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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.
On December 9, 2021, Aurora Police Officers investigated a concerning incident involving a sexual assault on a child in the 1300 block of N. Chester St. It was alleged that a male suspect entered a residence, identified himself as an immigration official and proceeded to sexually assault a 7-year-old female victim.
Detectives from APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit responded to investigate the matter. At approximately 9:00 A.M. on December 10th, 2021, Kenneth Dean Lee was arrested in connection with this incident for the charges of Sexual Assault on a Child and First Degree Burglary. The case is currently in the hands of the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office pending prosecution. Our Victim Services Unit is working closely with the family to offer support and help them work through this difficult event.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Lee has a disturbing criminal history with a pattern of similar allegations. It is believed that Lee has specifically targeted immigrant and refugee families to perpetrate his alleged crimes. The Aurora Police Department wants residents to know that anybody in the City of Aurora, regardless of their immigration status, should feel safe reporting crimes and reported allegations will be taken seriously. If you wish to report a crime involving Lee please do so by calling the Aurora911 Center at 303.627-3100.
Kenneth Dean Lee (DOB 9/27/1956)
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 18, 2021) Two additional arrests have been made in connection to the November 15th shooting of six teens at Nome Park.
On December 17th, 2021 two teens were arrested by members of the Aurora Police Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST) and the Aurora Police SWAT Team. A 15-year-old male was arrested at around 12:30p.m. as he was getting into his vehicle at a shopping center located at East 6th Avenue and North Chambers Road. The second suspect, a 16-year-old male was arrested at around 12:40p.m. during a traffic stop in the 300 block of North Potomac Way. Both of the suspect were taken into custody without incident and were both arrested for Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
Since the arrestees are juveniles their identity is not being released. The District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District will be prosecuting this case.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on November 24, 2021:
(November 24) On November 15, 2021, six teenagers were shot in Nome Park, in what we are considering a drive-by shooting. Tonight, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Aurora Police Gang Intervention Unit (GIU), is announcing the arrest of a second 15-year-old in connection with this crime.
Investigators developed additional suspect information regarding another occupant of the Chrysler 300. The identity of that suspect, a 15-year-old male, was shared with our GIU Officers who stopped a vehicle late last night. The suspect was brought in for questioning and later booked on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder. His name will not be released but we can confirm that he was a student at Aurora Central High School. This case will also be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are still attempting to identify the individuals who were inside of Nome Park shooting back at the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chrysler 300. Detectives are urging anyone that has information about not only the shooters occupying the two identified vehicles, but those in the park as well, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward of up to $7,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 23) On November 15, 2021, six teenagers were shot in Nome Park, in what we are considering a drive-by shooting. Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit is announcing the arrest of a 15-year-old in connection with this crime.
The two outstanding vehicles we identified, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chrysler 300, have both been located, towed and seized for the investigation.
The 15-year-old male was identified as the driver of the Chrysler 300. The 15-year-old was arrested last night and charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder. Because of his age, his identity will not be released. This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators have also determined that there were at least two other individuals, inside of Nome Park, that were shooting back at the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chrysler 300. Detectives are actively working to identify those people, as well as all the others involved. We are urging anyone that has information about not only the shooters occupying the two identified vehicles, but those in the park as well, to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward of up to $7,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 16) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit Investigators have been actively working on this case and continue following up on leads from the moment the shooting occurred. Investigators are now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the below-pictured vehicles. Investigators believe that these vehicles are directly involved and are looking to identify the drivers and locate the actual vehicles.
The vehicles are described as the following:
Chrysler 300, black, with dark tint and chrome wheels
Chevrolet Tahoe, black, with chrome door handles and a roof rack. Possibly a Colorado license plate.
If anyone has any knowledge about the whereabouts of these pictured vehicles, the drivers, or the owners, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement, or you can remain anonymous by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913. STOP (7867).
The Aurora Reward Fund has now authorized an additional reward of $5,000, combined with the $2,000 reward being offered by Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, for information leading to the identification and arrest of the ones responsible for this shooting.
Two of the victims from yesterday’s shooting have a long physical recovery ahead of them. We will continue offering support to all victims and their families impacted by this terrible act of violence.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
 
Information Previous Released
(November 15) Six teens shot after possible drive-by shooting at Nome Park.
On November 15, 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Aurora911 began receiving 911 calls about a shooting at Nome Park, located at 1200 North Nome Street. School Resources Officers, who were working at Aurora Central High School, as well as numerous officers from around the city, responded to that location. Officers located five teenage victims, in and around Nome Park, that had been shot. All five were transported by emergency medical crews to local area hospitals where they remain. A short time later, a sixth victim, an 18-year-old, self-transported to a local hospital.
During the initial scene response, responding officers applied tourniquets on at least two of the victims, potentially saving their lives.
Detectives from numerous investigative units responded to the scene and will be assisting our Major Crimes Unit in this investigation. Initial information obtained is there were possible suspects on foot as well as driving-by in a vehicle. There were numerous shell casings, of different calibers, that were found on scene. Detectives are still reviewing video surveillance from the area, speaking to witnesses and examining the physical evidence on scene to help positively identify those that could be involved.
We have identified all the victims as being students at Aurora Central High School. The victims are only being identified as the following:
Male – 14-years old
Female – 15-years old
Male – 16-years old
Female – 16 years old
Male – 17-years old
Male – 18-years old
Detectives are asking anyone who may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867), where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. We are also asking residents in the area of Nome Park to please review any exterior cameras they may have and notify law enforcement if they believe they have any information that could assist detectives.
We want to thank all our officers who responded to this chaotic scene and those that performed life-saving measures. We also want to thank Aurora Fire Rescue, Falck Rocky Mountain, Aurora Public Schools and other metro-area first responders that assisted us with this incident. Aurora Police will increase patrol in the area of Aurora Central High School and Nome Park in the coming days. Please continue to keep those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 15, 2021) The city of Aurora was selected as one of ten sites to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) under the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Aurora Police Department applied for this program to enhance its capacity to reduce violent crime, specifically gun, gang and drug crimes, and enhance safety in our community.
This three-year partnership will engage community leadership and various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to develop a comprehensive, collaborative and sustainable framework, customized and aligned with the public safety priorities of Aurora. The outcome of this work will provide data-driven insight into Aurora's unique violent crime challenges and determine system-wide crime reduction and restorative approaches.
The PSP will bring training and technical assistance as well as coordinated access to a wide array of effective crime reduction partnerships and programmatic resources from across the county. Aurora’s focus will be on implementing collaborative strategies in the areas of gun violence, constitutional policing, community engagement, crime analysis and technology. Preliminary violence interruption strategies will be youth-focused and work with local youth service providers and the city of Aurora’s Housing and Community Services and its Youth Violence Prevention Program staff to increase safety and drive down youth violence.
“The solution to reducing violent crime in our community is complex and involves participation by all stakeholders in our community – not just law enforcement. The city of Aurora’s efforts with the PSP will be surgically-focused on intervention, prevention and restorative justice programs, targeting those responsible for perpetrating violent crime in our community, with specific attention devoted to youth violence prevention initiatives,” Aurora Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson said.
The city of Aurora will be hosting a virtual Special Study Session of the Aurora City Council tonight, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the ongoing youth violence prevention efforts in Aurora. The public is invited to listen in on AuroraTV, Channels 8 and 880.
For more information on PSP, visit www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.
Reagan Peña
Public Safety Media Relations Manager
City of Aurora Communications Department
720.432.5095
(December 4) On Saturday, December 4, 2021, at approximately 07:46 a.m., Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1400 block of North Akron Street.
When officers arrived on the scene, they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. Tragically, the male died from his injuries. The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
We are seeking the public's assistance. 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.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Today, Aurora Police Major Crimes Detectives, in coordination with our Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST) and SWAT, are announcing the arrest of the fourth suspect, a 17-year-old male involved in the shooting. Because of this, his name will not be released. He is being held on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
This case will now be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on November 21, 2021
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(November 21) On Friday, November 19, 2021, three teenagers were shot in the parking lot of Hinkley High School. Since that incident, detectives with the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit have been actively investigating numerous tips, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to positively identify those involved in this shooting. Today, Aurora Police Major Crimes Detectives, in coordination with our Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST), K9 and SWAT, are announcing the arrest of three individuals.
One of the suspects was arrested on Friday night after being contacted by police at a local hospital. The other two suspects were apprehended today by Aurora Police, one in Aurora and the other in Parker. All three that have been arrested are 16 years old males. Because of this, their names will not be released. All three are being held on the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder. These cases will now be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators believe that there are others involved and are actively working to identity those people. Anyone who has information is asked to submit those tips to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously release
(November 19) Three students shot in the parking lot of a local high school.
On November 19, 2021, at approximately 12:03 p.m., Aurora911 began receiving 911 calls about a shooting at Hinkley High School, located at 1250 Chambers Road. An Aurora Police School Resources Officer, who was working at Hinkley High School, as well as an Aurora Public Schools Security Officer, were already at the high school and first on scene. Officers located a teenage victim in the parking lot who had been shot who was quickly transported to the hospital. A short time later, two other teenage victims arrived at local area hospitals after self-transporting.
Detectives from the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit responded and will be conducting this investigation. Preliminary information revealed that there was a fight in the parking lot during a school lunch hour. Shortly after this fight, a white pickup truck, occupied by several people, drove through the school parking lot and began firing shots. The Aurora Public Schools (APS) Security Officer working at the school fired his weapon but it is unknown if anyone was struck. After firing his weapon, the APS Security Officer heroically applied a tourniquet to an injured student in the parking lot. There were numerous shell casings, of different calibers, that were found on scene. Investigators are still trying to determine the exact involvement of those who were shot in this incident.
Currently, detectives have two people that they are questioning in relation to this shooting and there are still others that could be involved. Detectives will also determine if this shooting is in any way related to the incident at Nome Park earlier this week. Detectives will be reviewing video surveillance from the school, cellphone videos that have been published on social media, continue speaking to numerous witnesses and examine the physical evidence on scene to help positively identify those that could be involved.
We are only identifying those that were shot as the following:
Male – 16-years-old – APS Avenues Student
Female – 17-years-old – Hinkley High School Student
Male – 17-years-old – Hinkley High School Student
Detectives are asking anyone who may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867), where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. We are also asking students or witnesses that captured this incident on your cellphone to please submit that video to Crime Stoppers. As a reminder, you can remain anonymous.
The violence, especially involving our youth, must stop. We have a call to action for parents: check on your kids. Kids are getting guns from somewhere. We need parents to be more involved and start checking their kids' rooms and vehicles and pay attention to who they are associating with. “We can only stop this violence by working together as a community.” – Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 2) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in north east Aurora.
On Thursday, December 2, 2021, at approximately 5:37 p.m., Aurora Police responded to a report of a crash where a motorcycle collided with a silver Jeep in the area of East 6th Avenue and North Harvest Road.
When first responders arrived on scene, they found a 70-year-old male motorcycle driver unresponsive. Tragically, the male was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the Jeep was not injured, remained on scene, and is cooperating with investigators.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section responded to the scene and is handling the investigation of this crash. They will be looking into whether or not alcohol, drugs, and/or speed were contributing factors. This remains an active investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The identification of the driver is not being released at this time. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release it once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
We ask anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash and has not yet spoken to police to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipster can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(December 2) The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Anthony Ray Worthy (DOB: 03/25/1982). Worthy was arrested and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-102, 1st Degree Murder in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Worthy has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously on November 29, 2021
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
On November 22nd, 2021 at approximately 3:30p.m Aurora Police responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of 10720 East Iliff Avenue. Upon arrival officers located an adult male who had been shot in the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At that time it was believed that his injuries were non-life threatening; however on November 27th he succumb to his injuries and passed away. An autopsy was performed today and his death was ruled a homicide.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit have taken over the investigation into this shooting death. They are looking into the circumstances of what lead up to this shooting. No suspect information is available at this time.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On November 28, 2021 at approximately 12:04a.m. Aurora911 received a report of a shooting in the area of North Dayton Street and East Colfax Avenue. Upon arrival in the area Aurora Police Officers located two male victims who had been shot. Officers rendered first aid and a tourniquet was applied to one of the victims. They were both transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Responding Officers also encountered a large crowd of people leaving the area that were believed to have been attending a party at 9709 East Colfax Avenue. While officers were securing the area three additional victims showed up at the Emergency Department of a local hospital. All of the victims are males ages 16-20 years of age and are expected to survive their injuries.
Officers located a crime scene in the 1500 Block of North Dayton Street which is currently being processed by the APD Crime Scene Investigations Unit. As of 2:30a.m. Dayton Street was still closed between Colfax and East 16th Avenue.
Investigators from the District 1 Crimes Against Person Unit will be conducting the investigation into this shooting. They will be looking into whether or not this shooting was connected to the party on Colfax Avenue as part of their investigation.
There currently is no confirmed suspect(s) information available for release at this time. Investigators are asking anyone who has information about this case to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD for up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
This morning at 6:25 a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a single vehicle crash in the 11800 Block of East Colfax Avenue. Upon arrival they located a Dodge Ram pickup truck that was resting up against a tree. The adult female driver was pronounced deceased at the scene and another female passenger was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Traffic investigators believe the truck was travelling eastbound on Colfax Avenue at a high rate of speed when it struck the center median, over corrected and slide into the sign of the Timberline Motel. The truck then came to rest against a tree.
The name of the driver 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.
This is the 39th traffic fatality in the city of Aurora for 2021.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal two-car crash that occurred at the intersection of North Airport Boulevard and East 6th Avenue.
At around midnight Aurora Police responded to that intersection and located a damaged Ford SUV and Nissan Sedan. The front seat passenger inside of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with a broken leg. The driver of the Ford was not injured.
Traffic investigators believe that the Nissan was traveling northbound on Airport Boulevard and failed to stop for the red traffic signal and struck the Ford which was traveling eastbound on 6th Avenue. Alcohol consumption by the driver of the Nissan is believed to be a contributing factor in this case. He remains hospitalized due to his injuries.
The identity of the adult female passenger is not being released at this time and will be made public by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified.
This is the 38th traffic fatality in the city of Aurora for 2021.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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