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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.
(September 30) Detectives began investigating a case involving Leopoldo Zapata-Valdenegro (08/04/1958) on September 23, 2021, when a young girl reported a sexual assault to a trusted adult. During their lengthy and thorough investigation, Aurora Police Crimes Against Children Detectives identified multiple children who were victims of Mr. Zapata-Valdenegro.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant on September 19, 2022 and on September 21, 2022, Mr. Zapata-Valdenegro was arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, with a pattern of abuse. Those charges were filed into the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Adams County, Colorado, where this case will be prosecuted. Any additional information about this case will come from their office. A booking photo of Mr. Zapata-Valdenegro is provided below.
Detectives believe there may be more children who were victimized by Mr. Zapata Valdenegro, possibly going back ten years or more. Anyone with information about the above incident, or if you are wishing to report an incident involving Mr. Zapata Valdenegro, you are urged to call the police agency where the incident is believed to have occurred.
Information and/or tips can also be provided anonymously to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-STOP (7867) or by reporting them online at https://www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(September 27) On September 17, 2022 at about 12:43 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to the 900blk of South Ironton Street on reports of a shooting. The 39-year-old victim tragically died and Detectives from the Aurora Police Department's Major Crimes and Homicide Unit began investigating this incident.
Detectives have been working to develop leads on the ones responsible by interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence, and today, are announcing the arrest of two individuals in relation to this homicide.
Aram Cooper (06/05/1997) and Crystal Purcell (04/07/1980) have both been arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of First Degree Murder. Their booking photos are provided below.
This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and any further information will come from them.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(September 17) On September 17th, 2022 at about 12:43 pm Aurora Police Officers responded to South Ironton Street between East Tennessee Avenue and East Kentucky Avenue. Witnesses called Aurora 911 to report a shooting. When officers arrived, they found an adult male, seated in a vehicle suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital and received care but sadly, he did not survive.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit (MCHU) responded to the scene and worked with officers to locate evidence and interview witnesses. This is an open investigation and no arrests have been made. Investigators are working to determine the facts and circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased victim once he is positively identified and next of kin has been notified.
If you have any information about this shooting, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7807. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit | Office of the Chief of Police
720.432.5095
(September 25) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian crash that occurred overnight on East Colfax Avenue near Peoria Street.
On September 25, 2022 at about 2:25 am, officers responded to East Colfax Avenue near the intersection of Peoria Street for reports of a man struck by a vehicle. Officers discovered a man lying in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital but sadly he did not survive.
Investigators learned the man was walking across East Colfax Avenue, just west of Peoria Street, when a 2009 Honda Pilot, traveling eastbound on East Colfax Avenue, hit the pedestrian. The driver of the Pilot did not immediately stop, nor render aid, and left the scene. The Honda Pilot was located by officers a short time later after they observed it driving nearby. The driver of that Honda Pilot, Geyler Najera (12/18/1992) was subsequently arrested. He was booking into the Aurora Jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. His booking photo is provided below. This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and any additional information will come from them.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased victim once he is positively identified and next of kin has been notified.
The intersection was closed for a few hours so Traffic Investigators could collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing, but alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.
Please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators.
This is the 35th traffic related fatality for 2022.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(September 25) On September 25, 2022 at about 1:35 a.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of 2295 South Chambers Road. Officers found two men, a 44-year-old and a 52-year-old, both whom had been shot multiple times. They were both transported to the hospital where sadly the 44-year-old died from his injuries a short time later. The 52-year-old man remains hospitalized with serious injuries. At least three vehicles and one business sustained damage from gunfire as well.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit (MCHU) responded to the scene and worked with officers to locate evidence and interview witnesses. The Aurora Police Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and located several shell casings. Investigators will use any information they gather from witnesses and evidence, as well as any cameras in the area, to positively identify anyone involved in this homicide. Currently, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the deceased victim once he is positively identified and next of kin has been notified.
If you have any information about this shooting, and did not speak to detectives on scene, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(September 22) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal auto pedestrian crash that occurred overnight near East 12th Avenue and North Chambers Road.
On September 21, 2022 at about 8:13 pm, officers responded to North Chambers Road near the intersection of East 12th Avenue for reports of a woman struck by a vehicle. When they arrived, they found an adult female lying in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was transported to the hospital. Sadly, she did not survive.
Investigators learned the woman was walking westbound in the crosswalk at the intersection when an older model white pickup, possibly a GMC, made a left turn from East 12th Avenue onto northbound North Chambers Road, striking the pedestrian. The truck continued north and did not stop, nor render aid. The truck has not been located.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased victim once she is positively identified and next of kin has been notified.
The intersection was closed so Traffic Investigators could collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing and will determine what factors contributed to the crash.
Please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators.
This is the 34th traffic related fatality for 2022.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit | Office of the Chief of Police
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Department will be conducting Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, September 17, 2022 starting at 9:00 p.m. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat drunk drivers and reduce alcohol related traffic accidents and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the DUI Checkpoint Colorado program that has continued through Labor Day. This checkpoint will be located near East Hampden Avenue and South Tower Road.
Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be contacted briefly by an officer who will be looking for signs of intoxication and/or impairment in the driver. The checkpoint should cause only minor inconvenience to traffic along the targeted roadway, and highly visible signage will be posted leading into the checkpoint screening area. Drivers entering a checkpoint are asked to pay close attention to the officers directing traffic through the area. Motorists should also roll down their drivers' side window as they approach the screening area. This allows for better communication between the motorist and the officer, quicker screening, and a shorter delay overall.
The checkpoint is funded by an N.H.T.S.A. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) grant in partnership with the "Heat is On" campaign and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(September 15) On July 29, 2022, the Denver Police Department responded to a report at Denver International Airport of a child being forcibly fondled. After speaking with the victim’s mother and reviewing surveillance video, investigators were able to identify the suspect as Joseph Spector (DOB 10/24/1977) and obtained a warrant for his arrest on September 6, 2022. Yesterday, Denver Police officers located and arrested Spector for Investigation of Sexual Assault - Fondling of a Child. Spector’s booking photo is attached.
In addition to this incident, the Aurora Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit identified Spector as a suspect in a similar incident, which reportedly occurred at Lava Island, located at 452 N. Sable Blvd. on September 6, 2022, at approximately 1:00 P.M. During this incident, it is alleged that a female child was forcibly fondled by the suspect. Spector will face charges for Sexual Assault on a Child (Pattern) in Arapahoe County relating to this incident that occurred in Aurora and be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
Due to the apparent pattern, investigators believed there may be additional individuals in the community who have been victimized by Spector. Anyone with information about either of these incidents or wish to report an incident involving Spector, is encouraged to call the police agency where the incident occurred. The contact numbers for the Denver and Aurora Police Departments are:
• Denver Police Department- (720) 913-6040
• Aurora Police Department- (303) 627-3100
Per standard procedure, the determination of charges in these cases will be made by the respective District Attorney’s Offices.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(September 13) The Aurora Police Department's Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash between a Honda sedan and a pedestrian that occurred this morning on East Alaska Place near South Worchester Way.
On September 13, 2022 at about 7:05 a.m., Aurora Police Officers and medical personnel were dispatched to the intersection of East Alaska Place and South Worchester Way on reports of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. An 83-year-old woman was found to have been struck by a Honda sedan and was suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased a short time later.
The initial investigation has revealed that the woman was crossing East Alaska Place, going from the south side of the roadway to the north, in between South Wheeling Street and South Worchester Way. A Honda sedan was traveling eastbound on East Alaska Place and struck the female. The driver of the Honda remained on scene. The roadway was closed for Traffic Investigators to collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing but it does not appear that speed or alcohol are contributing factors in this crash.
The identification of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and their next-of-kin have been notified.
Please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators. Tipsters can anonymously report any information to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720.913. STOP (7867) or by going to MetroDenverCrimeStoppers.com.
This is the 33rd traffic related fatality for 2022.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Department has arrested Jonathan Edward Abraham for committing several acts of vandalism throughout the city of Aurora this past week.
From August 14 through August 22, 2022, Abraham committed 15 acts of vandalism by graffitiing several area businesses. Some of the graffiti had racially biased messaging. Through the course of their investigation Detectives from the Intelligence Unit and Gang and Robbery Investigations Team were also able to connect him to 4 aggravated robberies that occurred in Aurora during the Month of April. A tip from a community member lead detectives to Abraham.
Abraham was arrested this afternoon by the Aurora Police Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team, Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team as he was leaving his residence.
He was booked into the Aurora Detention Center and is currently being held on a $50,000 bond for the following charges:
Aggravated Robbery
Criminal Mischief
Bias-Motivated Crime-Property Damage
Booking Photo: Johnathan Edward Abraham
List of Damaged Businesses:
Wells Fargo-1300 South Havana Street
Target-1400 South Havana Street
Starbucks-1402 South Havana Street
Bank of the West-1389 South Havana Street
Safeway-18730 East Hampden Avenue
Taco Bell-3554 South Tower Road
Meineke-18771 East Hampton Avenue
1st Bank-18600 East Hampden Avenue
Kohls-18307 East Hampden Avenue
US Bank-18101 East Hampden Avenue
Dairy Queen-18121 East Hampden Avenue
Summer Valley Liquors-16981 East Quincy Avenue
VASA Fitness-16921 East Quincy Avenue
Lowes-4455 South Buckley Road
Canvas Credit Union-16900 East Quincy Road
List of Robbery Locations:
Subway-4343 South Buckley Road
KFC-16901 East Quincy Avenue
Taco Bell-3554 South Tower Road
Taste of Philly-18121 East Hampden Avenue
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(August 21) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened overnight near East Colfax Avenue and North Moline Street.
On August 21, 2022 at 01:44 am, officers were called to a motorcycle crash at the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and North Moline Street. A man, the driver of the motorcycle, was found in the roadway suffering life-threatening injuries. Sadly, he did not survive and was pronounced deceased on scene.
Initial investigation found this crash involved a motorcycle, a Ford SUV, and a white SUV that left the scene. The motorcycle was traveling west on East Colfax Avenue when the white SUV turned left from East Colfax Avenue onto North Moline Street, in front of the motorcycle. To avoid a collision with the white SUV, the motorcycle veered into the eastbound lanes of East Colfax Avenue and was struck by the Ford SUV. The white SUV left the scene and has not yet been identified.
The driver of the Ford SUV remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.
The identification of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once they have been positively identified and their next-of-kin have been notified.
The roadway was closed so Traffic Investigators could collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing and will determine what, if any, factors contributed to the crash.
Please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators. Tipsters can anonymously report any information to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for up to $2,000 reward.
This is the 32st traffic related fatality for 2022.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit | Office of the Chief of Police
720.432.5095
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