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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 Thursday November 21st, 2019 at approximately 2:36 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to 13606 East 14th Avenue in response to a shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they found an unresponsive adult male inside of a residence. Shortly thereafter that male was pronounced deceased on scene. Further investigation was necessary to determine the circumstances that led up to the death.
Since then, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has upgraded this investigation to a Homicide. On November 22, 2019 a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with at least the following:
18-3-104 (1)(a) Manslaughter, Class 4 Felony
18-12-108 (1) Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender, Class 5 Felony
Due to the suspect being a juvenile no further personal identifying information will be publicly released.
The identity of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending positive identification, and notification of his next-of-kin.
We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness or have any information related to this homicide to please contact Agent Ingui at 303.739.6067.
Any additional media inquiries should be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Vikki Migoya.
Officer Crystal
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:
BWC video
November 22, 2019 Press Conference
911 Call
Press packet FINAL.PDF
Officer Crystal McCOy
On November 21th, Aurora Public Safety Communications Center received 911 calls of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian / motor vehicle at E. Colfax Ave and N. Havana St. Responding Police and Fire personnel arrived on scene and located an adult male unconscious and not breathing in the roadway. The victim was transported to University hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit, was notified and is investigating.
At this stage of the investigation, it appears as if the pedestrian was walking on the west side of Havana st in the crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle going north bound on Havana St making a left turn to west bound Colfax Ave. It is unknown whom is at fault and the vehicles driver is cooperating with the investigation. Drugs, alcohol, or speed do not appear to be factors at this time.
The Adams County Medical Examiners office were notified.
The investigation is ongoing, and the release of the identity of the pedestrian will not be made, pending notification of next of kin. Any further inquiries should be made to the Adams County coroner's office.
Sgt. G Garcia
Dayshift Traffic
303-739-6293
Aurora CO
November 12, 2019
Case # 2019-44112
On November 11th, Aurora Public Safety Communications Center received 911 calls of a crash on southbound Interstate 222 near E. Mississippi Ave. Responding Police and Fire personnel arrived on scene and located an adult male deceased on the highway.
The Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit, was notified and is investigating.
At this stage of the investigation, it appears as if the pedestrian was running west to east across the southbound lanes of the interstate, nearly under the overpass of E. Mississippi Ave. It is unknown why he did not utilize the overpass to cross the highway. The pedestrian was struck by at least 3 vehicles, all of which were identified, and are cooperating with the investigation. Drugs, alcohol, or speed do not appear to be factors at this time.
The Arapahoe County Medical Examiners office responded to the scene to conduct their death investigation, and take custody of the decedent.
The investigation is ongoing, and the release of the identity of the pedestrian will not be made, pending notification of next of kin. At that time it will come from the Coroners office.
Questions or further information should be directed to:
Detective Joe Petrucelli
303-739-6368
(November 11, 2019) UPDATE: We understand and appreciate the community’s concern and desire for information when our officers are involved in critical incidents. We continue to strive to provide as much information as possible, without jeopardizing the investigative process, while working in coordination with the appropriate District Attorney’s office.
We are releasing only a small portion of the body-worn camera footage from the primary officer after he first arrives on scene. That video can be viewed at the following link:
https://youtu.be/4CNkFyNhGX0
Below is an image captured from the body-worn camera that depicts the rifle that was found in the room where the suspect dove into immediately following the shots being fired.
This investigation into the officer-involved shooting is still on-going and will be submitted to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office for review when it is completed.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Aurora Police Department
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Previously Released 10/25/2019
On October 20, 2019, at 1:43 A.M., Aurora Police Officers
were dispatched to 9121 East 14th Avenue in response to a physical disturbance
outside the apartment building. While officers were responding to the call,
Denver Police Dispatch notified the Aurora Police Dispatch Center that their
“Shot Spotter” had just picked up shots fired in the area of East 13th Ave and
North Akron Street.
(October 25, 2019) The male that was shot remains in
critical condition at a nearby hospital, but, is expected to survive. We can
confirm at this time that this male was shot by our officer. At this time, we
are not going to be identifying this male since detectives are still in the
process of interviewing witnesses and conducting photo line-ups. Preemptively
releasing this information could compromise their investigation.
While conducting our searches of the premises immediately
following the shooting, officers recovered a rifle from the apartment. Also, during the search, officers located a
blood trail leading through the apartment, then out into the hallway and ending
where the male exited the building.
When the body-worn camera video footage is allowed to be
released, after consultation with the 18th Judicial District
Attorney’s Office, we will make it publicly available to view.
Below is the video from the press conference we held today.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Aurora Police Department
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Information
Previously Released 10/20/2019
On October 20, 2019, at 1:43 A.M., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to 9121 East 14th Avenue in response to a physical disturbance outside the apartment building. While officers were responding to the call, Denver Police Dispatch notified the Aurora Police Dispatch Center that their “Shot Spotter” had just picked up shots fired in the area of East 13th Ave and North Akron Street.
Upon officers arrival they heard a loud disturbance on the north side of the building. Officers then observed an adult male in the north parking lot of the apartment complex who was armed with a weapon. After encountering this male, an officer discharged their weapon in his direction. This male then ran back inside of the apartment building.
Moments later, numerous people began to run out of the apartment complex doors. During this commotion, an adult male was found to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Rescue was called and this male was then transported to an area hospital. At this time, it is unknown if the male party who was shot was the same male that officers encountered outside or if this male was shot before police arrived on scene. There were three other injured people that were also transported to the hospital as a result of the large disturbance that officers initially responded to.
The adult male who is suffering from the gunshot wounds is in serious condition. His identity will not be released at this time. There was a weapon that was located on scene.
All responding officers were equipped with body worn cameras and will be reviewed as part of this investigation. The involved officer has worked for the Aurora Police Department for about eighteen months, and has not been in any prior officer-involved shootings at the Aurora Police Department. The officer will be placed on administrative leave per Aurora Police Department policy.
The incident is being investigated by members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in accordance with Senate Bill 15-219. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for 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 contact Agent T. Fredericksen at 303.739.6106.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: We understand and appreciate the community’s concern and desire for information when our officers are involved in critical incidents. We continue to strive to provide as much information as possible, without jeopardizing the investigative process, while working in coordination with the appropriate District Attorney’s office.
We are releasing body-worn camera footage from the primary and secondary officers which can be viewed at the following link:
https://youtu.be/jlNgDqRtzdM
This investigation into the officer-involved shooting is still on-going and will be submitted to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office for review when it is completed.
Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
In the evening hours of Thursday, October 10, 2019, Aurora Police officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of South Bahama Street to contact a suspect in reference to an aggravated physical assault that occurred there earlier in the day.
Upon officer’s arrival they saw Mr. Huff standing next to a truck. As the officers (in full police uniform) approached the house, Mr. Huff immediately fled into the home. As mentioned in the affidavit, Mr. Huff was looking out of a window of a well-lit room as the responding officer was waving at him. The officer was certain Mr. Huff saw her and recognized her as a Police Officer. Mr. Huff then quickly disappeared from the officer's view. Mr. Huff then suddenly reappeared at the same front window armed with a shotgun. It was at this point one of the responding officers made the decision to discharge their weapon.
The picture accompanying this statement is a still image from a body worn camera that was worn by one of the responding officers. The person holding the shotgun inside the house is Mr. Huff. It should also be noted that the figure to the right is one of our officers knocking at the front door.
We recognize trust in our community hinges on accurate transparency in all critical incidents, especially in officer-involved-shootings. Senate Bill 15-219 is designed to not only provide a thorough investigation, but also transparency. We will release the body worn camera footage when we can do so in a manner that does not impede any future court proceedings.
In this day and age accuracy has never meant more, and the reckless publication of inaccurate information on any critical incident not only causes undue duress and concern for those involved, but also our community.
We appreciate the patience and trust our community continues to give us during these complex investigations.
Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
On Thursday October 10th, 2019, at approximately 11:30
p.m., Aurora Police officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of
South Bahama Street to investigate an assault when an armed adult male was
encountered by officers. This incident led to an officer-involved-shooting
where one officer discharged a firearm.
The armed male officers encountered has
been identified as Andrew Huff, 04-29-1997 (see attached booking photo).
Huff remains in the care of an area hospital pending release.
The Aurora Police Department will
present the following charges against Huff to the 18th Judicial
District Attorney’s office for activities prior that led to the Aurora Police
Department response to South Bahama Circle:
18-3-203 Assault in the Second Degree,
Felony
18-3-206 Felony Menacing, Felony
18-3-204 3rd Degree Assault, Misdemeanor
The officer-involved-shooting
investigation as required by Senate Bill 15-219 is still underway. Once that
investigation is completed it will be presented by investigators to the 18th
Judicial District Attorney’s office for review.
The officer who was involved remains on
administrative leave per department policy.
No further information is available for
release at this time.
Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
information previously released on October 11, 2019:
The male who was armed with a firearm and shot during the officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 1500 block of South Bahama Street continues being treated and is recovering at a local hospital. No officers were injured.
In connection to this incident, APD is not looking for suspects and there are no threats to the public.
Officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, as is standard and in accordance with departmental policies.
The officers wore Body Worn Cameras that were collected for review up to and including the Chief of Police.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation and are not available for release today, as investigators still need to obtain statements. Interviews are not expected to be completed until early next week.
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
303.739.6038
On Thursday October 10th, 2019 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of South Bahama Street to investigate an assault when an armed adult male was encountered by officers.
One officer discharged a firearm striking the armed male. He was then transported to an area hospital. The extent of his injuries are not yet known as they are still being evaluated.
This is an active and on-going investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The incident is being investigated by members of the Aurora Police Department, Denver Police Department and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in accordance with Senate Bill 15-219. Once this investigation is complete it will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a criminal culpability review. We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the officer-involved shooting to contact Agent Jamie Krieger at 303.739.6113.
Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On November 2, 2019 at 7:41AM, Aurora Police were dispatched to a single car crash on eastbound I-70 east of Tower Rd. There they found a white Toyota pickup had crashed into the center median guardrail. As a result of the crash, the male driver, who was the only occupant, was ejected. Citizens stopped and rendered aid until the male was transported to a hospital. The driver died as a result of his injuries yesterday, November 6th.
Speed and reckless driving were factors in this incident as a witness stated that the Toyota was speeding and passing traffic on the left shoulder when it crashed into the guardrail. Alcohol consumption is another factor, which is being investigated by the Aurora Police Traffic Unit.
The identity of the driver will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
Chris Carleton
Sergeant, Aurora Police Department
Traffic Investigations
6 N. Abilene St.
Aurora, CO 80011
Office: 303.739-6243
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT
The Aurora Police Department is one of only a very few major city agencies that does not have a dedicated unit focused on investigating and preventing domestic violence related crimes. Since his arrival in 2015, Chief Metz has been diligently working at trying to get funding and establish a domestic violence unit that can better serve the residents of Aurora.
Some of the reasonings that prompted Chief Metz and the Aurora PD to pursue creating a Domestic Violence Unit are:
• On average, APD responds to 6700 Domestic Violence related calls for service per year.
• Over the last 4 years, APD has responded to double the number of Domestic Violence (DV) incidents, and more than three times as many Felony DV Aggravated Assaults, as compared to prior years. Sadly, this has included several DV related murders over the last four years...including three in the last couple months. It is hoped that having a specialized process will give those who are victims of abuse the courage and confidence to report violence.
• Domestic Violence is one of the most underreported crimes. When a reported crime of an aggravated DV assault or murder occur, it is rare that it is the first-time violence has occurred in the home. Sadly, in many of those murder cases, it is believed the victim endured multiple unreported assaults by the suspect. Again, our goal would be to help give victims the courage to report and follow-through to prosecution, thus minimizing repeat calls and escalation of violence.
• Domestic violence crosses all economic, racial, sexual orientation, and cultural categories. It is often a cyclical crime that if not addressed appropriately can repeat itself at the hands of children who witness such ongoing violence in their own families.
• Domestic violence calls are one of the leading causes of assaults and murders against law enforcement officers throughout the country. In fact, since the beginning of the year, five officers around the country were murdered responding to DV / familial related calls. The number of officers seriously wounded while responding to DV related calls, as well as OIS incidents is staggering. Such an incident involved one of our own last year.
• A specialized DV unit would be able to help identify those addresses that patrol officers should approach with extreme caution based on information that may come out post-patrol response. And again, hopefully reduce repeat incidents and escalation.
We want to ensure that APD is doing everything it can to truly serve and protect victims of family violence. The goal will be to have the DV Unit fully functional and operational no later than January 1, 2021. In the meantime, patrol officers and district detectives will continue to respond and investigate these crimes. If you are, or know someone that is, a victim of domestic violence, we are here to help and have resources that we can provide. You can reach out Dispatch Center at 303-627-3100 or by calling 911. You can also follow this link for a list of resources that are available: http://bit.ly/2lvcip3
This is an update to the original media release regarding the fatal crash on October 27th at I-225 and E. Mississippi Ave.
Cameron Smith, a 26 year old male has been arrested and charged with DUI and Leaving The Scene of an Accident Involving Death. More charges may be forthcoming (booking photo attached).
Smith was the driver of a Ford SUV that was exiting northbound I-225 at Mississippi. Smith drove into the intersection and crashed broadside into a Lexus SUV that was driving eastbound. The driver of the Lexus was killed and the passenger was seriously injured.
Smith walked away from the crash. Responding officers were alerted to his presence at a nearby business by citizens. After their investigation, they found he was the driver of the Ford and he was arrested. He is currently being held for bond at the Arapahoe County Jail.
Sergeant Chris Carleton
Aurora Police Traffic Investigations
6 Abilene St.
Aurora, CO 80011
303-739-6243
[email protected]
On October 27th, 2019 at 1:20 am, Aurora officers and rescue personnel responded to the East Mississippi Ave and I-225 interchange on the report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Two occupants of one vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital and one of those occupants was later declared deceased.
The involvement of alcohol and/or drugs and speed are being investigated. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.
Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section. This marks the 22nd traffic related fatality of 2019 in Aurora.
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
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