Aurora Police Department’s K9 Cyrus has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Cyrus’ vest was embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.

 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,327 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. 

 The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.  K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.  Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.  For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.   

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

(August 3) On Friday, July 30, 2021 at approximately 12:14 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 18500 block of East Kansas Place on a reported shooting.

Upon officers arrival they located one deceased adult male who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers discovered an adult female suffering from gunshot wounds nearby. She was transported to an area hospital and tragically succumbed to those injuries on July 31, 2021.

The two deceased were known to one another and were married. It is not clear if they were married at the time of this incident. 

The names of the deceased were released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office today, August 3, 2021, via a news release after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin was made.

If you or someone you know is a victim of or experiencing domestic violence please contact the Aurora Police Department and/or the Aurora Police Department Victim Services Unit at 303.627.3100. We can provide you assistance and resources to ensure your safety. 

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

(July 30) On Friday, July 30, 2021 at approximately 12:14 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 18500 block of East Kansas Place on a reported shooting.

Upon officer’s arrival they located an adult female near a vehicle in the roadway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital and remains in critical condition at this time.

While officers were on scene tending to the adult female victim, they located a deceased adult male in the nearby roadway.

The early investigation has revealed the two were known to one another, and there is no additional threat to the community. Investigators have not yet been able to determine what led up to the shooting.

The name of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification and notification of next-of-kin has been made.

Anyone who may have observed anything suspicious or has information about this case, is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095

(August 3) On Saturday July 31, 2021 at 12:23 a.m., Aurora police officers responded to 15423 East 13th Avenue apartment 205 where a female resident was reporting she shot a male intruder.

The initial investigation suggested the female resident was reporting a man, whom she previously had an intimate relationship with, forced his way into her apartment, assaulted another adult male occupant, and she made the decision to shoot the alleged assailant. At that point in the investigation the female was detained and then released pending further investigation.

The female resident caller is being identified as Emily Janis Strunk DOB: 09/04/1995. The adult male occupant whom was allegedly assaulted is being identified as Kevin Lee Wertin DOB: 11/16/1993. The adult male shot remains in critical condition from the gunshot wound, and his identity is not being released at this time.

New information developed in this investigation has led to the arrest of both Strunk and Wertin in Aurora on August 2, 2021 for the following Colorado Revised Statute:

18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree (Attempt)

This incident continues to be investigated by the Major Crimes Homicide Unit. Anyone who witnessed this incident, or has information about is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.



Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095

(August 2) On July 29, 2021 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 2600 block of South Xanadu Way in relation to a missing persons investigation.

 Upon officer’s arrival to the area they discovered a person deceased inside of a nearby vehicle. At this time, we are unable to determine the race or gender of the deceased individual. The circumstances leading to the death are unknown and the Major Crimes and Homicide Unit are investigating this as a suspicious death.

 This case continues to be investigated by our Major Crimes Homicide Unit. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification has been made, and his next-of-kin has been notified.

Anyone that has information about this case is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095