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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.
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE JUAN CAMPOS-ROCHA
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department
WHEN: Tuesday April 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 1550 Havana Street
WHO: Chief of Police Nick Metz
CONTACT: Officer Diana Cooley, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(303) 739-6022
The Aurora Police Department will be holding a press conference to brief the media about the circumstances related to the missing person case of Juan Campos-Rocha, 13 year old.
The conference will take place today in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Aurora, 1550 Havana Street at 1:00 p.m. Aurora Chief of Police Nick Metz be giving an update into the investigation. A spokesperson for the family will be giving a statement.
On Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 13th opportunity in 7 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to one of three disposal sites in Aurora.
Central Aurora: The Medical Center of Aurora, 1501 S. Potomac St.
Northeast Aurora: Pickens Technical College, 500 Airport Blvd.
Southeast Aurora: Saddle Rock Emergency Room, 22500 E. Dry Creek Rd.
(The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Every 15 Minutes Presented by Hinkley High School & Aurora Police Department on April 3-4, 2017
Life's lessons are best learned through experience. Unfortunately, when the target audience is teens and the topic is drinking and driving, experience is not the teacher of choice.
The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program, entitled Every 15 Minutes, is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of driving impaired. This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.
Prior to the start of the program, involved students and school faculty members begin by making a short video that will be played at the end of day two to the rest of the Junior and Senior class. This is the video that was produced.
Special thanks to all student participants and community partners who made this possible:
Aurora Public Schools- Hinkley High School
Aurora Fire Rescue
Arapahoe County Coroner
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center
Children's Hospital Colorado
Colorado Department of Transportation
Falk Rocky Mountain- Aurora
Health One Air Life
Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
M&M Auto Reconditioning
UPDATE: Yesterday the Aurora Police Department held a press conference to update the media on this ongoing investigation. You can view an unedited version of the conference here.
Information previously released on April 1st, 2017
On Saturday April 01, 2017, officers from the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team, Strategic Response and Tactics unit, and Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force were conducting surveillance on a wanted adult male suspect known to be armed and dangerous. The suspect was wanted for aggravated motor vehicle theft out of Denver. Throughout the course of the surveillance the officers received information the suspect was in a vehicle near the 1500 Block of North Sable Boulevard.
Our officers were able to locate the vehicle and at approximately 3:00 p.m. they attempted to apprehend the suspect. During the course of the apprehension the suspect fled in the vehicle which ended up in a ditch a short distance away. During the incident an officer fired his weapon at the suspect. The officers rendered aid to the suspect who was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. New charges are pending. There was a juvenile female passenger in the vehicle who was unharmed.
The officers has been 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. This is due to the passage of Senate Bill 219 which requires law enforcement agencies to team up with neighboring agencies to investigate officer involved shootings.
Police are asking anyone who might have witnessed this incident to call Detective Michael Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6127.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office
WHEN: Monday April 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, Office of the Chief of Police, 15001 East Alameda Parkway
WHO: Chief of Police Nick Metz
CONTACT: Officer Diana Cooley, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(303) 739-6022
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
Aurora, Colorado-The Aurora Police Department will be holding a press conference to brief the media about the circumstances related to an officer involved shooting involving an Aurora Police Officer that occurred near East Colfax and North Sable Boulevard.
The conference will take place today at Aurora Police Headquarters (15001 East Alameda Parkway) at 5:00 p.m. Aurora Chief of Police Nick Metz be providing an update on the events of last Saturday.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of police headquarters so the media is asked to arrive prior to 5:00 p.m. at the north doors of police headquarters near the crime lab vehicles. A representative of the Media Relations Unit will then provide access into the building.
Local Organizations Host First “Every 15 Minutes” Program in Aurora Colorado
Two-day simulation to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving
WHO: Aurora Police Department (PIO: Diana Cooley 720-432-5095)
Aurora Public Schools, Hinkley High School (CCO: Patti Moon 303-326-7805)
City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center (PIO: Michael Bryant 303-739-7181)
Children’s Hospital Colorado (PIO: Hollon Kohtz, Media Pager: 303-890-8314)
Aurora Fire Rescue (PIO: Tony Krenz 720-477-0315)
Falck Ambulance
Arapahoe County Coroner
Health One Air Life
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Denver Metro Teen Drivers
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: Monday, April 3
(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 Hinkley High School to host the first-ever “Every 15 Minutes” program in Aurora Colorado. The event brings together community leaders including the City of Aurora, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora Fire Department, City of Aurora Courts and Detention Center, Arapahoe County Coroner, Health One Air Life, Falck Ambulance and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to take a proactive step in educating local high school students about making mature decisions when alcoholic beverages are involved.
Additional Information and Media Opportunity:
Media is welcome to attend the crash scene that will be simulated on April 3 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 ambulances and a helicopter).
Interviews will be provided to media before or after the crash scene on April 3. 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 Tuesday, April 4 at 8 a.m. at Hinkley High School. Students, parents and teachers will gather to watch the video that was created on April 3, and there will be speakers including members of the Aurora Police Department, Hinkley High School and MADD.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
[email protected]
On 03/26/17, at 7:41 pm, Aurora Police Officers responded to
the intersection of E. Iliff Ave and S. Telluride St. for a motorcycle vs auto
traffic collision.
The motorcycle (2006 Yamaha sport bike) was traveling W/B on
E. Iliff Ave. The auto (2013 Kia Optima) was E/B on E. Iliff Ave. intending to
make a N/B turn onto S. Telluride St. The motorcycle broadsided the Kia in the
intersection. The motorcycle rider was ejected with life threatening injuries
and transported to the Medical Center of Aurora South. The motorcyclist was
listed in critical condition with serious bodily injuries. Alcohol and drugs do
not appear to be a factor. Preliminary investigation indicates that speed may
be a factor in this collision. The investigation is ongoing. W/B Iliff Ave was closed during the investigation but has since been reopened.
Officer K. Deichsel
Aurora Police Department
Traffic Section
Law enforcement encourages drivers to slow down, “Move Over” and drive safe
Turn on the radio, put away your cell phone, buckle your seat belt and keep an eye on the road – all things drivers learn before heading out. But, one thing many motorists may not be aware of is Colorado’s “Move Over” law. If you see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of the road, move over a lane to give them space. Local law enforcement is sharing the message - slow down, move over and keep everyone safe on the roads.
Aurora Police Department, along with 29 law enforcement agencies statewide, will be heading out Wednesday, March 22 to educate and enforce Colorado’s “Move Over” law.
The law is in place to protect law enforcement, roadside workers and drivers. It requires motorists to move over one lane to provide a safe buffer for emergency vehicles on the side of a highway or road. If moving over a lane is not possible, the law requires drivers to greatly reduce their speed when approaching an emergency vehicle.
Colorado’s ‘Move Over’ law not only protects law enforcement and other emergency personnel, but other drivers as well, there have been several tragic incidents that were a result of drivers not moving over for emergency personnel This law helps keep everyone safe – both emergency personnel and the people we serve and protect.
In many traffic crashes, distracted driving is a factor. Statewide traffic fatalities continue to increase – 488 in 2014; 547 in 2015; 607 in 2016. Encouraging motorists to stop driving while distracted is a key to reducing overall traffic crashes. The “Move Over” law is part of that overarching campaign.
The law was first implemented in July 2015. However, several officers have been injured, or lost their lives, due to drivers not abiding by the law. For the next several months, law enforcement agencies across the state will be joining forces to educate drivers and help enforce this lifesaving law.
In an effort to continually increase awareness, this is the fourth iteration of “Operation 1 Charlie 3.” The operation was named in honor of Colorado State Trooper Cody Donahue and his family. Donahue was hit and killed by a driver who failed to move over.
These high-visibility and educational efforts take place monthly. During February’s campaign, law enforcement stopped more than 900 drivers. At least 585 of those stops were “Move Over” violations. Law enforcement’s goal is to keep reducing that number and increase awareness among motorists.
Participating agencies in Wednesday’s enforcement and educational campaign include:
- Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
- Aurora Police Department
- Basalt Police Department
- Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
- Boulder Police Department
- Broomfield Police Department
- Cannon City Police Department
- Castle Rock Police Department
- Colorado State Patrol
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
- Durango Police Department
- Florence Police Department
- Fort Lupton Police Department
- Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
- Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
- Greenwood Village Police Department
- Lafayette Police Department
- Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
- Logan County Sheriff’s Office
- Lone Tree Police Department
- Park County Sheriff’s Office
- Parker Police Department
- Peterson Airforce Base Security Forces
- Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office
- Teller County Sheriff’s Office
- University of Colorado Boulder Police Department
- Wheatridge Police Department
- Woodland Park Police Department
Also, special thanks to CDOT and the Northwest Parkway Toll Authority for helping keep drivers informed with the video message boards.
Officer K. Deichsel
Aurora Police Department
Traffic Section
On March 7th, 2017, at about 6:57 PM, Aurora Police Traffic Officers responded to an Auto Pedestrian crash at East 28th Avenue and North Tower Road. When they arrived, they found that a 52 year old male was walking west across North Tower Road on the north side of the intersection. The intersection is not controlled by traffic signals. A 1993 Toyota Corolla driven by a 70 year old male was northbound in the left through lane of traffic. The driver of the Toyota saw the pedestrian and tried to brake but was unsuccessful. The pedestrian was struck by the Toyota.
The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Detectives are currently trying to positively identify him. Once identified, his identity will not be released until next of kin are notified.
The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota remained on scene. He was not injured. His identity is not being released at this time.
Traffic investigators continue to work the scene. At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash. It will take some time to determine fault. Northbound Tower Road remains closed during this investigation.
Sergeant William Revelle
Aurora Police Traffic Section
303 739 6374
Darin Parker Named New District 3 Commander
Chief of Police Nicholas Metz is pleased to announce the appointment of Darin Parker to the rank of Commander. He will oversee the operations of District 3 and command 113 personnel. District 3 provides law enforcement services to Southeast Aurora which covers approximately 53 square miles and serves approximately 141,000 residents.
Commander Parker started his law enforcement career as a Police Officer with the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department in 1989. In 1995 he moved north to Colorado and joined the Aurora Police Department. He later promoted to Agent (detective) and was assigned to the Crimes Against Person’s Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit where he investigated serious felony crimes.
In 2002 Commander Parker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He supervised a patrol team, the Pattern Crimes Unit and was an Investigator with the Internal Affairs Section. In 2009 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Watch Commander at District 1 and as the Sector Commander for District 2. He also commanded the Narcotics Section and the Operations Support Section (SWAT and K-9 Units).
During the summer of 2016 Commander Parker completed the Senior Management Institute In Policing which was sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum. He has also completed the IACP Leadership in Police Organization Course and the University of Denver Executive Leadership Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University.
Lieutenant Brett Parvin, New Executive Officer to the Chief of Police
Chief Metz has selected Lieutenant Brett Parvin to serve as his Executive Officer. He will oversee the department's community outreach efforts and command the Media Relations and Recruiting Units. He most recently served as the Commanding Officer of the department's Record Section where he was oversaw the operations of 51 employees, including 5 civilian supervisors and one Sergeant.
Lieutenant Parvin, who grew up in Aurora joined the Aurora Police Department in 2000. During his time as a Patrol Officer he was assigned to patrol and the District 2 Police Area Representative Unit. In 2004 he was promoted to the rank of Agent (detective) and was assigned to the District 1 Crimes Against Persons Unit. In 2007 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure as Sergeant he supervised two patrol teams, the Support Services Unit, and the Emergency Response Team (ERT). In 2012 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Watch Commander and Sector Commander for District 2 before being assigned to command the department's Record Section.
Lieutenant Parvin earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in English from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Other Executive Leadership Team Changes
Commander Harry Glidden, the Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau will now serve as the Commander for District 1. District 1 provides law enforcement services to West Aurora. It is 19 square miles in size and serves approximately 122,000 residents. He will command 165 personnel.
Commander Eric Stewart, the Commander for District 1 will now serve as the Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Captain Terry Brown, the Deputy Commander for District 1 will now serve as the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Bureau. He will command Investigative Support Section and Narcotics Section.
Captain Bob Stef, The Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Bureau will now serve as the Deputy Commander of District 1.
Captain Rob McGregor, The Commanding Officer of the Technical and Support Bureau will now serve as the Deputy Commander of District 3.
Commander Darin Parker
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
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