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.
UPDATE: The Empowering Youth Guide is now available online. Click here to download your copy.
Information previously released on November 1st, 2016:
The Empowering guide was produced by the Aurora Police Department in partnership and created by young adults from various organizations. The guide is intended to be used by the young adults in our community, and making them more knowledgeable on police policies, laws, and how to best interact with the police. We are excited to unveil this educational guide created by and provided to the youth of our community.
WHO: Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz, Betty Hailu Rangeview High School Student/ Aurora Youth Commission,
Jacob Lempert Rangeview High School Student/Aurora Police Explorer Jacob Lempert
WHAT: Launch of the Empowering and Understanding Through Knowledge youth guide that promotes understanding through knowledge.
WHEN: November 3rd, 2016; 3:45 p.m.
WHERE: Rangeview High School, 17599 East Iliff Avenue., Aurora, 80013 (Front Entrance)
Following introductory comments, the speakers will be available for media interviews.
UPDATE: The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit has determined that the victims gunshot wound was self-inflicted and is investigating this case as a suicide.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on October 6, 2016:
On Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 7:38 a.m. officers responded to Side Creek Park located at 19001 East Colorado Drive on a report of a mannequin with a weapon in the park. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male with a gunshot wound. At this time there is no further information available as this is an active and ongoing investigation.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once a positive identification has been made, and next of kin has been notified.
The Majors Crime/Homicide unit and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Aurora Police is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Agent Jamie Krieger with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6113. Tipsters can also use Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720-913-7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a $2,000 reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Aurora Police Investigators are still seeking information related to the homicide that occurred on Saturday June 18, 2016 at approximately 9:44 p.m. at the Green Heart Marijuana Dispensary located at 19005 East Quincy Avenue.
Denver Metro Crime Stoppers has received another generous reward increase bringing the total reward to $50,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6067. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Previously released on July 18, 2016:
Aurora Police investigators are still seeking information related to the homicide that occurred on Saturday June 18, 2016 at approximately 9:44 p.m. at the Green Heart Marijuana Dispensary located at 19005 East Quincy Avenue.
Denver Metro Crime Stoppers is offering an additional reward of $10,000 in addition to the $2,000 they previously offered. Anyone with information is asked to contact Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6067. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward.
The total amount of the rewards being offered is $22,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Previously released on June 27, 2016:
Aurora Police investigators are releasing images from surveillance systems showing two persons of interest described as:
Person of Interest one:
Dark colored full zip hooded sweatshirt
Red white horizontal stripe shirt
Blue jeans
Gray shoes with white stripes and blue shoelaces
Person of interest two:
Black hooded sweatshirt
Blue jeans
Maroon converse or similar
Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6067 or tipsters can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
Desk: (303) 739-6038
On-Call PIO: (720) 432-5095
Previously released on June 20, 2016:
On Saturday June 18, 2016 at approximately 9:44 p.m. officers responded to Green Heart Marijuana Dispensary located at 19005 East Quincy Avenue in reference to a robbery that left one man dead.
The Major Crime/Homicide Unit is looking to identify two black males that were armed with handguns in connection to the homicide. At this time we are not releasing any additional information as investigators are thoroughly reviewing all available evidence.
We are asking anyone who might have witnessed or have information about the homicide call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6067. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is offering a reward for up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide. This reward is being offered through a partnership with ATF and the Aurora Police Department under the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) initiative.
Additionally, the Aurora Police Department Reward fund is offering an additional reward of $5,000.00, which includes $3,000.00 that was donated by Euflora – a neighboring dispensary.
The total amount of rewards being offered is $12,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for this crime.
Previous News Release from June 19, 2016:
The Aurora Police Department is investigating a robbery in Southeast Aurora that left one adult male deceased.
On Saturday June 18, 2016, at approximately 9:44 p.m. officers were dispatched to 19005 East Quincy Avenue, Green Heart Marijuana Dispensary, on report of a robbery with shots fired. When they arrived on scene they located a security guard inside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time. That will be done by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once the victim has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Detectives and Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are two black males armed with handguns.
Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303-739-6067 or tipsters can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
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Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
Guest
Aurora Police Investigators are still seeking information related to the homicide that occurred on Saturday June 18, 2016 at approximately 9:44 p.m. at the Green Heart Marijuana Dispensary located at 19005 East Quincy Avenue.
Denver Metro Crime Stoppers has received another generous reward increase bringing the total reward to $50,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6067. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Aurora Police Department
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
The Aurora Police Department recognizes that out of the 351,200 citizens that reside in the city of Aurora, 29% represent the Hispanic community. To better serve that community they are unveiling a new Spanish language Facebook page. This new social media site will allow them to directly share information and provide a forum for people to ask the APD questions in Spanish. The page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PoliciaDeAurora/.
The Aurora Police Department already operates a Spanish language Twitter account which it started in 2015. It is the only law enforcement agency in the state to have one.
By utilizing social media the Aurora Police Department’s goal is to foster trust and a sense of community by engaging those they serve. It allows them to share information quickly that could help protect the community, catch suspects, and find missing persons. It also provides the APD with the opportunity to highlight the day-to-day operations of the department and the good work their officers and employees do on a daily basis.
The Aurora Police Department currently connects with it's residents in English via Twitter, Facebook, Periscope, Nextdoor and YouTube. The APD Recruiting Unit, K-9 Unit, Traffic Section and Police Explorer Post also have Facebook pages. The APD encourages the community to “follow” them on Twitter and “like” their Facebook pages to receive the latest news, alerts, and crime prevention information.
Officer Diana Cooley
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6022
From January 1 to October 9th of this year, 1,136 vehicles have been stolen in the city of Aurora, which is a 14.7% increase from 2015. To help in their fight against auto theft the Aurora Police Department is turning to social media.
When someone reports their vehicle stolen to the APD that information will now be posted on a newly created Facebook page and Twitter account. It is hoped that by getting this information out to the public it will help the victims of auto theft get their cars back sooner.
If one of our social media followers sees a stolen vehicle they are asked not to follow or approach it and to call police immediately. The Telecommunicator with Public Safety Communications Department who takes their call will then verify that the vehicle is stolen and then broadcast the information to officers in that area.
Sergeant Chris Amsler, the department's social media coordinator said "We believe that using social media for this purpose will bring more public awareness to the issue of auto theft. Auto theft affects not only the individual vehicle owner, but our entire community. We also want auto thieves to know that starting today not only are the police looking for the cars they steal but so is the public."
If you are interested in receiving social media auto theft alerts you can follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/APDStealAlert or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/APDStealAlerts/
Click here for auto theft prevention tips.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On October 15, 2016, at 4.32 PM, an on-duty Aurora Police Officer aired that he was involved in an crash. Traffic Officers responded to handle the crash. The investigation revealed that traffic was northbound on South Parker Road north of East Arapahoe Road. Traffic was slowing for a traffic signal. A BMW 545 was northbound and the driver did not see traffic slowing. That driver rear ended a Chevrolet pickup truck which caused a chain reaction crash. The truck was pushed into a marked Aurora Police vehicle which was in turn pushed into a Honda CRV which was pushed into a Honda Pilot.
The Police Officer and the driver of the at fault vehicle, the BMW 545, were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. Their identities are not being released. All five vehicles involved in the crash sustained minor damage. The driver of the BMW will be charged with following too closely.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section would like to remind drivers to pay attention while behind the wheel and not drive distracted.
Sgt. William Revelle
Traffic Section
303 739 6473
Yesterday at approximately 1:30p.m. Officers from the Aurora Police Department arrested Ricardo Corral-Venegas, a 25 year old man who attempted to force his way into an apartment in the 1300 Block of South Geneva Way. Fortunately the woman was able to fight the man off, preventing him from gaining entry into her apartment.
Investigators believe that on October 4th Corral-Venegas forced his way into another apartment at the same location and sexually assaulted another woman.
Corral-Venegas was arrested for Sexual Assault, First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Burglary and Criminal Attempt First Degree Burglary. He is currently being held at the Arapahoe County Jail.
Investigators believe their could be the possibility of other victims who were assaulted by Corral-Venegas. They are encouraged to contact Sex Crimes Detectives, Agent Jennifer Spanos at 303-739-6153 or Agent Del Matticks at 303-739-6367.
Since this case is in the hands of the District Attorney's Office (18th Judicial District) we will not be releasing any additional information about the case. A copy of the arrest affidavit can be obtained from the Colorado Judicial Department.
Ricardo Corral-Venegas
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 12th opportunity in six 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 collection sites in Aurora. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 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 October 22 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
Aurora collection locations:
The Medical Center of Aurora, South Campus
1501 South Potomac Street (North parking lot)
Pickens Technical College
500 Airport Blvd
The Medical Center of Aurora, Saddle Rock Emergency Room
22500 E. Dry Creek Road
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
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