(October 13) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash on East Iliff Avenue and South Buckley Road that tragically left the driver and two pedestrians deceased.
On October 13, 2021, at approximately 01:12p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a crash on East Iliff Avenue and South Buckley Road. Officers located a 2003 white Chevrolet Astro van that had been occupied by two adults, a male and a female, which had come to rest against a tree.
The driver, an adult male, was pronounced dead on scene and the passenger, an adult female, was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. It is believed the driver died as a result of a medical emergency. Two of three pedestrians were adult females and were pronounced dead on scene. Officers contacted the third pedestrian who was struck by the vehicle and transported to the hospital.
Aurora Police Traffic Investigators believe the Astro van was traveling westbound on Iliff Avenue just east of South Buckley Road. The driver was experiencing a medical emergency, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. The van ran off the road, onto the sidewalk and struck the pedestrians. The van came to a complete stop after crashing into a tree.
The identity of the driver and two pedestrians 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.
Officer Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(October 12) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 70 that tragically left one adult deceased.
On October 11, 2021, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a crash on Interstate 70 near North Airport Boulevard. Officers located a Lexus sedan that had been occupied by two adults, a male and a female. Officers contacted the male driver who was injured as a result of the crash. The female passenger in the vehicle died on scene as a result of this crash. The male was transported and remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Aurora Police Traffic Investigators determined the Lexus was traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of North Airport Boulevard. The driver observed an object in the roadway and swerved to avoid it, causing the vehicle to lose control. The vehicle spun around 180 degrees, struck the highway cable guardrail and caught on fire. Aurora Police Traffic Investigators do not believe that the Lexus was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. Drugs or alcohol also do not appear to be additional contributing factors.
The identity of the passenger will be released the Adams 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
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 YA 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 Bipolar Disorder.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes cycles of extreme mood swings. These episodes of mania or hypomania and depression can severely impact a person’s daily functioning. The highs and lows of Bipolar Disorder can occur multiple times a year or rarely.
Mania or hypomania symptoms can include:
• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments
Depression symptoms can include:
• Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)
• Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all — or almost all — activities
• Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression)
• Either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Either restlessness or slowed behavior
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
• Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide
Learn more about Bipolar Disorder here.
Relatable Articles to Explore:
- Here's What It's Actually Like To Live With Bipolar Disorder
- 15 Self-Care Tips for People Living with Bipolar Disorder
- What I Want My Loved Ones to Understand About Bipolar Depression
- 12 Celebrities That Have Opened Up About Having Bipolar Disorder
- This Is What a Mixed Bipolar Episode Feels Like
- Effects of Bipolar Disorder on the Body
- How Do I Tell New Friends About My History of Bipolar Disorder?
- 11 Ways People Cope With Bipolar Disorder Isolation
Explore Young Adult novels & nonfiction that address Bipolar Disorder
For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 616.89. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.
Check back in November for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
(October 6) One man has died following a shooting in North Aurora.
On October 5, 2021, at 9:45 p.m., the Aurora Police Department was called to the 10200 block of East 22nd Avenue on reports of a shooting. Officers arrived and located a 22-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital.
Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. Witnesses described the suspects as two Black males, late teens or early twenties wearing black clothing and ski masks. One male was tall, the other described as slim. Because of the proximity to the other homicide on North Del Mar Parkway from October 2, Detectives will also determine if those two incidents have any connections.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams 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
(October 5) REWARD INCREASE: The Aurora Police Reward Fund is offering a reward of up to $1,000 on top of the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers $2,000 reward, for a total of $3,000 dollars, with information about this incident.
Investigators believe the motorcycle was traveling southbound on North Havana Street when a 2001-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer / GMC Envoy / GMC Acadia / Oldsmobile Bravada made a left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle. The vehicle fled the scene and was last seen heading westbound on East 1st Avenue after the crash.
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is continuing to ask for the public’s assistance regarding this incident. We are asking for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or otherwise have any information related to this incident, to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867 where your tips remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released
(August 7, 2021) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred late last night in West Aurora.
On August 6, 2021 at approximately 11:08p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a hit and run crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle at the intersection of North Havana Street and East 1st Avenue. Upon arrival officers found the rider of the motorcycle unconscious in the roadway. They attempted life saving efforts (CPR) and then turned medical care over to Aurora Fire Rescue once they arrived. The rider of the motorcycle (adult male) was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators believe the motorcycle was traveling southbound on North Havana Street when a black Jeep made a left hand turn in front of the motorcycle. The Jeep fled the scene and was last scene heading westbound on East 1st Avenue after the crash.
The identity of the motorcycle rider is not being released at this time. The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release his name once a positive identification has been made and his next of kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about this case is asked 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 are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(October 5) Below are the booking photographs for both Luis Martin Estrada and Ruben Angel Mejia-Soto.
Their case is now being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Further media inquiries can be directed to their office.
 
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Release
(October 4) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is announcing the arrests of two individuals in connection to this homicide.
Two individuals were quickly apprehended by hotel security and Aurora Police Officers on the night of October 2. These two people have been positively identified and charged with the following:
Luis Martin Estrada (7/27/2000)
18-3-102 - First Degree Murder
18-3-202 - Assault in the First Degree
Ruben Angel Mejia-Soto (4/8/2000)
18-8-105 - Accessory to Homicide
Both males were arrested and taken to the Aurora Jail. Their case is now being prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Further media inquiries can be directed to their office.
Booking photographs are not yet releasable. Detectives are continuing their investigation, including photo line-ups. We will release those pictures as soon as possible.
Detectives are still asking anyone that may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released
(October 2) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation after one male is killed, three others injured, following a shooting inside of local hotel.
On October 2, 2021, at approximately 1:55 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 12230 East Colfax Avenue, Hyatt House Hotel, on reports of a shooting. Officers located numerous people suffering from gunshot wounds. In total, four people had been shot. An 18-year-old male was transported to a local hospital where he has since been pronounced deceased. A 17-year-old female was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, is currently in critical condition, but expected to survive. A 22-year-old male and a 23-year-old male were also taken to the hospital, both are currently in stable condition.
Arriving officers, with the assistance of hotel security, quickly apprehended two adult males that we believe are responsible for this homicide. A handgun was also recovered.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. Initial information obtained is there was a party in one of the hotel rooms. During the party, the male suspects arrived, and an altercation ensued. The males were kicked out of the room at which point shots were fired through the door, striking multiple people. Detectives do not believe that there are any outstanding suspects.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner after he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin notified.
Detectives will continue interviewing witnesses but are asking anyone that may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(October 3) One man has died following a shooting in a North Aurora alleyway.
On October 2, 2021, at 9:18 p.m., the Aurora Police Department was called to the 1900blk of North Del Mar Parkway on reports of shooting. Officers arrived and located a 26-year-old man in the east alleyway of that location suffering from a gunshot would. The man has tragically pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded and is conducting the investigation. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, gathering physical evidence and currently trying to identify a suspect.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after the victim has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have observed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to please 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(October 1) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating after young man dies from crash involving sedan while riding his dirt bike.
On October 1, 2021, at approximately 08:25 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to a crash on Havana Street near East 6th Avenue. Officers located a non-street-legal dirt bike and a Cadillac sedan that were involved. The operator of the dirt bike, a 17-year-old male, was transported to the hospital where he was tragically pronounced deceased a short time later. The driver of the sedan did not require medical attention.
Initial information gathered by Aurora Police Traffic Investigators is that the sedan was making a left-hand turn from northbound Havana Street to go westbound on Hanover Way. The dirt bike was traveling southbound on Havana Street at a high rate of speed and disregarded the red light at East 6th Avenue. After going through the East 6th Avenue intersection, the dirt bike collided with the side of the sedan while it was turning. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors for the driver of the sedan.
The identity of the young man is not being released at this time. The Arapahoe County Coroner will release the name 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 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
On September 28, 2021 at approximately 1:49a.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 1200 Block of North Worchester Street in the Hoffman Heights Neighborhood.
Initial investigation reveals that an unknown vehicle pulled up in front of a residence on that block and fired multiple rounds at it. A 47-year-old woman who was inside of the home was struck. The suspect vehicle fled the area after the shooting. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries. At this time there is no information available regarding the description of the suspect(s) or the involved vehicle.
The name of the victim is not being released at this time. It will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified about her death.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit are conducting the investigation into this shooting death. They are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On September 26, 2021 at approximately 2:10p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of shots fired at 2230 North Billings Street. Upon arrival officers found that an apartment at that location had been struck by several rounds. No one inside of the apartment was injured during the incident.
At approximately 5:00p.m. Aurora Police received a report of a family disturbance at 2250 Billings Street. Prior to arrival it was learned that a 21-year-old man was inside of the residence having a mental health crisis. It was also reported that he was possibly under the influence of an known substance, had access to a firearm and was threatening to shoot people inside of the residence. It was also discovered that he was possibly the person who had shot at 2230 Billings Street earlier in the afternoon.
Due to the dangerous nature of this call the Aurora Police SWAT Team was called to the scene. Multiple commands were given to the suspect to surrender and exit the residence, he failed to follow the commands. An Officer with the Crisis Response Team was able to make contact with a resident who had barricaded himself with another person in the basement to protect themselves from the suspect.
At around 7:55p.m. Officers learned that the suspect was trying to force his way into the basement where the two people has been hiding from him. Fearing for the safety of the residents hiding from the suspect the decision was made to force entry into the residence. While inside of the residence shots were fired by an APD SWAT Officer. No one was injured and the subject was taken into custody.
Due to the behavior and mental state of the suspect he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Once he is released from the hospital and booked into the Aurora Detention Center his name, charges, and booking photo will be released.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 17th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occur in Adams and Broomfield Counties. As part of Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's "A New Way" Plan to rebuild trust with the community, the Aurora Police Department joined the CIRT Teams for both the 17th and 18th Judicial Districts In April of this year.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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