from the scene after striking an elderly Hispanic male pedestrian, who later succumbed to his injuries.
A Medina Alert was issued on April 25th, 2019, which led to a citizen notifying police of the location of the vehicle that fled the scene. Officers located the silver 2002 Toyota Camry near an auto body shop in the 1400 block of Ironton Street on April 26, 2019. The auto body shop has been cooperative throughout the investigation.
Today, April 26th, 2019, the driver of the vehicle has since been arrested and identified as Sandra Navarro DOB 06/22/1984. A booking photo has been included with this press release.
Navarro is being charged with the following Colorado Revised Statutes in the 17th Judicial District:
42-4-1601(1), (2)(c) Hit and Run Involving Death, Felony
18-8-610(1)(a) Tampering With Physical Evidence, Felony
We continue to ask for anyone who witnessed this fatal crash, or has any information related to it, please call Detective Steve Chinn at 303.739.6342.
Any additional media inquires should be directed to the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office Public Information Officer Sue Lindsay at 303.835.5639.
Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
previously released on April 26, 2019:
The Aurora Police Department (APD) and our Traffic Section is relieved to announce the suspect vehicle involved in the deadly hit-and-run on East Montview Boulevard and Elmira Street on April 24th, 2019, has been located and an adult female suspect is in custody.
Thanks to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a Medina Alert was activated on April 25th, 2019. Denver Metro Crime Stoppers (DMCS) then aided our investigation by offering a reward of up to $2,000.00 for tips related to this incident. Thanks to CBI, DMCS and a keen citizen, the suspect vehicle was located today, Friday April 26, 2019. Subsequently, an adult female suspect was arrested at approximately 5:20 p.m. by APD.
The citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, observed the suspect vehicle in an alley in the 1400 Block of Ironton Street near an auto repair shop this morning, and immediately notified APD.
We can now confirm the suspect vehicle is a silver 2002 Toyota Camry, registered to an address in Aurora. Until all necessary investigative steps have been completed, no further information will be released regarding the suspect vehicle, or the registered owner. With this update, APD has requested CBI cancel the Medina Alert.
APD Traffic Detectives will consult with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine formal charges. Once a determination of formal charges are made the identity of the driver being charged, and applicable charges will be publicly released.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Tragically, nine lives have been claimed on our roadways in Aurora in just four short months, three of which were pedestrians struck and killed by vehicles. All fatalities are preventable. Help us saves lives, and JUST DRIVE.
We would like to especially thank everyone who took the time to call with information about this tragic accident and tips related to the suspect vehicle.
We continue to ask for anyone who witnessed this fatal crash, or has any information related to it, please call Detective Steve Chinn at 303.739.6342.
Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
previously released April 24, 2019:
On April 24th, 2019 at 6:20 p.m., a collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of East Montview Boulevard and North Elmira Street was reported to Aurora Police Dispatch. Upon arrival, Rescue Personnel and Police found the pedestrian with serious injuries. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital and despite life saving efforts, was later declared deceased.
The identity of the pedestrian is not being released at this time.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Aurora Police Department Traffic Section or:
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
This will be the 9th traffic related fatality in Aurora for 2019.
UPDATE: The suspect taken into custody after crashing his car into the Day Care Center at 1155 S. Havana St. has been identified as Neco Benson. He was arrested on Vehicular Eluding, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangerment. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond.
Sgt. Craig Baumfalk
Aurora Police Department Traffic Section
Information Previously Released on August 31, 2016.
Aurora, CO. - 31 AUG, 2016- 3:03 p.m. – Aurora Police officers responded to the area of E. Yale Ave. and S. Parker Road on a report of a two vehicle hit and run crash. The run vehicle, a blue in color Dodge Dart with an adult male driver, fled northbound on S. Parker Road. A responding APD patrol spotted the vehicle going northbound on S. Havana Street from E. Idaho Place with front end damage. The officer turned on his lights and siren and attempted to stop the Dodge but the driver eluded, continuing northbound, turning into the Havana Gardens shopping center. The officer followed the Dodge, airing location, description of vehicle, and the Ohio plate numbers. The Dodge continued to drive recklessly through the parking lot, around several businesses. The Dodge accelerated directly west out of the lot, went across all lanes of S. Havana Street, and into the King Soopers parking lot area, impacting a parked vehicle. The driver of the Dodge lost control and drove straight into a day care business, the Bright Stars Child Care, 1155 S. Havana Street, Unit 25. The suspect was quickly taken into custody and is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Two children along with an adult female employee were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries are reported.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating this incident under case# 2016-34880. We are not releasing names at this time. Charges are pending against the driver but may include Hit and Run, Vehicular Eluding, Reckless Driving, and Driving under the Influence of alcohol/drugs or both.
Lieutenant Michael A. McClelland
Aurora Police Department Traffic Section
303-739-6326
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