Our blog has MOVED. Please go to: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/APD_news.
News releases will also be published to our social media channels:
Twitter - @AuroraPD
Facebook - AuroraCOPD
Next Door - Aurora Police Department
The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer
To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].
Colorado Criminal Justice Records (CCJRA) can be obtained by completing an electronic request using our new NextRequest Portal.
Stay connected and informed by signing up for blog e-mail alerts and by following us on our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor.
The men and women of the Aurora Police Department are committed to making a Aurora a safer place everyday.
DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATE: Sabrina, Demarcus, and Marcus were located around 11:20 p.m. on 10/22/2020 in California. They are all safe and there are no indications at this time that that they were brought there against their will.
We want to thank everyone who helped us get the word out about this incident.
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on October 22, 2020
On Wednesday October 21, 2020 at about 2 p.m. Aurora Police officers responded to an address near East Hampden Avenue and South Tower Road to check on the welfare of Sabrina Walls and her two children, Demarcus Thomas (3 years old) and Marcus Thomas (5 years old).
After talking to multiple different people and going to multiple addresses, officers learned that Sabrina, Demarcus, and Marcus were last seen on Monday, October 19, 2020 and no one has heard from them since that time. Sabrina has a 2006 Ford Fusion with Colorado License Plate CES-661. That car was seen on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 near East Mississippi Avenue and South Blackhawk Street but it is unknown if Sabrina and her sons were inside the car at that time.
Multiple investigative units have been working on this case since the initial call. As investigative leads are pursued, and more information is developed, the concern for the Sabrina, Demarcus, and Marcus has grown. Sabrina has never been out of contact for this long, it is out of character for her. Sabrina is a survivor of domestic violence and her family is worried about her.
We made multiple posts to different social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor to try and locate Sabrina, Demarcus, and Marcus.
As the investigation progressed over the last 24 hours, investigators gathered information that met the criteria for an Amber Alert. As soon as that information was known, we partnered with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to issue that alert. You can learn more about Amber Alerts and the criteria that must be met before one can be issued, HERE.
Additionally, investigators learned that there might be some connection to the Las Vegas area. We are asking anyone along Interstate 70 and Interstate 15 to please keep an eye out for Sabrina, her children, and her vehicle.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 to anyone who has information regarding this case. Please call (720) 913-STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Thank you to everyone that has assisted in our search to find Sabrina, Demarcus, and Marcus.
  
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
City manager and police chief lay out five-point plan to guide change and reform
(October 20, 2020)– Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly and Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson on Monday presented to City Council their plan of action for restoring trust in the Aurora Police Department, titled “A New Way.”
The plan has five points that specifically address reforms and changes to organization, policies and practices, both in response to recent high-profile incidents that have raised community concern, and to implement the priorities of Chief Wilson, who was named chief in August. The points are: A New Way of Operating, A New Way of Leadership, A New Way of Service, A New Level of Accountability, and A New Way of Engagement.
“We are committed to not only a more diverse police department that is reflective of the people of Aurora, but also a more racially equitable, bias-free and culturally competent agency that is responsive to the residents we serve,” Chief Wilson said. “I have heard the concerns of the community and have already made a number of decisive steps to change the way we operate. Restoring the trust of the community is rightfully the No. 1 priority for me and the Aurora Police Department, and I am confident in the support of our dedicated officers in moving these initiatives forward.”
There remain several ongoing internal and external reviews and investigations into the operations of the Aurora Police Department, including a city-commissioned comprehensive independent review of the department by 21CP Solutions, a global firm of national experts in the areas of civil rights and public safety. Every aspect of this review will inform and influence changes that are made in the Aurora Police Department and be incorporated as part of “A New Way.”
“A New Way builds on the direction and foundation set by the Mayor and City Council and the Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee, and we thank them for their leadership and attention to this crucial role the city plays in serving Aurorans,” City Manager Twombly said. “We recognize there have been problems in the past, areas that will need to change, and the paramount importance of the work ahead of us. The continued pursuit of a safe community for all requires the cooperative and engaged involvement of residents, and we must work tirelessly to ensure a thoughtful approach from our many professional officers, and from our community.”
Elements of the “A New Way” plan remain under development and will continue to evolve, but some of the key components include:
A New Way of Operating
Comprehensive, external review of the Aurora Police Department by national experts in the areas of civil rights and public safety is underway, which will inform and influence changes in the department, such as practices regarding use of force, and recruiting, hiring and retention
A New Way of Leadership
Commitment to community-focused and community-oriented policing.
Refocused department mission and vision.
More diverse leadership team.
Civilian (non-sworn officer) additions to the chief’s leadership circle.
A New Way of Service
Training will include voices of the community, with panels of residents sharing their fears and hopes and past interactions with police.
Implicit and unconscious bias and cultural competency training.
Incident reviews to reinforce good policing and address areas for change.
A New Level of Accountability
Expanded roles for Force Review Board and Independent Review Board.
Community voices on Chief’s Review Board and key vendor contracts.
Learning from and adopting recommendations of ongoing reviews.
Increased transparency in Internal Affairs reports and body worn camera videos.
A New Way of Engagement
Community Police Task Force review of potential oversight on critical incidents.
Changes to Civil Service role in hiring and discipline in pursuit of a department that better mirrors the demographics of our diverse city.
Increased mentoring opportunities with community leaders.
Further information about “A New Way” is available at AuroraGov.org/ANewWay, including an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the plan. Because the plan will continue to evolve as the results of different reviews and investigations come in, the plan details will be updated on the site to allow the community to see the progress of different plan elements and additions.
City of Aurora Communications Department & Aurora Police Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(October 7, 2020) On August 19, 2020, at about 1:30 AM, Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to the area of 16200 E 17th Place on the report of an accidental shooting.
Once there, Officers found an 11-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The child was transported to a local hospital but, tragically, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Further investigation into the matter lead to the arrest of an 18-year-old male (who was 17 years-old at the time of the incident). The male was arrested on October 5, 2020 for manslaughter, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, tampering with evidence, and possession of a handgun by a juvenile. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting, and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(October 5) On Monday, October 5, 2020, at about 6:15 A.M., Aurora Police responded to a vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 225 near South Parker Road.
Initial investigation reveals that a Dodge Charger entered Interstate 225 from East Iliff Avenue and was going southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck the passenger side of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. After striking the pickup truck, the Dodge continued southbound where it eventually struck, head-on, with a Mazda SUV. The driver of the Dodge was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mazda was transported to a nearby hospital where they remain in serious condition with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Silverado was thankfully uninjured.
Traffic Unit Investigators will continue to investigate and attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine speeds and other contributing factors. At this time, we do believe that alcohol was a factor in this crash.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notifications.
We are
asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash cam footage,
or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(October 3, 2020) The Aurora Police Department has made an arrest in this case. At around 3:40p.m. the suspect, Jesus Aguirre-Flores (DOB: 08/17/1994) was spotted in a vehicle in the area of East Colfax Avenue and Havana Street by an Aurora Police Officer. The driver of the vehicle, Khadijah Evans (07/28/98) failed to stop when officers tried to initiate a traffic stop. A pursuit was authorized which traveled through parts of Northwest Aurora and briefly into Denver. At around 3:50p.m. in the area of East 14th Avenue and Del Mar Parkway an officer used his vehicle to forcibly end the pursuit. Both Aguirre-Flores and Evan were taken into custody. Two Police Officers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Aguirre-Flores was arrested for 1st Degree Murder and Evans was arrested for Eluding.
Jesus Aguirre-Flores DOB: 08-17-94
Khadijah Evans, DOB: 07/28/1998
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on August 17, 2020:
(August 17) On Monday, August 17, 2020, at approximately 2:23 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to 10950 East Colfax Avenue, Radiant Inn, on a reported shooting.
Officer's arrived and located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was transported to the hospital where he tragically has succumbed to his injuries.
The identity of the male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and next of kin have been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating this as a homicide.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call our Homicide Unit at 303.739.6077 or they can remain anonymous by contacting Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(October 1, 2020) Now that former Officer Levi Huffine's Civil Service Commission Disciplinary Appeal Hearing has concluded, the Aurora Police Department is releasing the body worn camera footage that was shown during the public hearing on Tuesday. The video has been posted on the Aurora Police YouTube Channel and is included in this news release.
Since this case has not been adjudicated by the commission, Chief Wilson nor the department will be commenting or providing interviews about this case or this weeks proceedings.
Internal Affairs Investigation Summary of Evidence and Orders
Any media inquires regarding the hearing should to be sent to the City of Aurora Communications Department at [email protected].
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously released on February 24, 2020:
(02-24-2020) Upon numerous requests, the officer who was terminated is Officer Levi Huffine. Officer Huffine began working at the Aurora Police Department in November of 2012.
It should be noted that this incident is not related to the critical incident involved Mr. Elijah McClain nor the case of Nate Meier.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Aurora Police Department
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
Information previously released ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(02-24-2020) From the moment I took over as Aurora’s Interim Police Chief, I promised transparency to our residents to help build back the trust within our community. Continuing with that promise, I wanted to let you know of my decision today to terminate one of our police officers, over what I believe to be severe misconduct. This officer’s conduct was completely out of character with the mission, ideals, and expectations of the Aurora Police Department.
It should be noted that there were no serious injuries as a result of this incident but that neither excuses nor defends the officer’s actions.
Due to a pending appeals process that is given to civil service employees, I am unable to provide additional details or information about this incident until that process has been completed. At such time, I will make the body worn camera footage available and address questions from our community members.
Thank you,
Interim Chief Vanessa Wilson
Aurora Police Department
(September 26) On Friday, September 25, 2020, at about 7:15 P.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue were called to the area of South Peoria Street and East Florida Avenue on reports of a motorcycle crash.
Initial investigation showed that a motorcycle was traveling south on South Peoria Street and a Toyota Camry was traveling north on South Peoria Street. The Camry made a left turn onto East Florida Avenue into the path of the motorcycle, causing a collision. Sadly, the driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Camry remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. At this time, it does not appear that speed or alcohol were a factor.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notification.
Traffic Unit Investigators will continue to investigate and attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine speeds and other contributing factors of the crash.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash cam footage, or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(September 28) On Monday, September 28, 2020, at about 4:20 A.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue were called to the west-bound lanes of I-70 at the off ramp for south-bound I-225 for a motor vehicle crash.
Initial investigation revealed a Ford pickup truck was traveling west-bound on I-70 near the I-225 south-bound off ramp and lost control, causing it to roll over. One adult female passenger was ejected from the truck and tragically, was pronounced dead on scene. Another passenger, an adult male, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. It appears that speed may have been a contributing factor.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after positive identification and notification of the family.
Traffic Unit Investigators will continue to investigate and attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine speeds and other contributing factors.
We are asking anyone who witnessed this crash, has dash cam footage, or any information about this incident to please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(September 19, 2020) On Friday, September 18, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to the intersection of South Aurora Parkway and East Arapahoe Road on a reported traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a Honda Pilot.
The initial investigation has revealed the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on East Arapahoe Road and entered the intersection on a green light. The driver of the Honda Pilot made a left turn from westbound Arapahoe Road and failed to yield to the motorcycles right-of-way causing the crash. The driver of the Honda Pilot stayed at the scene of the crash, and was later treated for minor injuries. The driver of the motorcycle, an adult female, tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspect by either driver, and at this time there is no indication speed was a contributing factor. This is an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Aurora Police Traffic Unit. Appropriate traffic charges will be determined at the conclusion of the investigation. At this time no one is in custody, or otherwise charged with any violations.
The identity of the deceased will be released by theArapahoe County Coroner's Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notification.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash camera footage, or if you have any information about this incident, to please contact theMetro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) or reach out to the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(September 14) On Monday, September 14, 2020, at approximately 4:25 P.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to the area of East Alameda Avenue and South Peoria Street on reports of a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a Mazda sedan and motorcycle were both traveling eastbound on E. Alameda Ave, approaching S. Peoria St., in the right-hand lane. The Mazda slowed to make a right-hand turn onto S. Peoria St. when the motorcycle rear-ended the Mazda. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown from his motorcycle and tragically died on scene. The driver of the Mazda was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Investigators for our Traffic Unit will attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine speeds and other contributing factors of the crash. The identity of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notification.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash cam footage, or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) or reach out to the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
|