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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.
(June 23) On the evening of June 18, John Jaros was shot and killed while driving on Interstate 70 with his family. Since the time of this tragic incident, Investigators have been working tirelessly to secure justice for this victim and his family.
In the early morning hours of June 23, 2022, the Major Crimes Homicide Unit arrested Jeremy Jacob Rocha, 20 years-old, in Commerce City. Investigators identified multiple witnesses, involved vehicles, collected evidence and conducted several interviews. Their hard work paid off.
Jeremy Rocha was arrested on charges of 1st Degree Murder and four counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
Jeremy Rocha's booking photograph is below.
This case will be prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District.
There was a press conference this afternoon regarding this investigation. You can view that here.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
.jpg "Rocha, Jeremy")
Information previously released
(June 18) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Eastbound I-70 just west of exit 288 (E Colfax Ave).
On June 18, 2022 at 5:35 p.m. Aurora 911 dispatch received a call from a female saying someone was shot on Eastbound I-70. Aurora Police Officers and the Aurora Fire Department responded to Eastbound I-70 just west of exit 288 (Colfax Ave) and located a white 2020 Dodge Ram pickup truck on the right shoulder. Officers located an adult male in the driver side of the pickup truck suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This male was tragically pronounced deceased.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. Preliminary investigation is that there were potential street racers on the highway, a white sedan and a black sedan might be involved. It appears that the Dodge Ram was not involved in the street racing, several shots were fired striking the Dodge Ram and fatally wounded the adult male driver. There were four other passengers in the Dodge Ram pickup including three minor children.
The Adams County Coroner's Officer will release the victim's name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit Detective Eric White at 303.739.6113 tipsters can be eligible for up to $10,000 reward from the Aurora Reward Fund, or the Metro Denver Crimes Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(June 21) On June 20, 2022 at about 11:25 p.m. officers were called to the intersection of South Peoria Street and East Alameda Avenue for a serious crash. Investigation showed a blue Pontiac Grand Prix was traveling northbound on South Peoria Street ata high rate of speed. A blue Subaru Impreza was westbound on East Alameda Avenue going through the intersection on a green light. The Pontiac ran the red light and struck the Subaru.
Sadly, the adult driver and sole occupant, of the Subaru was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver and passenger of the Pontiac sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported from the scene to the hospital.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the victim once next of kin has been notified.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is the lead investigator on this crash. It appears speed is possibly a factor but they will determine if anything else contributed. We ask that anyone who witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash, to please contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section if they haven't already spoken to the investigators
This is the 20th fatal crash and the 21st traffic fatality of 2022.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Department will be conducting Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.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 will be continuing through Labor Day weekend. This checkpoint will be located near East Alameda Avenue and South Potomac Street.
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
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(June 13) The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is leading this investigation following a pursuit this afternoon that started in Denver and ended in Aurora. Two Denver Police Officers were hurt and one other man has life-threatening injuries following an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
About 12:05 p.m. today, the Denver Police Department tweeted about a shooting in the 7900 block of East Northfield Boulevard, what we now know is the parking lot of Bass Pro Shops. According to Denver Police, they immediately began investigating the incident and relaying information to officers regarding the suspect and vehicle used in this incident.
About 4:30 p.m., Denver Police Officers spotted this same vehicle in the area or East 46th Avenue and Tower Road. A pursuit of that vehicle went southbound on Tower Road, merged onto eastbound Interstate 70 and finally to southbound Interstate 225. Just south of the East 17th Avenue exit, Denver Police Officers used a "pursuit intervention technique", also known as a PIT maneuver, to disable the suspect’s vehicle.
After the PIT maneuver, multiple different vehicles were struck, but it ultimately stopped the suspect’s ability to continue fleeing. Officers approached the suspect’s vehicle after it crashed and located a man driving the vehicle, and only occupant, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that any police officers fired their weapons. The suspect was transported to the hospital in critical condition where he remains with life-threatening injuries. His name will not be released at this time. In total, seven vehicles were involved in the crash and six people transported to the hospital. Of those six, two were Denver Police Officers.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 17th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into incidents that occur in Adams and Broomfield Counties. The Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts in April of this last year.
The Denver Police Department will continue their investigation into the shooting earlier in the day on Northfield Boulevard.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(May 30) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of E 16th Avenue and N Alton Street.
On May 30, 2022 the Aurora Police Department was contacted by the Denver Police Department, late in the evening regarding a homicide. Denver Police Department was called to the area of E 16th Avenue and N Willow Street. Upon arrival, Denver Police officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This male was pronounced deceased at the scene. During the investigation, Denver Police officers determined that the shooting occurred in the area of E 16th Avenue and N Alton Street.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect descriptions, are still being determined.
The Adams County Coroner's Officer will release the victim's name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit or the Metro Denver Crimes Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Department will be conducting Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.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, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend, continuing through Labor Day weekend. This checkpoint will be located on South Chambers 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).
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(May 21) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigation a shooting that occurred in the area of 2993 S Peoria St.
On May 21, 2022 at approximately 03:24 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 2993 S Peoria St on reports of a shooting at a party.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers located a second victim, a juvenile male with an apparent gunshot wound, this male was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect descriptions, are still being determined.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the victim's name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released March 11, 2022
(May 19) ARREST MADE
Following up on investigative leads, The Major Crimes Homicide Unit made an arrest late last night. The suspect is a 16-year-old Hispanic juvenile male and his information is not being released at this time due to his age. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of 1st Degree Murder and is currently being held at the Marvin W Foote Youth Services Center on a no bond hold.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432-5095
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(March 11) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating a shooting in the 12700 block of East Asbury Circle.
On March 11, 2022, at approximately 02:34 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 12700 block of East Asbury Circle on reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This male was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to this death, to include suspect descriptions, are still being determined.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
This is Aurora’s Eighth homicide of 2022.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(May 16) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal auto pedestrian crash that occurred near E. Colfax Avenue and N. Moline Street.
On Monday, May 16, 2022 at about 10:35 p.m., Aurora Police received calls about a crash involving a pedestrian near the intersection of E. Colfax Avenue and N. Moline Street. When officers and Aurora Fire Rescue arrived on scene they found an adult male lying in the roadway. The adult male was transported to a local hospital but tragically he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital..
The preliminary investigation revealed that the adult male was crossing Colfax, east of the crosswalk on Moline, a Toyota Camry was travelling eastbound on Colfax through the intersection on a green light. The driver, an adult male, did not see the pedestrian as he stepped into traffic. The driver was unable to stop in time and struck the pedestrian. The driver of the Toyota Camry remained on scene and was cooperative with the officers.
It is early in the investigation and there are still many steps to be completed. The Aurora Police Traffic Section will determine the circumstances of the crash and if criminal charges are appropriate. At this time, it is unknown if speed or intoxication were a factor in the 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.
This is the 20th traffic related fatality this year.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(May 15) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal vehicle crash on Interstate 225 northbound near East Mississippi Avenue.
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, at about 8:45 a.m., Aurora911 began receiving calls about a serious crash on northbound Interstate 225 near East Mississippi Avenue. When officers arrived on scene they found a heavily damaged silver Mustang with a single occupant. The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was pronounced on scene by medical personnel.
The preliminary investigation revealed the Mustang was traveling northbound on Interstate 225 and left the roadway, striking the signpost for East Mississippi Avenue exit. The Aurora Police Traffic Section will attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash. At this time, it is unknown if speed or intoxication are contributing factors in the 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.
This is the nineteenth traffic related fatality this year in Aurora.
Acting Lt. Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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