Our blog has MOVED. Please go to: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/APD_news.
News releases will also be published to our social media channels:
Twitter - @AuroraPD
Facebook - AuroraCOPD
Next Door - Aurora Police Department
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].
Colorado Criminal Justice Records (CCJRA) can be obtained by completing an electronic request using our new NextRequest Portal.
Stay connected and informed by signing up for blog e-mail alerts and by following us on our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor.
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.
(February 14) On Friday, January 22, 2021, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to a homicide on North Beeler Street and East Colfax Avenue where one adult male was found dead.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Jerome Deshun Johnson (DOB: 10/11/1986). Johnson was arrested on Friday February 12, 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 Johnson has been provided with this news release.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
We continue to encourage anyone with information about this homicide to call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 22, 2021) On Friday January 22, 2021, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the southeast corner of North Beeler Street and East Colfax Avenue on multiple reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound in a vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating to gain more information on a suspect(s) and what led up to the fatal shooting.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and his next-of-kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about this homicide is encouraged to call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
This afternoon Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson terminated the employment of Officer Robert Rosen for using excessive force during an arrest.
On August 10, 2020 Officer Rosen responded to the King Soopers store located at 6412 South Parker Road to assist a fellow officer who was in contact with an uncooperative man who he was attempting to arrest for trespassing. The officer who was requesting assistance was on the ground with the man who was passively resisting by laying on his stomach and keeping his arms underneath him. When Officer Rosen arrived he briefly tried to get the man's arm out without giving any verbal orders. He then escalated the situation by punching the man multiple times in his ribs. He deployed his Taser a total of five times, for a total of 27 seconds in a two minute period. During the arrest Officer Rosen never attempted any lesser means of force nor did he make any attempts to deescalate the situation in accordance with Aurora Police training.
The man received minor injuries during the arrest, he was released to paramedics who transported him to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
In accordance with Department Directives a use of force investigation was immediately initiated by a patrol supervisor who reported and documented his concerns about Officer Rosen's actions. This incident was then reviewed by the department's Force Review Board who recommended that it be investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau for potential directive violations.
During the Use of Force and Internal Affairs Investigation it was discovered that Officer Rosen had failed to activate his body worn camera when he arrived on scene and failed to document his justifications for each use of force that he used during the arrest. During the discipline review process Officer Rosen was sustained for violating the following Department Directives:
5.3: Use of Physical Force
14.2.15: Unsatisfactory Performance
16.4.3: Body Worn Camera Operation
5.8.10: Taser
14.1.1 Lawful Orders
The District Attorney's Office for the 18th Judicial District completed a criminal review of this incident resulting in no criminal charges being filed against Officer Rosen.
“Members of the Aurora Police Department have been working tirelessly to rebuild trust in our community and I want to thank those officers who do it right everyday. The actions of Mr. Rosen were in direct contradiction of those efforts," said Chief Vanessa Wilson. “The poor decisions he made that day do not meet the high standards that the community and I expect from my officers.”
Mr. Rosen was hired in 2017 and was last assigned to District 3 Patrol. In 2020 Officer Rosen received a 10 hour suspension for Lawful Orders.
Internal Affairs Investigation Summary of Evidence
Order of Discipline
In the interest of transparency we are releasing the body worn camera footage which shows the vantage point of the original officer on scene.
WARNING: This body worn camera footage may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(February 2, 2021) On Sunday July 5th, 2020 at 1:45 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot to death on East Colfax Avenue at North Beeler Street.
Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Dontavious Hetzel (9/13/1992) for Accessory to 1st Degree Murder for his role in the murder on July 5th, 2020.
Dontavious was arrested by local law enforcement in Georgia yesterday and is awaiting extradition to Colorado.
We want to thank our law enforcement partners in Georgia for their work and our Major Crimes Detectives for their continued dedication to this case.
We should also mention that Master Titus Uriah Martin (4/19/2000) was arrested September of 2020 for his warrant of 1st Degree Murder.
Both booking photos are provided below.
Any additional details about this case will need to be obtained by the prosecuting office, the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
Dontavious Hetzel
Master Martin
information previously released
On Sunday July 5th, 2020 at 1:45 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot to death on East Colfax Avenue at North Beeler Street. The identity of the deceased can be confirmed by the Adam’s County Coroner’s Office.
Today, the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing they have obtained a First-Degree Murder warrant for the arrest of Master Titus Uriah Martin born April 19th, 2000, in relation to the July 5th homicide. In an effort maintain the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation, and the subsequent prosecution, the Aurora Police Department will not be publicly releasing a photo of Master Martin at this time.
Master Martin is believed to be armed, and a danger to our community. While the Aurora Police Department continues to work tirelessly to locate and safely apprehend Master Martin, we are also hopeful he will turn himself in.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP where your tips will remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(July 5th, 2020) Early this morning at approximately 1:45 A.M., Aurora Police Officers were called to the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Beeler Street on reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived on scene, they found a 31-year-old on the ground who had been shot. The male was transported to an area hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The victim’s identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and actively investigating. At this early stage in the investigation, it is unknown what led up to the incident and there is no suspect information.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call our Homicide Unit at 303.739.6077 or they can remain anonymous by contacting Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
(January 26, 2021) On Monday January 25, 2021, at approximately 9:34 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to the 1300 block of Alton Street on a report of a man who had been shot.
Upon arrival officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot. The male was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating to gain more information on a suspect(s) and what led up to the fatal shooting. At this time the information is still being gathered and there is no additional information to provide.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after he has been positively identified, and his next-of-kin have been notified.
Anyone with information about this homicide is encouraged to call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where tips are anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5096
(January 16, 2021) Investigators have made an arrest in the case of two explosive devices that were recently detonated in Southeast Aurora.
Last night at around 11:00 p.m. the Aurora Police Department SWAT team arrested Scott Alan Campbell at his residence (3563 South Uravan Street) for the following criminal offences:
- Attempted 1st Degree Murder
- 1st Degree Arson
- Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender
Campbell was transported to the City of Aurora Detention Center where he is currently being held on a one million dollar bond. This case remains and open and active investigation and no additional details are being released at this time. The case will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office for formal charging.
The explosions, which occurred on December 25th and January 7th each caused damage, but no injuries were reported. The incidents occurred within one mile of each other.
This case was a joint investigation between the multi-jurisdictional Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (R.A.V.E.N.); the Aurora Fire Rescue Department Fire Investigations Bureau; the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (A.T.F.) and the Aurora Police Department.
Scott Alan Campbell (Date of Birth: 3/2/1976)
Information previously released by the Aurora Fire Rescue Department on January 7, 2021:
Investigators are asking for public assistance in two separate incidents involving explosions.
Aurora Fire Rescue and Aurora Police Department investigators are currently working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate two separate explosive devices and the circumstances leading up to their detonations. The explosions each caused damage, but no injuries were reported. These incidents occurred within one mile of each other. Investigators are interested in any information about these explosions, including security camera footage, doorbell camera videos or photos that local area residents may have around the time of the incidents could be helpful.
Incident 1: An explosive device was detonated on Dec. 25 at approximately 5:30 a.m. and was reported by residents nearby. The explosion caused damage to 2 homes in the 18000 block of E. Mansfield Ave.
Incident 2: At approximately 4:45 a.m. today, Thursday, January 7, a 911 caller reported the sound of shots fired in the area of their home. Responding officers from the Aurora Police Department found a detonated explosive device which caused damage to one home in the 4600 block of S. Pagosa Circle.
Both events are under investigation and the publicly available details are limited at this time.
If you have any information or recordings in the area during the dates and times below, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867) or www.MetroDenverCrimeStoppers.com
December 25 between 5:00-6:00 a.m.
Area of E. Mansfield Ave. and E. Loyola Drive
January 7 between 4:00 and 5:30 a.m.
Area of S. Pagosa Way and S. Pitkin St.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 14, 2021) On June 19th, 2020 a 17-year-old male was shot and killed while attending a Juneteenth celebration at Rocky Ridge Park located at 16200 E. Mississippi Ave.
This homicide investigation is still actively being investigated and we continue to ask for the publics help. The Major Crimes Homicide Unit is announcing a total reward increase of up to $7,000.00 for eligible tips being allotted from the following entities:
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000.00.
The Aurora Reward Fund is offering a reward of up to $5,000.00.
We are asking for anyone who has any information on this homicide to please call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP where your tips remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
(June 19, 2020) This evening at approximately 8:37 p.m. Aurora Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration being held at the Rocky Ridge Park located at 16200 East Mississippi Avenue.
Upon officer’s arrival they located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries this evening.
His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified.
Currently we believe this was an isolated incident between the victim and the suspect(s) no longer posing an immediate threat to the general public. No one is currently in custody, but investigators are working diligently to identify any and all suspect(s) responsible.
This homicide is being investigated by the Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit. We urge anyone with information or video about this homicide to call Agent Glenn at 303.739.6068. Alternatively, tips can be sent to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) where your tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00 and you can remain anonymous.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
In October of last year, Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson unveiled her five-point plan for rebuilding community trust, called “A New Way.” One of the most important leadership components of the plan is to elevate community relations to the highest level of the organization by adding a non-sworn member to lead those efforts to the Chief’s Executive Staff.
Chief Wilson is pleased to announce the appointment of Claudine McDonald as the Aurora Police Department’s Chief Community Relations Officer. Prior to accepting this new position with the APD, she was the Community Relations Manager for the City of Aurora.
In her new role Claudine will oversee and direct the operations of the department’s newly created Community Relations Section which includes Recruiting, Community Relations Officers, Aurora for Youth Programs, Police Explorers, the Chief’s Community Police Advisory Team and Chief’s Youth Advisory Team. She will also continue to serve as a liaison for the Aurora Community Police Task Force.
Claudine spent 22 years in the public sector working for a non-profit as the Director of Member Engagement and Inclusion before joining the City of Aurora. As the Community Relations Manager she advocated for the effective use of available human, community and social service resources in the city. She oversaw the city’s Human Relations Commission, Veterans’ Affairs Commission and coordinated groups such as the Aurora Key Community Response Team, Aurora Community of Faith, ReACT (Responding to Aurora’s Critical Topics).
Claudine has received two Governor of Colorado appointments. One for the Governor’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Council where she promoted diversity and competency to increase quality of services. The second where she was appointed to the Senate Bill 211 Advisory Commission to Cover All Colorado Kids to promote healthcare coverage for all Colorado children.
Claudine is a former two-term elected member of the Chery Creek School District Board of Education. She was the first Chicana/Pacific-Islander to serve in that capacity. During her tenure she was a continuous voice for addressing issues impacting students/families of color and inclusive excellence.
Claudine earned her degree in Communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has trained on the topic of Healthcare Diversity/Cultural Competency issues to over 70,000 individuals around the country and has worked to integrate diversity/disability perspectives into organizational structures.
“I am so happy that Claudine has accepted this important position on my Executive Team. I’m excited to see the new ideas and initiatives she brings to our organization and community” said Chief Wilson. Her vast experience, education and knowledge in the field of community relations will be a great benefit to the department as we move forward with our “A New Way” plan for rebuilding trust with our community”
“I am looking forward to continuing to advocate for our community while building stronger meaningful relationships with the members of the Aurora Police Department. I believe that listening and collaborating together are key to bringing about the changes we all want to see” said Mrs. McDonald.
Chief Community Relations Officer Claudine McDonald
Lieutenant Chris Amsler, PIO
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 5) On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at about 5:45 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to a traffic crash on East Smith Road at Quentin Street.
The initial investigation has revealed the driver of a Subaru station wagon was travelling westbound on East Smith Road when it came upon a pedestrian in the roadway at Quentin Street. The driver unsuccessfully attempted to avoid striking the pedestrian. The driver remained at the scene of the accident. Drugs, alcohol nor speed are believed to be contributing factors to the accident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The adult male pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office after a positive identification has been made, and his next-of-kin has been notified.
We are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, has dash cam footage, or if you have any information about this incident, please contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On December 26th, 2020 at around 11:18 p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a possible shooting in the 2000 Block of North Fulton Street
Upon arrival officers located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound in the alleyway between Fulton and Florence Street. At this time Detectives from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit are investigating this case as a suspicious death.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and the next of kin have been notified of his passing.
Any witnesses to this shooting are are asked to submit a tip or call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
UPDATE: Arrest made in Mariscos El Rey Homicide Case
Aurora Police have arrested a 28-year-old woman for the murder of an 18-year-old man that occurred at the Mariscos El Rey Restaurant on December 22, 2020.
Following-up on investigative leads, officers arrested Jacqueline De Paz (DOB: 03/27/92) for 2nd Degree Murder during a traffic stop at East Colfax Avenue and North Boston Street at around 3:30 this afternoon. De Paz was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Aurora Detention Center where she is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
Jacqueline De Paz, DOB: 03/27/92
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commander Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on December 23, 2020:
On Tuesday December 22, 2020, at 7:59 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported a shooting at Mariscos El Rey 2 located at 10293 East Iliff Avenue.
Upon Aurora police officers arrival an adult male was found in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital were tragically he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Initial information obtained suggests a disturbance in the parking lot led to a male being fatally shot. Right now, investigators are still working to identify a suspect(s) and believe this was an isolated incident.
It is not yet clear if the suspect(s) were known to the deceased, or what caused the disturbance. This homicide investigation remains active and ongoing, and no additional information is known to provide at this time.
The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been properly notified.
Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By using crime stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
|