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.
On December 30, 2018 at about 6:42 AM, Aurora Police and Fire responded to E. 33rd Ave. and N. Oakland St. on a report of a crash involving a pickup and a RTD bus. Once on scene they found that the pickup had been traveling east in the westbound lanes of traffic and struck the bus head-on. Two people from the bus were transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The female driver and only occupant of the pickup appears to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
At this time, it is unknown why the pickup crossed into the oncoming traffic lanes. The Aurora Police Traffic Unit is investigating this crash with assistance from RTD and the Adams County Coroner’s office. The Adams County Coroner will release the identity of the deceased at a later date.
Sergeant Christopher Carleton
Traffic Operations
Aurora Police Department
Aurora, CO 80012
303-739-6243
[email protected]
On Saturday December 29, 2018, at approximately 9:35 P.M.
Aurora Police Department Officers were flagged down and notified of a possible
shooting victim in the Walgreens Parking lot located at 12051 East Mississippi
Ave. Officers quickly arrived and found
a deceased male in the parking lot.
The victim will be identified at a later date by the
Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office, pending notification of next of kin.
The Aurora Police Department
Major Crimes/ Homicide Unit has taken over this criminal investigation. If
anyone has any information related to this incident they are asked to contact
Detective Del Matticks at (303) 739-6367. Tipsters can also remain
anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Ofc. Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
On December 9th, 2018, at about 5:45 PM, Patrol Officers responded to a call of a car that hit a wheel chair at East Colfax Avenue and Boston Street. They found a 62 year old male that had tried to cross northbound across East Colfax Avenue in the street. Witnesses told them that the vehicle that struck the wheel chair fled the scene. A short time later, the vehicle was located about a block away unoccupied. At about that same time, the driver of the vehicle returned to the scene.
The vehicle was a red 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. The driver and sole occupant was not injured. The person in the wheel chair was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Traffic Investigators are handling this investigation. It will be some time before appropriate charges are determined. At this point, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash. The names of those involved are not being released at this time.
Sergeant William Revelle
Traffic Section
On December 9th, 2018 at 6:14 am, Aurora Dispatch received a call of a single car rollover accident in the area of East Baranmor Parkway and North Quentin Street in northwest Aurora. When officers and rescue personnel arrived on scene, the lone occupant driver was found ejected from the vehicle. Life saving measures were initiated and the driver was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver was later declared deceased.
Speed does appear to be a factor in this accident, but the involvement of other factors is unknown.
The identity of the driver is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
This accident marks the 30th accident related fatality in Aurora for 2018.
Questions or information related to this incident can be directed to:
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
Chief Metz has released the following statement today, December 3, 2018, in regards to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 30, 2018 at 10609 East Montview Boulevard:
"On July 30, 2018, Aurora Police officers were involved in a tragic incident where Richard “Gary” Black was shot by police. Officers responded to reports of an intruder attacking a child. The officers approached Mr. Black’s home upon hearing shots fired from inside. Officers then saw a man with a gun and a flashlight in hand. For reasons unknown to those officers, the man did not respond to commands to drop the weapon and an officer shot him. At the time, the officers did not know the man was Mr. Black and he had just shot the intruder who was viciously attacking his grandson.
The case was referred to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office, who issued a “declination” letter earlier today, which can be found here. The District Attorney has determined the evidence in this case does not support the filing of any criminal charges against the officer in discharging his weapon in the fatal shooting.
We understand the public’s interest in this tragic case. The Department weighs this along with its responsibility to protect the child victim, as well as the family’s privacy interests. In consult with the family, we are sharing a mutually-agreeable portion of the involved officer’s body-worn-camera in this chaotic incident.
The officer who shot Mr. Black currently remains in a non-enforcement role. With the release of the DA’s declination letter, an internal investigation will begin.
This was a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mr. Black’s family and those involved."
Information previously released on August 2, 2018
UPDATE: On Thursday August 2, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Aurora Police Department Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with the 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman and the18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler to address updates that can be released.
Chief Metz opened with a heartfelt statement, and acknowledged Mr. Richard “Gary” Black’s distinguished life such as being a Vietnam War Veteran, a purple heart recipient, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Mr. Black’s family attended a private viewing of the body worn camera footage and listened to Mrs. Black’s 911 call with members of the Aurora Police Department Command Staff. As a result of this, the family made a public statement requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release Mrs. Black's 911 call. They wished to be allowed to grieve, and did not want Mr. Black’s life to be remembered in this way.
The 17th Judicial Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman spoke to their stance on requesting the Aurora Police Department to not release the body warn camera at this time.
A copy of all 911 calls, with the exception of Mrs. Blacks, a copy of our Officer-Involved-Shooting Directive, the International Associated of Chiefs of Police guidelines on Officer-Involved-Shootings, the statement from the Black family, and the entire video of this press conference will be uploaded onto your YouTube channel and/or at the below links:
Statement from the Black Family
Aurora Police Department Officer Involved Shooting Directive
IACP Officer Involved Shooting Guidelines
Statement Regarding Psychological Services After OIS Events
911 and Police Radio Traffic Recordings
Press Conference Packet
Aurora Police Department Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
[email protected]
Information previously released on July 30th, 2018:
On July 30, 2018, at approximately 1:29 a.m., the Aurora Public Safety Dispatch Center (PSDC) received multiple 911 calls advising there was a disturbance in the area of North Iola Street and East Montview Boulevard.
The PSDC received another 911 call from an adult female at 10609 East Montview Boulevard advising an adult male intruder was breaking into her home.
Aurora Police Officers arrived to a very chaotic and violent scene at 10609 East Montview Boulevard. While on scene officers heard gunshots fired from inside the home, and encountered an armed adult male. An officer discharged his firearm striking the armed male who was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The officers then cleared the home to ensure the scene was safe. Inside, officers found an injured juvenile and the deceased adult male intruder on the bathroom floor. The injured juvenile was later transported to a local hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, caused by the deceased intruder.
Further investigation revealed the armed male encountered by the officer was a resident of the home. Our preliminary investigation has revealed the deceased intruder on the bathroom floor was fatally shot by the armed adult male resident.
The names of the decedents will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
The involved officer has been placed on administrative reassignment with pay as per Aurora Police Department Policy.
The investigation into this incident is being handled by the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 15-219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer involved shootings. We are requesting all members of the public who were a witness to the officer-involved shooting to contact Detective Randy Hansen at 303.739.6710
We are working jointly with the Denver Police Department and the 17th Judicial District to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. However, at the request of the 17th Judicial District, we cannot provide any additional details at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, and all who are involved. We anticipate a more detailed press conference later this week once all officers involved have been interviewed.
This is a very heartbreaking and tragic situation for everyone involved. We are providing assistance through our victim advocates to help the family of the deceased resident through this very difficult time.
Chief Nick Metz
Aurora Police Department
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On December 2nd, 2018, at about 5:16 PM, an Aurora Police Officer in a marked Police Vehicle on routine patrol spotted a reported stolen vehicle from Denver in the area of East Colfax Avenue and Scranton Street. The stolen vehicle was a gold 1998 Toyota Rav 4 going east on East Colfax Avenue. The Officer got behind the vehicle at which point it took off continuing eastbound at a high rate of speed. The Officer never activated his emergency lights or attempted to stop the Toyota before it sped away.
The Officer could see that the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic. The vehicle was about a half mile away when the Officer saw a large cloud of dust that was caused by the Toyota crashing into another car. The Officer went to the crash scene and rendered aid to the occupants of both vehicles until Aurora Fire Rescue arrived.
The investigation revealed that the Toyota was eastbound East Colfax Avenue at a high rate of speed. It failed to stop for the red light at the northbound I225 off-ramp. A silver 2008 Hyundai Sonata was going north across East Colfax Avenue when it was struck by the Toyota.
The male driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. Numerous charges are pending against him. The female driver and sole occupant of the Hyundai was transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. The names of those involved are not being released at this time.
The Aurora Police Department is asking that any witnesses contact us at 303 739 6374.
Sergeant William Revelle
Aurora Police Traffic Section
The Aurora Police Traffic Section would like to give an update regarding the incident that occurred on November 16, 2018, in the area of South Uravan Street and East Kentucky Avenue.
Immediately after the mother tragically backed over her one year old son, she grabbed her child, placed him in the car, and called 911. The mother then began to drive to the nearest hospital all while still on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. At the direction of the 911 dispatcher, who had already started police and fire, directed the mother to pull into the parking lot of the Shell Gas Station at South Buckley Road and East Alameda Parkway. This is where she was met by officers and rescue personnel who began to administer aid to the young boy.
This incident appears to be a heartbreaking accident. Aurora Police Detectives will continue to investigate this thoroughly and determine if criminal charges are appropriate.
Lt. Jad Lanigan
Aurora Traffic Section
720-675-8915
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Previously Released on November 16, 2018
On November 16, 2018, at 10:10 A.M., Officers from the Aurora Police Department responded to the Shell Gas Station at South Buckley Road and East Alameda Parkway on reports of parent calling in about their child being struck by their vehicle. Investigation later revealed that this incident occurred in the area of South Uravan Street and East Kentucky Avenue.
Initial investigation confirmed that a parent was backing out of their driveway when a 12-month old child was struck by their vehicle causing serious injuries. The parent then drove to the Shell Gas Station where she was met by Aurora Police Officers. Officers performed life saving measures on the child until Aurora Fire Rescue arrived and transported the child to an area hospital.
We regret to inform you that the young child passed away from the injuries.
The incident is being investigated by our Aurora Police Traffic Section with the assistance from the Crimes Against Children Unit.
Inquiries or further information can be directed to:
Lt. Jad Lanigan
Aurora Traffic Section
303-739-6326
720-675-8915
Aurora CO
November 9th, 2018
Case Report # 2018-44754
At about 5:13 pm local time, Aurora Fire and Police responded to the location of N. Sable Blvd. and E. Montview Blvd on a report of a crash between a pickup truck and a sedan.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the sedan was eastbound on Montview Blvd, occupied by two adult males. The pickup truck was northbound on Sable Blvd, occupied by an adult male driver and a juvenile passenger. Eastbound Montview Blvd. has a stop sign at Sable Blvd. Sable Blvd has the right of way, with no traffic control devices restricting flow through the intersection.
The sedan entered Sable Blvd. and failed to yield to the pickup truck, which collided broadside with the sedan.
The passenger in the sedan was critically injured, and immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Both drivers remained on scene and are cooperating with the investigation, no drug or alcohol impairment is suspected.
The Aurora Police Traffic section has taken over the crash scene, and a thourough investigation will be completed, which may take some time due to the forensic analysis required.
Additional details will be released when appropriate.
Contact information:
Sergeant Mark Elliot
Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit Supervisor
6 N. Abilene St.
Aurora CO.
80012
303-739-6202
[email protected]
Chief Nick Metz would like to announce he has promoted District One Commander Harry Glidden, and Metro Division Investigations Bureau Commander Ernie Ortiz to serve in the Aurora Police Department as division chiefs effective Saturday November 3, 2018.
Chief Metz lauds both have demonstrated strong leadership abilities, and bring vast experience within the Aurora Police Department that will enhance the service to the citizens of Aurora as well as department personnel.
Division Chief Ernie Ortiz, who brings 33 years of experience in service to the City of Aurora, will lead the Operations Division, which oversees all patrol operations. Chief Ortiz has lead in an executive supervisory capacity over the following units: PAR, SWAT, District Command, the Training Section, and the Investigations Bureau. Chief Ortiz holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from National American University.
Division Chief Harry Glidden, who brings 34 years of experience in service to the City of Aurora, will lead the Compliance & Professional Standards Division which oversees all aspects of police hiring, training, to include the City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center. Chief Glidden has served in an executive supervisory capacity over the following units during his tenure at the Aurora Police Department: Patrol, Gang Unit, Communications, Vice and Narcotics, District Sector, Technical Services Bureau, PAR, DART, and the Internal Affairs Bureau. Chief Glidden holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration.
Please join us in wishing members of the Aurora Police Department’s Executive Staff the best of luck in their new assignments.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
(720) 423-5095
On November 2, 2018, at 11:16 A.M., Officers from the Aurora Police Department were notified by a School Resource Officer, working at Rangeview High School located at 17599 East Iliff Avenue, that there was a picture from Snapchat showing a student with a weapon in his waistband. The School Resource Officer believed that the student was still in the school building.
The School Resource Officer immediately notified dispatch who then requested a city-wide response. Officers from all three police districts, including SWAT, Police Area Representatives, K-9, Neighborhood Policing Unit, Media Relations Unit, Traffic Units, Command Staff, and Detectives, responded to Rangeview High School to assist. There were more than 70 Aurora Police Officers who converged on this location to provided support and valuable resources to this evolving situation.
The school was immediately placed on lockdown and students who were inside of the school were told to shelter in place. The students who were on the outside of the school building were escorted off school property and asked to rendezvous with officers down the street for further instructions. It should be noted that no students were injured from this incident and there were no shots fired at any time on campus.
After developing a plan to ensure the safety of students inside of the school, officers began to search the interior of the school in case the armed individual was still located in the building. There were also numerous officers who were tasked with patrolling the streets, parks, shopping centers, and areas around Rangeview High School and to also search for the armed suspect if they happened to be off school property already. A partial picture of the suspect was released to officers in the area and inside of the school.
While our resources were focused on this incident, the Public Safety Communications Division received at least 75 additional and unrelated calls for service, which may have been delayed as a result of this call for service at Rangeview High School.
At approximately 12:06 P.M., an officer in the area of South Buckley Road and East Evans Avenue observed a male matching the description of the suspect. Two individual were contacted, one of which was in possession of a BB gun made to look like a real firearm. Both males were detained in relation to this incident and were transported to our District 3 Police Station where detectives interviewed them. After the interviews, the juvenile males were released to their parents and criminal charges are pending.
Since both suspects are juveniles, we cannot release their names. We can confirm though that both are students are Rangeview High School.
This incident will continue to be investigated and we are asking anyone with information about this case to call Detective C. Fanning at (303) 627-3161.
We wanted to thank our partners from Aurora Fire Rescue, Falck Rocky Mountain Ambulance, and Aurora Public School Security Officers. We also want to thank the parents and the public for their patience and attention during this situation.
Chief of Police, Nicholas Metz remarked, “I am extremely grateful for all of the officers who quickly responded to Rangeview High School to ensure the safety of not only the students but the staff as well. I wanted to also praise the Aurora Public School Security Officers who assisted our officers with scene security and access to the buildings. Thank you to Aurora Fire Rescue who responded and staged in the event of injuries to anyone. I appreciate the Rangeview High School staff and the School Resource Officer who quickly brought this to our attention and helped us resolve this situation quickly and safely. I commend my officers who apprehended the suspects and recognized the necessity to quickly capture the ones responsible. Our detectives are hard at work to ensure that this matter will be resolved with the most appropriate outcome.”
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
|