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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.
(July 7th, 2020) Early this morning at approximately 12:12 A.M., Aurora Police Officers were called to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Beeler Street on reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived on scene, they found a mid 30’s female on the ground who had been shot and was deceased. In the immediate vicinity of the female, Officers found another victim, an adult male, who also had been shot. The male was transported to an area hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
Both victims’ identities will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they 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. At this early stage in the investigation, it is unknown what led up to the incident and there is no suspect information.
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.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
On July 2, 2020, at 2:43 P.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a crash at South Sable Boulevard and East Centrepoint Drive.
Investigation found that a Buick sedan had crashed into a Chevrolet Suburban then ran off the road and crashed into a tree. The adult male driver of the Buick died as a result of injuries sustained from crashing into the tree. The occupants of the Suburban were uninjured. At this time, it appears the Buick had just been involved in another non-injury crash, a few miles away, and was fleeing the scene of that crash. Our initial investigation revealed that the Buick was traveling at a very high rate of speed when it rear-ended the Suburban. Additionally, the driver of the Buick was not wearing their seatbelt.
The identity of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notification.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(June 25th, 2020) This evening at approximately 8 p.m. Aurora Police Department Officers were called to the area of East 19th Avenue and North Oswego Street on a report of a shooting.
When officers arrived on scene, they found a 24-year-old male unconscious, lying on the ground, and bleeding. The male was transported to an area hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim’s identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once he has been identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit are on scene and actively investigating. At this early stage in the investigation, it is unknown what led up to the incident and there is no suspect information.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Agent Hansen 303.739.6710 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.
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
UPDATE: An arrest has been made in this case. Stephen Minks-Morgan DOB 05/07/1994 has been arrested for First Degree Murder.
Detective Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
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Information Previously Released on June 24th, 2020
(June 24, 2020) This evening at approximately 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Department officers responded to a transient encampment near South Parker Road and South Peoria Street on a reported stabbing.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a 33-year-old male victim suffering from puncture wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries this evening.
His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
At this time, a possible suspect is described as a white male in his mid-twenties, approximately 6’3” tall, 185 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Right now our investigation suggests this was an isolated incident between the victim and the suspect. This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.
This homicide is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We urge anyone with information about this homicide to call Agent Prince at 303.739.6127. Alternatively, tips can be sent to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where your tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 and you can remain anonymous.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(June 24, 2020) On Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at approximately 4:27p.m, District 1 Patrol Officers responded to reporst of a shooting at the EZ Pawn, located at 797 North Peoria Street, which was called in by an employee.
Upon arrival, officers located two adult males inside of the business, each suffering from gunshot wounds. Both males were immediately transported to a local hospital where they have succumbed to their injuries. It appears that both males were shooting at each other. There were no other injuries to any store employees or bystanders.
At this time, we are not looking for any additional suspects and we do not believe that there is a danger to the general public. There were weapons that were recovered on scene and investigators will be reviewing surveillance cameras from both inside of the business and on the exterior to determine what led up to the shooting.
The names of both victims will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once the victims have been positively identified and their next of kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about his case is asked to call Investigator Hunt with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6233. Tipsters can also 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 Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(June 23, 2020) This morning at approximately 12:12 a.m. Aurora Police Department officers responded to the Sable Cove Condominiums, located at 912 South Dearborn Way, on a report of a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a 33-year-old male in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound, who tragically was pronounced deceased a short time later. His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified, and his next of kin have been notified.
Currently, detectives with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit (MCHU) are investigating this as a suspicious death. At this time there are no additional details that can be provided.
The MCHU is asking anyone who may have witnessed his death, or has any information related to this investigation to contact
Agent Krieger at 303.739.6113.Alternatively, tips can be sent to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where they may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 and you can remain anonymous.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(June 23, 2020) On June 23, 2020, at about 12:54 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle crash at North Peoria Street and East 33rd Avenue. When they arrived, they located a three-car crash with multiple injured parties.
Preliminary investigation shows that a silver Chevrolet Malibu was traveling north on Peoria Street and then, for an unknown reason, crossed over into the southbound lanes. The Chevrolet then crashed into a gold sedan and silver SUV. The adult female occupant of that Chevrolet died as a result of her injuries. The Adams County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the victim when positively identified and after next of kin notification.
The drivers of the other two vehicles in the crash had complaints of minor injuries.
Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating this crash. Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call Detective Sangi at 303.739.6396.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
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
(February 6, 2020) - On January 28, 2019, the Force Review board (FRB) convened to review the Elijah McClain critical incident in accordance with directive 3.3.7. The Force Review Board (FRB) consists of a body of sworn officers that reviews incidents involving an officer’s use of any weapon to overcome a subject’s resistance, or when a subject is injured by an officer’s application of force which requires medical treatment. Additionally, the FRB can convene to review any incidents deemed necessary by the Aurora Police Department Executive staff. The FRB reviews these cases for compliance with applicable state statues and department directives, as well as any training deficiencies.
Based on all the available information the FRB concluded that the officers were called to the area to investigate a suspicious person. Officers had a lawful reason to contact Mr. McClain. The force applied during the altercation to include the carotid control hold and the force applied during the altercation was within policy and consistent with training.
“The loss of Mr. McClain’s life is tragic, and we continue to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.“ -Chief Vanessa Wilson
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference
On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny. The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.
After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event. They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.
Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:
Press Conference Packet
BWC video
November 22, 2019 Press Conference
911 Call
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
PRESS CONFERENCE: Update on Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHAT: Press Conference Addressing the Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO
WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny
CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny will be providing updates and answering questions on the August 24th Critical Incident involving Elijah McClain.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 6:30 P.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.
Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2019 by 6:00 P.M.
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. Last week, at the invitation of the Chief of Police, members of Mr. McClain’s family heard the 911 call and viewed body worn camera videos from this incident. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. McClain’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
From the beginning, Chief Metz ordered an investigation at the level consistent with officer-involved shootings pursuant to Senate Bill 15-219 by having a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That investigation continues.
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a 911 call where the called described a “suspicious person”. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male still wearing a ski mask, later identified as Elijah McClain. The male began to resist the officer contact, a struggle then ensued, and he was taken into custody. Aurora Fire Rescue administered a standard medication to reduce Mr. McClain’s agitation. He was then transported to a local hospital where tragically he died days later.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office report is not yet completed and is a key component to providing much needed information to this investigation. Once their report is finished, the Coroner’s Office will be the ones who release those results. It will be included in the case that is then presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
No further comment will be provided by the Aurora Police Department to protect the integrity of the investigation and review by the District Attorney’s office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
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Information previously released on 08/26/2019:
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a “suspicious person” call. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male wearing a ski mask. The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer. The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody. Due to the level of physical force applied while restraining the subject and his agitated mental state, officers requested Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) and Falck Ambulance respond to render professional medical attention.
According to AFR, consistent with their accepted protocol, a standard medication routinely utilized to reduce agitation was administered and reduced the exhibited anxiety. Several minutes later during the transport to the hospital the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated. He regained a pulse and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
The Aurora PD Victim Services Unit assisted in locating the family and taking them to the hospital. They are providing support as the investigation continues.
During this event, officers were using their issued body worn cameras. Because of the critical nature of this incident, it is being investigated by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and members of the Denver Police Department to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the events of that night.
The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene that evening and will review the investigation when it is completed.
We are asking anyone with information about this case to please contact Agent M. Ingui at 303-739-6067.
Members of the Media,
Starting today, the Media Relations Unit will assume all public information (PIO) duties for the Aurora Police Department Traffic Section. Members of the media are asked to call the Media Relations Unit and not the on-call Traffic Section number for inquires on all traffic related cases or story ideas related to crashes, DUI cases, traffic enforcement and safety.
Media Relations Unit contact information:
720.432.5095
[email protected]
Please feel free to reach out to a PIO with an questions about this change.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
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