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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.
(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
(September 25) The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation after two adult males died in an apartment complex in northwest Aurora.
On September 25, 2021, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to 1575 North Galena Street on reports of a shooting. Officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Simultaneously, officers also located an adult male who was also seriously injured, possibly from being stabbed. The male who sustained the gunshot wound was transported to a local hospital where he has since been pronounced deceased. The male other male was pronounced deceased on scene.
Detectives from the department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit responded to the scene and will be responsible for this investigation. Initial information obtained is that both males were involved in a fight and both assaulted one another. A handgun and a knife were both located on scene. Detectives do not believe that there are any outstanding suspects.
The identities of the deceased, as well as causes of death, will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after both of them have been positively identified and their 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
(August 26) On August 26, 2021 at 06:00 a.m., Aurora Police officers responded to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Emporia Street, on a report of an assault.
Upon officer’s arrival to the area they discovered a female laying on the ground with serious injuries. The female was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, she later died as a result of her injuries. There is no threat to the public related to this incident.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after she has been positively identified, and next of kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating this incident as a suspicious death. At this early time in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information 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 Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
UPDATE:
Francine Martinez Terminated from the Aurora Police Department
The
Aurora Police Department Internal Affairs (IA) investigation and review
processes involving Francine Martinez have concluded.
Upon
review of the IA findings, Chief Wilson has made her final determination the
following department directives were violated:
5.9.1
Duty to Intervene and Report Intervention
14.2.15
Unsatisfactory
Performance
14.1.5
Conformance to Law
As
a result of the above determination, this afternoon Francine Martinez was
terminated by Chief Wilson. This termination officially ends her employment as
a Police Officer with the Aurora Police Department and City of Aurora.
At
this time, no additional information or documentation will be provided due to
the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Mr. Haubert and Ms. Martinez by the
18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
UPDATE: John Haubert Resigns from the Aurora Police Department
This afternoon John Haubert submitted his letter of resignation to Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson. This officially ends his employment as a Police Officer with the Aurora Police Department and City of Aurora.
Even though Mr. Haubert has resigned, the Internal Affairs investigation (IA) into his alleged misconduct and the investigation into the force used on Mr. Vinson will continue. After the completion of the IA investigation the case will go through the required review processes and Chief Wilson will then make her final decision on if he violated department directives and what discipline Mr. Haubert would have received if he had not resigned today.
Once that decision has been made it will be released to the public.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on July 27,2021:
Today, July 27, 2021, Chief Vanessa Wilson held a press conference to discuss the recent arrests of two Aurora Police officers.
Links to the body-worn cameras, as well as the entire press conference, can be found here:
Body-Worn Cameras
Press Conference
This investigation remains open and active. Additionally, Chief Wilson has ordered an expedited Internal Affairs Investigation to begin with the hope of having that completed soon.
Any questions regarding the prosecution of this incident can be directed to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
No further updates are expected.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
This afternoon an arrest warrant was issued for two Aurora Police Officers. This was after a criminal investigation was conducted by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit into the force that they used while making an arrest during a Trespassing call in the 3100 block of South Parker Road on Friday, July 23 2021.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Officer John Haubert for the following charges:
- Attempted First Degree Assault
- Second Degree Assault
- Felony Menacing
- Official Oppression
- 1st Degree Official Misconduct
An arrest warrant was also issued for Officer Francine Martinez for the following charges:
- Duty to Intervene
- Duty to Report Use of Force by Peace Officer
Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson will be holding a press conference tomorrow afternoon at 1:00p.m. at the Aurora Police Headquarters. More details, including body worn camera footage, of the incident will be released at that time. Since the news conference is going to be held in a secure facility members of the media are asked to RSVP with the Media Relations Unit.
The press conference will be live streamed on the Aurora Police YouTube Channel.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(August 8, 2021) On Friday, August 6, 2021 at 2:36p.m. officers responded to the Aurora Police District 1 Station located at 13347 East Montview Boulevard after a man called to report that he had killed a woman.
Upon arrival officers contacted Jesus Mendoz-Prudente and discovered that the homicide he was reporting had taken place earlier in the morning inside of an apartment at 1530 Beeler Street. However, they were not able to obtain where the body of the female victim was located.
After following up on investigative leads, investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit, with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office located the 34-year-old victim In the area of Noe Road and HIghway 105 in Douglas County on Saturday, August 7th.
Mendoza-Prudente was arrested for First Degree Murder and is currently being held at the Aurora Detention Center. The identity of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once she has been positively identifed and her next of kin have been notified.
Jesus Mendoza-Prudente (06/27/94)
Lieutenant Chris Amsler-PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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