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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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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 April 25th, 2018 at 8:26 pm, officers responded to the location of E. Iliff Ave at S. Naples Way on the report of an accident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. Aurora Fire Rescue Responded and the motorcycle driver was pronounced deceased on scene.
At this time, there are no initial indications that alcohol was involved, but speed may be a factor. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with no injuries.
The identity of the motorcyclist is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.
If you have any information regarding this accident please contact:
Sgt. Mike Douglass
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303-739-6293
UPDATE: The second day of the event being held on Friday, April 27 has been cancelled due to the closure of all Aurora Public Schools. The video will be presented to Junior and Seniors in their classrooms next week.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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Information Previously Released on April 22, 2018
Local Organizations Host “Every 15 Minutes” Program at Rangeview High School
Two-day simulation to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving
WHO: Aurora Police Department (PIO: Kenneth Forrest 720-432-5095)
Aurora Public Schools, Rangeview High School (PIO: Corey Christiansen 303-326-2755)
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center (PIO: Michael Bryant 303-739-7181)
Medical Center of Aurora (PIO: Laura Stephens 303-873-5699)
Aurora Fire Rescue (PIO: Tony Krenz 720-477-0315)
Falck Ambulance
Arapahoe County Coroner
Health One Air Life
WHAT: The “Every 15 Minutes” Program is a two-day event that brings together high school juniors and seniors and challenges them to think about the consequences of drinking and driving. The program also educates students on personal safety, responsible and mature decision making and the impact their decisions can have on family, friends, the community and their futures. Students work with local organizations and family members to craft a scenario to act out in front of peers and role play the consequences of their decisions and actions.
WHEN: Thursday, April 26
(Please arrive at 11:30 a.m. to set-up before the crash scene begins at 12 p.m.)
WHY: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., more than homicide and suicide combined. There are at least 60 traffic fatalities in Colorado every year that can be attributed to distracted driving. Alcohol-related collisions are the leading cause of death among teenage youth.
The Aurora Police Department and Aurora Public Schools are partnering with Rangeview High School to host the “Every 15 Minutes” program in Aurora Colorado. The event brings together community leaders including the City of Aurora, Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora Fire Rescue, City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center, Arapahoe County Coroner, Health One Air Life and Falck Ambulance to take a proactive step in educating local high school students about making mature decisions when alcohol and drugs are involved.
Additional Information and Media Opportunity:
Media is welcome to attend the crash scene that will be simulated on April 26 at 12 p.m. There will be a designated area for media to set up, as there will be many moving components during the scenario (arrival of patrol cars, fire trucks, ambulances and a helicopter).
Interviews will be provided to media before or after the crash scene on April 26. If interested in filming other parts of the event, please contact the designated PIO to make arrangements.
Media are invited to attend the second day of the event on Friday, April 27 at 8 a.m. at Rangeview High School. Students, parents and teachers will gather to watch the video that was created on April 26, and there will be speakers including members of the Aurora Police Department and Faculty and Staff of Rangeview High School
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
This morning on April 21, 2018 at approximately 2:34 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to an automotive repair shop, located at 9230 East Colfax Avenue. Officers responded to this location on the report of a burglary in-progress, where a suspect was observed inside the business by live-feed security cameras.
As officers arrived, they observed an adult male suspect inside of the business. The officers could see that the male was suffering from apparent injuries. Officers entered the business and found the male to be armed with a lethal cutting instrument. In the presence of Officers, the male began to inflict injury to himself with the cutting instrument. As Officers approached the male, who was still armed with the cutting instrument, officers gave verbal orders and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The suspect then threatened officers with the weapon and officers responded by utilizing less lethal options that were available. These less lethal options proved to be ineffective and the suspect then resumed inflicting injuries to himself. The suspect then retreated and barricaded himself in another room inside of the business. In this room, Officers ultimately found the male to be unresponsive. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
During this incident, Officers showed great restraint and no duty weapons were fired. Because of the nature of the circumstances and because officers used less lethal force, the Aurora Police Department’s Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to resume the investigation. Per Colorado Senate Bill 217, the Denver Police Department also responded to assist our Detectives in their efforts.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy of the male to determine the manner in which he died. The Coroner will also identify the decedent pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.
If anybody has information relating to this incident, please contact Detective Warren Miller at (303) 739-6117.
The investigation is in on-going and in its early stages and therefore no further information is available.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(303) 432-5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has made an arrest of Cleveland Grimes (DOB 03/10/1982) in connection with the homicide that occurred on April 14, 2018 at 940 South Iola Street. Grimes, who is pictured below, was arrested for First Degree Murder.
The case is now in the hands of the 18th Judicial District and therefore further public inquiries into the details of the case will be referred to their organization.
If you have any information in regards to this incident, please contact Detective Todd Fredericksen at (303) 739-6106.
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information Previously Released on April 14, 2018
In the early hours of April 14, 2018 at approximately 4:30 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to 940 S. Iola St. on the report of an unknown problem. A report to dispatch indicated that a female was in distress at this approximate location.
As Officers arrived, they located 2 adult females associated with a vehicle that was near the above address. One of the females was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and both females were subsequently transported to area hospitals. The female who was suffering from a gunshot wound sadly succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other female was treated for minor injuries and is expected to survive. It is unknown what circumstances lead up to the shooting incident but answering that question will be a focus for investigators as the investigation progresses. There is currently not a suspect in custody in connection with this incident
Detectives do not have any additional information that is available for public release at this time because they wish to protect the active investigation in its early stages. The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office at a later date pending the notification of next of kin.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide unit is handling the investigation into this matter. We are asking anybody with information about this incident to please call Detective Fredericksen at (303) 739-6106. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by calling Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has made an arrest of Shaun Davis (DOB 03/31/1986) in connection with the homicide that occurred on April 8, 2018 near East Mississippi Avenue and South Galena Street. Davis, who is pictured below, was arrested for the following charges: First Degree Murder, Attempt First Degree Murder and First Degree Assault.
The case is now in the hands of the 18th Judicial District and therefore further public inquiries into the details of the case will be referred to their organization.
If you have any information in regards to this incident, please contact Detective Randy Hansen at (303) 739-6710.
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information Previously Released on April 8, 2018
On April 8, 2018 at approximately 04:45 A.M., an adult male and an adult female arrived by vehicle at the University of Colorado Hospital located at 12605 E. 16th Ave. in Aurora. Both parties were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
While at the hospital, the female was pronounced deceased. The male remains in serious but stable condition.
Through the course of the investigation, it is believed that the shooting incident occurred in the area of E. Mississippi Ave. and S. Galena St. The identity of the deceased female will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victim and notification of next of kin.
This case is in its early stages and the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is actively investigating the incident. As a part of the investigation, Detectives will determine what circumstances lead up to the shooting. As to protect the integrity of the active investigation, no further information is being released at this time. No persons are currently in custody in connection with this incident.
If any member of the public has any information about this incident, they are asked to contact MCU Detective Randy Hansen at (303) 739-6710. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On Sunday April 15th at 6:05 AM, Aurora Police responded to S. Havana St. & E. Kentucky Ave. for a crash where a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. They located a 71 year old male laying in the roadway with injuries consistent with having been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious and alert, but was unable to give any description of the vehicle that struck him. He was transported to a local hospital where he subsequently died as a result of his injuries.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating this crash and encourages any witnesses to contact Detective Ragain at 303-739-6351. The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the victim after notification of family.
Sgt. Chris Carleton
Traffic Investigations
303-739-6243
The press conference on this matter can be viewed by clicking the YouTube link below:
https://youtu.be/B5aNrLuJ5TU
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on April 10, 2018
In response to the incident that occurred last evening wherein an Aurora Police Officer was involved in a shooting with a suspect, Chief Nick Metz remarked to the suspect’s family, “Incidents like this are tragic on both sides of the spectrum. Our thoughts are with you [suspect’s family] and we will continue to offer support throughout the investigative process.”
Today during a news conference with media outlets, Chief of Police Nick Metz and Lieutenant Hershel Stowell with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit addressed the public in providing additional information pertaining to last evening’s officer-involved shooting. A clearer picture of what occurred was relayed as follows:
At approximately 8:00 P.M. on April 9, 2018 a suspect was located inside a taxi cab near the Crossland Hotel located near East 38th Avenue and North Chambers Road. The said suspect, an adult male, was wanted by police in the City of Federal Heights for Attempt Murder involving a firearm. That incident occurred just a day prior on April 8, 2018. Having this information, members of the APD’s Strategic Response Team (SRT) and the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team (FAST) began actively attempting to locate the suspect, as he was believed to pose a serious threat to the community.
These officers had information that the suspect was in a taxi cab as a passenger. The suspect would not allow the driver of the taxi cab to exit the cab and ordered the driver at gunpoint to keep driving. The driver of the taxi cab came to a stop at a red light at East Smith Road and North Chambers Road. The driver fled the taxi leaving the wanted subject in the backseat, where he was now the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Officers from SRT, who were in unmarked vehicles, were adjacent to the taxi when it stopped for the red light. Upon seeing the taxi driver flee from the vehicle, they recognized an opportunity to take the subject into custody with minimal danger to the general public. As officers moved up to the vehicle to take the suspect into custody, shots were fired. Prior to shots being fired, warnings were given by officers. From the course of the investigation, it appears that the suspect fired at officers. The suspect was found to be armed with a handgun.
The suspect sustained injuries at the scene and immediately received medical treatment from an Aurora SWAT paramedic who was at the scene. The suspect was transported to an area hospital where he remains in serious condition as of the writing of this news release.
One officer, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, was placed on paid administrative leave after firing his weapon. This is the officer’s first officer-involved shooting.
Due to the nature of the multiple on-going criminal investigations, the suspect’s identity is not being released at this time and no further information is available for public release.
Anyone who might have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Heath Graw with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6213.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on April 10, 2018
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department
WHEN: Tuesday April 10, 2018, 3:15 p.m. (Media please arrive no later than 3:00 p.m.)
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, Office of the Chief of Police, 15001 East Alameda Parkway
WHO: Chief of Police Nick Metz
CONTACT: Sergeant Chris Neiman, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
Information Previously Released on April 9, 2018
On Monday April 9th, 2018 at approximately 8:00 pm officers with the Aurora Police Department received information that a wanted adult male suspect known to be armed and dangerous was in a vehicle near the intersection of North Chambers Road and East Smith Road. The suspect was wanted for serious crimes committed in the jurisdictions of Federal Heights and Aurora. Members of the Strategic Response Team attempted to apprehend the suspect when shots were fired.
No officers were injured during this incident. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The identity of the suspect is not being released at this time.
The officer/officers involved will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation is being handled by the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. North Chambers Road will be closed in both directions for an undetermined amount of time between East 32nd Ave and East Smith Road while the scene is being processed by investigators.
Anyone who might have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Heath Graw with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6213.
Sergeant Chris Neiman
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On April 2nd, 2018 at 1:21 am, Aurora officers arrived at East Hampden Ave and South Parker Road on the report of a single vehicle accident in which a bridge support was struck. The driver was declared deceased at a local hospital. There were no other occupants of the vehicle.
The cause of the accident is unknown and under investigation. Further information may be released pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone who may have witnessed this traffic collision is asked to call Detective Daufeldt at 303-739-6303
Sergeant Mike Douglass
Aurora Traffic Section
303-739-6293
UPDATE: Jospeh Lugo (DOB 09/19/1978) has been arrested in connection with the homicide and shooting that occurred on March 20, 2018 at 1097 S. Evanston Way.
This incident remains an active investigation. If you have any information in regards to this incident, please contact Detective Doug Kasten at (303) 739-6107.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
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Information previously released on March 20, 2018
A suspect has been identified in the shooting that left a 21-year-old man dead in Aurora on March 20, 2018. Joseph Goudy Lugo (DOB 09/19/1978) is wanted on charges of First Degree Murder for shooting two victims outside of an apartment building located at 1097 S. Evanston Way, on March 20, 2018, at about 8:15 A.M. Lugo is 5'9", 245 lbs., with long black hair, brown eyes, a tattoo of a name on the left front of his forehead and smaller tattoos (also names) on his left and right temples. Potros Mabany (DOB 8/13/1996) has been identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office as the 21-year-old who was killed in yesterday’s shooting. The other adult male, who was also shot at the aforementioned location and fled to a nearby 7 Eleven, has since been released from an area hospital.
We depend on the Aurora community to be an integral part of combating crime, as the community employs thousands of eyes and ears that are not those of police officers. The Aurora Police Department is therefore asking the public for assistance in locating Lugo because his whereabouts are currently unknown. Lugo should be considered armed and incredibly dangerous. If any member of the public sees Lugo, please call 911 immediately and do not approach him. 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.
There have been some questions as to why the Aurora Police Department did not initially release the identity of Lugo. We would like to remind the public that protecting the integrity of active investigations remains a priority and is paramount to successfully solving criminal cases. We also want to reiterate that the safety of the public is at the core of our very mission and is a great consideration throughout investigations where suspects are at-large. Often times, identifying suspects prematurely can send dangerous criminals on the run and can give them a desperate edge. We thank the public for their patience and we want to ensure you that there is much work being done behind the scenes that is aimed at getting dangerous criminals off the street and bring justice to victims.
 
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on March 20, 2018
On March 20, 2018 at approximately 08:15 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to the area E. Mississippi Ave. and S. Sable Blvd. on the report of a shooting.
Upon arrival to the area, it was learned that two adult male victims were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds in the area. One male victim was outside of an apartment building at 1097 S. Evanston Way and the other male victim had arrived at the 7 Eleven located at 14593 E Mississippi Ave. It is believed that both men were shot at 1097 S. Evanston Way and then one of the males walked to 7 Eleven on foot after being shot.
Both males were transported to an area hospital. The male who was located at 7 Eleven is in stable condition while the other victim, who was located at 1097 S. Evanston Way, was pronounced deceased. Out of an abundance of caution, Gateway High School was placed on lockdown when officers initially responded to the report of a shooting, due to the geographical proximity of the school. It has been determined that this shooting has no nexus to Gateway High School and no parties involved were Gateway High School Students.
The Aurora Major Crimes/ Homicide Unit responded to the location to resume the criminal investigation. Detectives are working diligently to identify who is responsible for the shooting. We are asking members of the public to come forward with any information pertaining to this incident. Members of the public should report any known information to Detective Doug Kasten at (303) 739-6107. 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.
The deceased victim will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office at a later date, pending the notification of next of kin. There is no further information available for public release at this time.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has made an arrest of Corderio Lark (DOB 08/17/1986) in connection with the homicide that occurred on March 24, 2018 at 1802 S Havana St. Lark’s mugshot is displayed below.
Earlier today, the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office identified George Craig Pappas (DOB 09/11/1956) as the adult male victim.
The case is now in the hands of the 18th Judicial District and therefore further public inquiries into the details of the case will be referred to their organization.
If you have any information in regards to this incident, please contact Detective Jamie Krieger at (303) 739-6113.
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Information previously released on March 24, 2018
On March 24, 2018 at approximately 6:29 a.m. Aurora Police Officers responded to a report of an unresponsive male in the area of S Havana St and E Colorado Ave.
Officers quickly arrived on scene and located an adult male suffering from apparent trauma in the parking lot of a U-Haul business located at 1802 S Havana St. The male was pronounced deceased on scene.
The Aurora Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the location and are actively investigating this incident as a homicide.
We are asking members of the public to come forward with any information related to this incident. Members of the public should report any known information to Detective Jamie Krieger at (303) 739-6113. 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.
The identity of the victim is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once the victim has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6616
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