This morning at 6:25 a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a single vehicle crash in the 11800 Block of East Colfax Avenue. Upon arrival they located a Dodge Ram pickup truck that was resting up against a tree. The adult female driver was pronounced deceased at the scene and another female passenger was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Traffic investigators believe the truck was travelling eastbound on Colfax Avenue at a high rate of speed when it struck the center median, over corrected and slide into the sign of the Timberline Motel. The truck then came to rest against a tree.
The name of the driver is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified.
This is the 39th traffic fatality in the city of Aurora for 2021.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal two-car crash that occurred at the intersection of North Airport Boulevard and East 6th Avenue.
At around midnight Aurora Police responded to that intersection and located a damaged Ford SUV and Nissan Sedan. The front seat passenger inside of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with a broken leg. The driver of the Ford was not injured.
Traffic investigators believe that the Nissan was traveling northbound on Airport Boulevard and failed to stop for the red traffic signal and struck the Ford which was traveling eastbound on 6th Avenue. Alcohol consumption by the driver of the Nissan is believed to be a contributing factor in this case. He remains hospitalized due to his injuries.
The identity of the adult female passenger is not being released at this time and will be made public by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and her next of kin have been notified.
This is the 38th traffic fatality in the city of Aurora for 2021.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 25) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a crash after driver dies days later.
On November 10, 2021, at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a report of a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of South Parker Road and East Yale Avenue. Officers found an adult male driving a Toyota Highlander with serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. This male has been hospitalized since the crash but succumbed to his injuries on November 23, 2021. The drivers of the other vehicles did sustain minor injuries, but neither were transported to the hospital.
Aurora Police Traffic Investigators determined that the Toyota Highlander was traveling northbound on South Parker Road at a high rate of speed. The driver of Highlander ran the red light at the East Yale Avenue intersection and collided with a Ford Expedition and a Toyota Corolla. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were also contributing factors.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash, and have not yet spoke to police, are asked to call the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 16) On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 9:25 p.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting. The 18-year-old victim later died at a local hospital.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Abel Vargas (DOB: 07/01/2003). Vargas was arrested and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-104 Manslaughter in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Vargas has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
Information learned from this homicide is that Vargas and the victim were known to each other. Both gathered at the location on East 33rd Place when Vargas produced an AR-15 rifle to show the victim. Vargas was handling the weapon when he then pulled the trigger, shooting the victim.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
.jpg "Vargas, Abel")
Information previously released
(November 15) One dead following a shooting in the area of the 13000 block of East 33rd Place.
On November 14, 2021, at 09:25 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting.
Once officers arrived on the scene, they learned the victim’s friend had transported the 18-year-old male to a local hospital. A short time later, officers were notified about an adult male brought into the hospital and suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release the deceased's identity after the victim has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to 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.
Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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- Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m., WebEx - Writing Workshop
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On November 10, 2021 at approximately 3:29p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a carjacking at the Florida Station Apartments located at 14082 East Iowa Drive. While officers were responding to the call they learned that someone had been shot. Upon arrival officers located an adult male in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The initial investigation reveals that the victim was in the parking lot when he was approached by a male subject. The male produced a gun and shot the victim. He stole the victim's vehicle and fled the scene. It is believed that the suspect then committed two home invasion robberies and several carjackings in Aurora and Northeast Denver. He is also suspected of causing two injury crashes one in Denver and the second on East 56th Avenue in the area of E470 in Aurora. The final crash is where the suspect was apprehended by the Denver Police Department at around 5:00p.m.
The suspect was taken into custody by Aurora Police and was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for injuries he sustained as a result of the crashes he was involved in.
The Major Crimes Homicide Unit is handling the investigation into this case. It remains an open and active investigation with multiple crime scenes. Since this investigation is still in it's early stages no additional details or information on the suspect is expected to be released this evening. The identity of the homicide victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Aurora Police.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 6) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating after fatal motorcycle crash on East Mississippi Avenue leaves one adult deceased.
On November 6, 2021, at approximately 7:50 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of East Mississippi Avenue and South Blackhawk Street. Officers located an uninjured man driving a tow truck that had been involved with a motorcycle. The man riding the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene.
Aurora Police Traffic Investigators determined the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on East Mississippi Avenue just west of South Blackhawk Street. Witnesses stated that the driver of the motorcycle began driving down the center of the lanes between vehicles stopped at the red light, also known as lane splitting. Witnesses stated that the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed and wasn’t slowing down for the upcoming red light. The tow truck was facing westbound on East Mississippi Avenue. The tow truck driver proceeded to turn left on a green arrow onto South Blackhawk Street when the motorcycle struck the broad side of the tow truck. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be additional contributing factors for the tow truck driver.
The identity of the passenger will be released the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once a positive identification has been made and next-of-kin have been notified.
This remains an active investigation. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash, and have not yet spoke to police, to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(November 5) On Monday, November 1st, 2021, at 1:32 p.m., District 1 Patrol Officers responded to 1452 North Kenton Street, on a report of a women lying on the sidewalk. The women was pronounced deceased on scene.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Daniel Revere Matthews (DOB: 10/04/1986). Matthews was arrested last night, November 4, 2021, and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Matthews has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
We want to thank the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit for their continued work on this case as well as the Aurora Police SWAT and F.A.S.T Unit for assisting in the arrest.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
.jpg "Suspect Photo")
Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released November 1, 2021
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(November 1) The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit investigating after woman killed in northwest Aurora.
On November 1, 2021, at 1:32 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 1452 North Kenton Street on reports of a woman lying on the sidewalk. Officers located a 22-year-old adult woman suffering from apparent trauma, who was pronounced deceased on scene. Additional patrol resources responded to the area after witnesses advised the possible suspects were nearby. Officers quickly located three individuals matching the description given and detained them without incident. Those three people were transported to the Aurora Police Department Headquarters where they are currently being interviewed to determine their involvement. At this time, no official arrests have been made.
Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives are conducting the investigation. At this early stage of the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the woman’s death are still being determined.
The identity of the deceased, as well as cause of death, will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after the victim has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Mental Health Spotlight: Abuse
Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.
Hey teens! Interested in mental health?
Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse Young Adult novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters.
This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on abuse.
The definition of abuse is: “a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another.” Abuse can take a number of forms and it is important to note that abuse is a pattern of behavior, not a single incident.
Types of Abuse:
1. Physical: any non-accidental act or behavior causing injury, trauma, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.
2. Sexual: abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another. Often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another.
3. Verbal: type of mental abuse through the use of language. It is an act of abuse where the abuser attacks the self-concept of the victim, decreasing their self-confidence and making them feel powerless. Examples include: harassing, labeling, insulting, scolding, excessive yelling, derogatory terms, delivery of statements intended to fright, humiliate, denigrate, or belittle.
4. Mental/Emotional: any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased. Emotional abuse can take several forms. Three general patterns of abusive behavior include aggressing, denying, and minimizing.
5. Neglect: either through action or inaction, an abuser deprives a vulnerable person of the care necessary to maintain their physical or mental health. Examples include: not providing basic items such as food, water, clothing, a safe place to live, medicine, or health care.
6. Financial: control over the other person’s access to economic resources, which diminishes the victim's capacity to support themselves and forces them to depend on the perpetrator financially. Examples include: Preventing someone from obtaining education, restricting their ability to find employment, maintain, or advance their careers, spending their money without their consent, or creating debt.
7. Cultural/Identity: use aspects of a victim’s particular cultural identity to inflict suffering, or as a means of control. Examples include: Not letting someone observe the dietary or dress customs of their faith, using racial slurs, threatening to ‘out’ someone as LGBTQA+ if their friends and family don’t know, or isolating someone who doesn’t speak the dominant language where they.
8. Online: any type of abuse that happens on the internet. It can happen across any device that's connected to the web, like computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Articles Regarding Abuse:
- Abusive Relationships
- What Is Emotional Abuse?
- What a Flashback Feels Like as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse
- 10 Common Patterns Of Verbal Abuse
- How to Recognize the Signs of Mental and Emotional Abuse
- 5 Actionable Steps Towards Healing After an Abusive Relationship
- What Are the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Emotional Abuse?
- The Connection Between Verbal Abuse And Anxiety (That No One Talks About)
- How To Help A Friend Who May Be In An Abusive Relationship
- Online Abuse
Find Support:
There is support for you. Calling an anonymous hotline can provide support, answer questions, and help connect you to additional resources.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-4673
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline - 800-422-4453
- National Runaway Safeline - 800-786-2929
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address abuse:
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in December for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
(November 4) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating after a rollover crash on Interstate 225 results in a man losing his life.
On November 4, 2021, at approximately 05:30 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a crash on northbound Interstate 225 near East 6th Avenue. Officers located a Subaru Outback that had been involved in this rollover crash. Officers also located the adult driver, who had been ejected from the vehicle. The driver was tragically pronounced deceased on scene.
Initial information gathered by Aurora Police Traffic Investigators is that the Subaru was traveling northbound Interstate 225 in the far-left lane. Witnesses described a dark colored SUV, traveling at a high rate of speed in the center lane, quickly changed lanes into the left lane. Witnesses believed that this dark colored SUV made physical contact with the front end of the Subaru. The Subaru driver then lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll and eject the driver. The dark colored SUV continued northbound on Interstate 225 and did not stop.
The identity of the driver will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once a positive identification has been made and next-of-kin have been notified.
This remains an active investigation. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash-camera footage, or has any information on the dark colored SUV, to call the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipster can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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