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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.
(July 18) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal motorcycle and vehicle crash that happened near South Havana Street and East Evans Avenue.
On July 18th, 2022 at 6:50 pm Aurora 911 received multiple calls of a serious crash in the roadway. Aurora Fire Rescue and Aurora Police responded and found an adult male lying in the road. The male was transported to the hospital for medical care. Sadly, the male did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigation revealed a blue Subaru Impreza and a Yamaha R6 motorcycle were involved in the crash. The motorcycle was traveling northbound on South Havana Street at a high rate of speed. The Subaru was turning left onto southbound South Havana Street from a parking lot on the east side of the road and collided with the motorcycle. Both vehicles caught fire. The driver of the Subaru remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Both directions of Havana Street were closed for multiple hours so the Traffic Investigators could collect evidence, photographs, and measurements. This investigation is ongoing and will determine if alcohol, or any other factors contributed to the crash.
The identification of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified and they have been positively identified.
If you witnessed this crash or have dash-camera footage of the crash and have not yet spoken to investigators, please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section.
This is the 24th traffic related fatality of 2022.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit | Office of the Chief of Police
720.432.5095
(July 16) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is conducting an investigation after a woman is killed, several others injured in a late-morning crash.
On July 16th, 2022, at about 11:45 a.m., the Denver Police Department responded to the area of East 40th Avenue and Pena Boulevard for calls of a serious traffic crash. When officers arrived on scene, they found three vehicle that were involved in the crash. They also discovered this crash was on the boundary they share with Aurora Police Department. At 11:52 a.m., Denver Police requested assistance from Aurora Police because the crash happened in our jurisdiction.
Our initial investigation determined that a Toyota RAV4 was eastbound on East 40th Avenue and disregarded the red light at the North Airport Boulevard intersection. After running the red light, the RAV4 struck a Jeep traveling northbound on North Airport Boulevard. A third vehicle, Subaru sedan, was facing westbound on East 40th Avenue and sustained only minor damage as a result of this crash.
An adult woman, who was a passenger in the RAV4, was pronounced deceased on scene. Two other adults were transported to the hospital, expected to survive. A third adult self-transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
The identification of the deceased will be released by the Adam’s County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified and they have been positively identified.
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. The entire intersection of East 40th Avenue at Airport Road was closed for multiple hours to ensure appropriate investigative steps could be completed.
This is the 23nd traffic related fatality of 2022.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(July 15) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred overnight near East 16th Avenue and North Dallas Street.
On July 15, 2022 at about 12:30 am, officers were called to a crash near East 16th Avenue and North Dallas Street. When they arrived, they found a single car accident involving a white Mitsubishi SUV. The adult male driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and was transported to the hospital. The adult male passenger was critically wounded and sadly, was pronounced deceased on scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Mitsubishi was traveling eastbound on East 16th Avenue at a high rate of speed and lost control. The Mitsubishi rolled and struck a parked, unoccupied, sedan. The Aurora Police Traffic Section will attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash. At this time, it appears speed and alcohol may be contributing factors to the crash.
The identification of the deceased will be released by the Adams 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 incident, and have not yet spoken to investigators.
This is the 22nd traffic related fatality of 2022.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Affairs Unit
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
(July 14) The suspect identified in this case, Juan Serrano (11/14/1997), has turned himself in to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office today.
Requests for his booking photo can be directed to their agency.
This case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and any additional information will be released by their office.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(July 8) On June 19, 2022 at about 9:45 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were called the area of 13210 East 7th Avenue on reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The man was transported to the hospital where he remained in critical condition until his tragic passing on July 7, 2022.
The suspect from this shooting, Juan Serrano (11/14/1997), retreated into the residence after the shooting. Responding officers established a perimeter and SWAT Officers responded to the scene. A short time later, Juan surrendered and was taken into custody. He was initially booked into jail on numerous charges, including suspicion of 1st degree assault.
Juan was able to post his bond and was released from detention on June 20 and was set to have an upcoming court appearance in the 18th Judicial District.
Yesterday, July 7, 2022, the victim in this case, positively identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office as 30-year-old Esteban Lopez, died from the injuries he sustained from the shooting. It was at that time, detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit took over the case for investigation.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit believe that a dispute at the house during a family gathering led to the shooting. Investigators have been working with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office since yesterday and updated charges for Serrano are currently pending. Serrano’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
If you have any information about this incident, to include Serrano’s current location, you are urged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(July 12) On July 12, 2022 at about 10:15 a.m. Aurora Police Officers were notified of a shooting that occurred near 181 North Fulton Street. Officers found an adult male with grievous injuries. He was transported to the hospital but sadly, succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit (MCHU) responded to the scene and worked with officers to locate evidence and interview witnesses. An adult female, who remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation, was identified as being involved in the incident. There is no known relationship between the male and female. Investigators are working closely with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine if what, if any charges are appropriate. This case is still open and active so we are not releasing the female’s information at this time.
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 720.913.7867. 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
720.432.5095
UPDATE: Arrest Made
(July 7) On Wednesday July 6, 2022 at about 6 p.m. Eric Lenzy Morris, 43 years-old was taken into custody without incident by the Aurora Police Department. Mr. Morris was arrested in connection with the homicide that occurred on July 3, 2022 near 15064 East Mississippi Avenue.
Mr. Morris was arrested on the charge of First Degree Murder. His booking photograph is included in this press release. Any additional media inquires should be made to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
We continue to ask anyone with information about this homicide to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP where tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information Previously Released on July 3, 2022
(July 3) On July 3, 2022 at about 1:45 a.m., Aurora Police Officers were notified of a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of 15064 East Mississippi Avenue. A man was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries from being shot . Tragically, he did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Officers located the crime scene and Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded. As the lead investigators for this incident, they will try to determine all facts and circumstances leading up to the shooting. Investigators believe that the unidentified suspect left the scene in a light colored 4-door pickup truck, either a GMC or Chevrolet. There is no other suspect information at this time and no arrests have been made.
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 720.913.7867. 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
(July 5) On July 5, 2022, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to assist on a structure fire at the Ranger Motel, 11220 East Colfax Avenue. Once on scene, first responders were confronted with a man that was armed with a knife.
The armed male then entered a neighboring room where that occupant was able to safely escape. The male then barricaded inside of this room and a large contingent of officers from patrol, and special units such as SWAT and crisis negotiators, responded to the scene. For over an hour, officers attempted to communicate with the barricaded man in hopes of a peaceful resolution.
Just after 12:30p, the man emerged from the room and advanced at officers. A total of six officers fired their weapons, three of the officers firing less-lethal weapons. A medic assigned to APD SWAT immediately provided medical care and the injured man was then transported to the hospital. This man has since been pronounced deceased.
All of the Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. All have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the 51-year-old man after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
If you have any information about this incident, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Link to press briefing given by Chief Oates.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(June 27) On June 26, 2022 at about 11:45 p.m., Aurora Police Officers were notified of a shooting that occurred near North Ursula Street and East 13th Place after an adult female was brought to the hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Sadly, she did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Officers located the crime scene and Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded. As the lead investigators for this incident, they will try to determine all facts and circumstances leading up to the shooting.
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.
If you have any information about this shooting, please 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
(June 25) On June 24, 2022 at about 9:25 p.m., Aurora Police Department were called the area of 880 South Buckley Road for reports of someone shot in a vehicle. When they arrived, they found an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The male was transported to the hospital by Aurora Fire Rescue, where he remains in stable condition.
Investigation by responding patrol officers determined this shooting occurred near 18100 East Kentucky Avenue and there were possibly more victims. Officers went to the address and found one adult male inside the location who also had an apparent gunshot wound. Sadly, that male was pronounced deceased on scene.
Officers located and detained Kayan Arizona Cruz, 27 years-old, on scene. He was taken into custody without a use of force. Ultimately he was arrested on charges of 2nd Degree Murder. The case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
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.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to both scenes and will lead the inquiry into what led up to the shooting. If you have information about this incident and have not spoken to investigators, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a reward of up to $2,000.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(June 23) On Tuesday June 22, 2021 at 10:21 a.m., Ryan Scott Avery DOB: 12-31-1981 was taken into custody by the Aurora Police Department without incident.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit has since filed charges into the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office against Mr. Avery for Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-102 (1)(a) Murder in the First Degree, a Class 1 Felony.
Mr. Avery's Aurora Police Department booking photo has been included with this news release. Any additional media inquiries should be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office regarding this investigation.
We continue to request anyone with any information about this homicide to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP where tips can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720-432-5095
On Sunday June 20, 2021 at approximately 8:26 a.m. officers responded to a residence at 1620 South Granby Street on a report of a shooting.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a deceased adult woman in the home with an apparent gunshot wound. No one else was found in or around the home. The name of the deceased victim is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office at a later time.
The initial investigation had led to Ryan Scott Avery DOB: 12-31-1981 as being a person of interest in this homicide. Avery and the deceased are known to one another.
Avery is described as a white male, 5’11” tall, 155 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be driving a 2008 Silver Lexus IS 4-door bearing Colorado license plate BIX-360 (see attached images).
Investigators believe Avery was in Limon, Colorado on June 19, 2021 in the evening. At this time, officers are working diligently to determine his whereabouts.
Avery also has a nationwide warrant for his arrest in an attempted homicide investigation in Elizabeth, Colorado which occurred on June 19th, 2021. Avery is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, do not approach and call 911.
The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into this homicide. It is in the very early stages and at this time there is no additional information that is being released.
Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about the case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
  
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