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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer
To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].
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The men and women of the Aurora Police Department are committed to making a Aurora a safer place everyday.
DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
(May 26) On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at approximately 09:00 a.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to a shooting at 1305 South Elkhart Way.
Officers located an adult male who had been shot inside of an apartment. This male suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Suspect information was gathered by witness statements and a positive identification of the shooter was obtained. The suspect, Demajhea Tuggle (02/02/2003), was quickly located and arrested by our Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team. He was booked into the Aurora Jail on 1st Degree Murder charges. A booking photo is available at the bottom of this press release.
This case continues to be investigated by our Major Crimes Homicide Unit. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification has been made, and his next-of-kin has been notified.
Anyone that 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
.png "Demajhea Tuggle")
*there has been a correction to the suspect's name above. It was previously spelled Demaijhea, but should have been Demajhea*
The Aurora Police Department will be conducting Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat drunk drivers and reduce alcohol related traffic accidents and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the>DUI Checkpoint Colorado program, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend, continuing through Labor Day weekend. This checkpoint will be located on South Chambers Road.
Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be contacted briefly by an officer who will be looking for signs of intoxication and/or impairment in the driver. The checkpoint should cause only minor inconvenience to traffic along the targeted roadway, and highly visible signage will be posted leading into the checkpoint screening area. Drivers entering a checkpoint are asked to pay close attention to the officers directing traffic through the area. Motorists should also roll down their drivers' side window as they approach the screening area. This allows for better communication between the motorist and the officer, quicker screening, and a shorter delay overall.
The checkpoint is funded by an N.H.T.S.A. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) grant in partnership with the "Heat is On" campaign and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
Aurora Police Department’s K9 Cyrus will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Cyrus’ vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,247 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
On May 6th, 2021, at approximately 1:18 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a motorcycle crash on East Yale Avenue at South Truckee Street.
The initial investigation revealed an adult male motorcyclist was traveling northbound on South Ventura Street through a sharp westbound curve onto East Yale Avenue. While traveling in the curve, the motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle by entering the eastbound oncoming lanes of traffic of East Yale Avenue. The motorcyclist was then struck by an oncoming vehicle traveling eastbound on East Yale Avenue at South Truckee Street.
Neither the driver nor occupants of the vehicle were injured. The driver of the vehicle did remain on scene. Drugs, alcohol nor speed are considered factors leading to the crash by the driver of the involved vehicle.
The overtaking of the vehicle on a sharp curve by the motorcyclist led to the crash. Additionally, the motorcyclist’s helmet was strapped to the motorcycle, and therefore not being worn at the time of the crash. At this time the investigation is still active and ongoing, and it is not yet known whether speed, alcohol or drugs were also contributing factors.
The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The cause of this crash is under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police.
This is the second traffic fatality this month in Aurora involving a motorcyclist. Since 2015, nearly half of all motorcycle accidents in Aurora resulted in the motorcyclist sustaining injuries or worse.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the riding season is upon us. Please check your blind spots for motorcycles, look twice before pulling into the roadway, and remove all distractions while driving. Motorcyclists should do the same. Additionally, wearing glasses, helmets and gloves will help protect the body. If you are an inexperienced motorcyclist seek training schools to strengthen your ability to ride safe.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
On May 1st, 2021 at approximately 3:00a.m. the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on North Fitzsimons Parkway and North Victor Street.
Initial investigation revealed that a passing motorist noticed a motorcycle laying on the side of Fitzsimons Parkway. When he stopped to investigate he found the unconscious and unresponsive adult male rider several feet away from the motorcycle.
The rider was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. His identity is not being released at this time and will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The cause of this crash is under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer/Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On May 1st, 2021 at approximately 2:40a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a single vehicle roll over crash on westbound I-70 between the E-470 tollway and the East Colfax Avenue Exit.
Upon arrival officers located a single vehicle that had traveled off of the right side of the roadway and rolled over. During the crash the adult male driver of the vehicle had been ejected, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The westbound lanes of the Interstate were closed for several hours while the crash was investigated.
The cause of this crash is still under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit. The identity of the driver will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer/Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(April 29) On Sunday, April 4th, 2021, at approximately 07:15 p.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to a shooting at East 35th Avenue and Helena Street.
Officers located an adult male who had been shot and was immediately transported to the hospital. This male suffered fatal injuries and was declared brain dead on April 7th, 2021. An autopsy was performed on April 12th by the Adams County Coroner where it was then officially ruled a homicide. This case is actively being investigated by our Major Crimes Homicide Unit and has not yet resulted in any arrests. Detectives have been able to determine that the incident and shooting happened after the victim left the Maverik Gas Station at North Chambers Road and East 38th Avenue. Detectives were able to identify three vehicles that were potentially involved in this homicide. Those vehicles, pictured below, are believed to be a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, a Volkswagen sedan, and a BWM 7 Series.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office after a positive identification has been made, and his next-of-kin has been notified.
Anyone that 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
  
(April 28) On Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, at about 12:50 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a vehicle crash involving an RTD Train on North Chambers Road at Smith Road.
Initial investigation reveals that a sedan was traveling westbound on Smith Road and turned to go northbound on North Chambers Road. Preliminary information obtained by investigators confirms that the driver disregarded the lowered level crossing signals as the train approached. The sedan then made contact with an RTD A-Line Commuter Rail Train traveling eastbound on the tracks. The sole occupant of the vehicle, an adult male, was transported to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. There were 43 people traveling on the RTD train, two of them were evaluated by medical personal but not transported to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle is an adult male in his 30's. His identification will not be released at this time. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were aggravating factors relating to this crash.
Traffic Unit Investigators will continue to investigate and attempt to reconstruct the scene to calculate speeds and other contributing factors. Part of the investigation will include working closely with RTD to obtain and review surveillance camera footage from the intersection to determine if the level crossing signals and lights/audible bell were functioning properly.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dashcam footage, or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On Wednesday March 7, 2021 around 9:00 p.m., the Aurora Police Department Public Safety Dispatch Center began receiving numerous calls from citizens reporting “street racers” were intentionally blocking traffic and driving recklessly on southbound Interstate-225. The callers reported, and officers subsequently found, this was significantly impeding the flow of traffic on Interstate-225, and was preventing many, including law enforcement, from traveling through the area safely.
Multiple officers responding to the area observed traffic was in fact slowing or stopped on southbound Interstate-225 between East Alameda Avenue and East Colfax Avenue. It took approximately 20 minutes for officers to be able to navigate through this area upon their arrival.
Officers were observing some vehicles engaging in “burnouts” which is a term commonly referred to when a driver intentionally keeps a vehicle stationary by applying the brakes while simultaneously applying the gas pedal. As a result, smoke is generated from the wheels due to the friction from the roadway and significantly impedes visibility on the roadway. Additionally, officers observed fireworks had been ignited into the air, and they were receiving reports some of the vehicle occupants were holding guns out of their vehicle windows.
Officers initially reported 600-800 vehicles were involved and through further investigation it is unclear exactly how many people were impacted versus intentionally involved in impeding the flow of traffic and other unlawful traffic violations. Regardless, many individuals were unjustly caught in a potentially dangerous situation, law enforcements ability to respond through the area was significantly impacted, and the incident, referred to by some as a “highway takeover”, created potential to impede anyone’s ability to get through the area to nearby hospitals.
As a result, an investigation was immediately initiated by the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit with a focus on the organizers or facilitators of the highway takeover. This investigation has resulted in two individuals being identified as being involved or facilitating.
One such individual, a juvenile male, has been issued a state criminal summons with a mandatory court appearance into the Arapahoe County Court for the following Colorado Revised Statues:
• 42-4-1401(1) Reckless Driving
• 42-2-138 (1)(a) Drove Vehicle While License Cancelled
• 42-4-1105 (2)(a) Engaged in Speed Exhibition
Due to the subject involved being a juvenile, and to not further impact the prosecution of this incident, no further information will be provided at this time regarding the juvenile.
The second party investigated as an organizer or facilitator is Anthony Corona DOB 3/2/2000. Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit investigators believe probable cause existed to charge Mr. Corona under the following Colorado Revised Statutes:
• 18-2-201 Conspiracy
• 18-3-208 Reckless Endangerment
• 18-9-107 Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
• 18-3-303 False Imprisonment
o 45 False Imprisonment counts reflecting the identified victims trapped on I-225 during incident
• 18-9-106 Disorderly Conduct
• 42-4-1105 Exhibition of Speed
• 42-4-1401 Reckless Driving
• 42-4-1103 Impeded Normal Flow of Traffic
Mr. Corona died in a traffic crash in Broomfield on April 4, 2021, before Aurora Police Traffic Unit investigators could formally file the above charges against him with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Any additional information on the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Corona should be directed to the Broomfield Police Department as they are the investigating agency. Due to Mr. Corona’s death the investigation being conducted by the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit has been closed.
Traffic related injuries and deaths are not only predictable, they are preventable when related to illegal street racing, highway takeovers or other unlawful driving behaviors. Additionally, these incidents are a nuisance and victimize our residential and business communities, and it will not be tolerated by the Aurora Police Department.
The City will now be using Aurora Municipal Code (AMC) 137-7 to target the owners of vehicles that are involved in illegal activities on the roadways regardless of whether they were the driver of the vehicle. Illegal activities include but are not limited to the following traffic violations:
• Section 1401: Reckless Driving
• Section 1402: Careless Driving
• Section 1105: Speed Contest—Speed Exhibitions
• Section 94-71: Trespass
• Section 94-38: Reckless Endangerment
Owners vehicles identified in illegal activities will be provided a notice letter that if the activity continues, they could be subject to prosecution under AMC137-7. A portion of that notice letter reads:
“As the vehicle owner, you are hereby notified that you must make a good faith effort to prevent, through appropriate action or otherwise, any person from re-committing any of the above acts or other street racing related acts contrary to law with your vehicle.”
We would like to thank the many members of the public for their patience while we investigated this complex incident. Additionally, we want to thank those who proactively provided assistance in this investigation. We continue to encourage everyone to report street racing to www.ReportStreetRacing.com. The Aurora Police Department is an active member of this working group of over 30 law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
Aurora Police Department’s K9 Loki will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Loki’s vest is sponsored by Darby Kelly and Vanessa Ernissee of Heroes with Paws
and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Heroes with Paws”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,247 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
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