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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.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section is investigating an Auto Vs. Pedestrian Crash that occurred on East Arapahoe Road Saturday night.
At around 10:00p.m. a Chevy sedan was traveling Eastbound in the far right lane of the 14700 block of East Arapahoe Road. The vehicle struck an adult male who was walking in the lanes of traffic. That section of roadway was not illuminated by street lights at the time of the accident. The male pedestrian was pronounced at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The name of the pedestrian is not being released at this time and will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Officer once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified of his death.
The investigation into the cause of this crash is in it's early stages and is on-going. Any witnesses who did not stop and remain at the scene are asked to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
This afternoon Chief Wilson terminated the employment of Officer Javen Harper.
On October 17th, 2019, a supervisor smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Officer Harper’s breath. Following department protocols at the time, a preliminary breathalyzer was administered which found that his breath alcohol content was .059. The breath test was followed up by a blood draw which showed that his blood alcohol content at the time of the draw was .035.
After the completion of the Internal Affairs Bureau investigation the case was reviewed by a discipline review board and the Independent Review Board (IRB). Officer Harper was sustained for violating three department directives. After reviewing all the facts and circumstances regarding this case Chief Wilson made the decision to terminate his employment.
Officer Harper joined the Aurora Police Department in 2002 and was assigned to the Traffic Section. During the time of this incident he was on restricted duty and not armed.
“Since my appointment as Interim Chief, and now as the newly appointed Chief of Police, I have pledged to hold my officers accountable for their actions,” said Chief Wilson. “Being transparent regarding issues of officer misconduct is paramount for rebuilding trust and legitimacy with our community.”
IA Investigation Summary Report
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(August 1st, 2020) At about 1:06 P.M. this afternoon, Aurora Police Officers were called to the 1700 Block of North Beeler Street on reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived on scene, which was actually located on Boston Street, they found an adult male in a vehicle suffering from at least one fatal gunshot wound. Medical was summoned to the scene but unfortunately, the male was pronounced deceased.
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 are actively investigating. It is very early in the investigation and it is unknown what led up to the shooting. There is no suspect information at this time.
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.
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: After positively identifying the male responsible for shooting two other protesters on Interstate 225, we now have a signed arrest warrant for the shooter. The arrest warrant was applied for through the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. After the warrant application was accepted by the District Attorney's Office, a judge signed the arrest warrant based on the facts and probable cause provided.
The male has been positively identified as Samuel Young (07/08/1997). His warrant was for four (4) counts of Attempted Homicide. Samuel Young is the person of interest previously released.
Samuel Young has just been taken into custody by Aurora Police. A booking photo will be available at a later time.
We are still urging anyone with pictures or videos that show the actions of the Jeep driver, prior to driving through the group of protesters, to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. We also need any eyewitnesses of this incident to contact Sgt. Jeff Longnecker of the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit for an interview. The Aurora Police Department continues to investigate other incidents of violence during the protest march on the highway.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released July 27
(July 27th, 2020) UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who submitted their tips. We have positively identified this male.
We will not be releasing his identity at this time but are hopeful to have additional information later today.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Information Previous Released July 26
(July 26th, 2020) UPDATE: Through pictures provide to us from a witness, this male is considered a person of interest in the shooting of two people on Interstate 225.
We are seeking any information regarding this males identity.
If you recognize this male, or have any information about his actions yesterday, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
 
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released July 26th
(July 26, 2020) On July 25, 2020, at approximately 6:35 P.M., protesters began to walk northbound on Interstate 225 from East Alameda Parkway.
Around 7:00 P.M. Aurora Police observed, from a media helicopter, a Jeep that was traveling northbound on I-225 heading towards the protesters. The Jeep then drives into the crowd. While the Jeep was being driven through the crowd, multiple shots were fired by a protester. At this time it is unknown if multiple people fired their weapons, or if it was just one individual. Also, there have been no reported injuries reported to us about anyone being hit by this vehicle.
Two people were struck by gunfire. One adult male was shot in the leg and had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Another adult male was shot in the head, only causing a graze wound. He was transported to the hospital by a private vehicle.
The Jeep continued northbound on I-225, eventually exiting the interstate at East 6th Avenue. The driver pulled over at E. 6th Ave and Billings Street when he located officers who were investigating a separate, unrelated crash at that location. The driver was positively identified, questioned, and the Jeep was impounded for evidentiary purposes.
During preliminary interviews with the Jeep driver, he advised officers that while on I-225, his vehicle began to be surrounded by protesters who were yelling and striking his vehicle. He also claims that a white pickup truck struck the front of his vehicle. He claims that the reason that he drove towards the protesters is because he was scared and trying to get away.
Detectives are in contact with the shooting victims who might have captured pictures or videos of the incident. One of the victims remains hospitalized with his injuries.
We are seeking the public’s assistance. We need any pictures, videos, or eyewitness accounts that show the events leading up to the Jeep driving into the crowd. Those can be submitted to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers.
We are also seeking pictures, videos, and eyewitnesses who observed the shooting. We are actively working to identify the shooter(s) responsible for shooting into a crowd and injuring two people. Those tips can also be submitted to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Unit spent time today at the incident scene investigating and searching for evidence. This investigation temporarily closed the lanes of northbound I-225 and we thank motorists for their patience today. The event organizers have not yet reached out to detectives, therefore this is the reason we are seeking the public's assistance. If anyone has information to share, tipsters who contact Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Once all of the evidence is gathered, this case will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for criminal culpability.
Please see the following statement from Chief Wilson:
“I not only find great concern with someone making the decision to drive their vehicle toward protesters on the interstate but that someone in the protester group opened fire, recklessly shooting two people.
We will be working with our District Attorney to discuss appropriate charges for the driver as well as working tirelessly to identify the shooter(s) on the interstate.
Any witnesses are urged to report what they saw to Denver Metro Crime Stoppers.”
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
WHAT: Protest Event
WHEN: Saturday July 25, 2020
WHERE: 15001 East Alameda Parkway
AURORA, Colorado - Having a peaceful demonstration is most meaningful when everyone chooses to be respectful, law-abiding, and civil. It’s equally important to realize everyone has a right to lawfully assemble, and Colorado law prohibits disrupting a lawful assembly. The goal with this advisory is to provide helpful information for those planning on attending the protest at the Aurora Police Department (APD) Headquarters Saturday July 25, 2020.
Free Speech is Important: The APD values citizens’ free speech rights. Freedom of Speech includes a variety of expressive words, printed words, and expressive conduct. However, there are limits. For example, “Fighting Words,” or words that are inherently likely to provoke a violent reaction or a breach of the peace through retaliation, are not protected by the First Amendment. Additionally, criminal conduct, such as theft and destruction of another’s property or physical assault of another person, and trespassing is not protected by the First Amendment. We ask for the public’s help in ensuring that the event remains a place for free speech and lawful activity.
To Get Information Day-Of: APD will be using Twitter for messaging to the public and media. To receive those messages please follow us on Twitter at the @AuroraPD profile.
If You See Something, Say Something: We ask members of the public, to constantly be aware of their surroundings, and immediately report any safety concerns. You can do so by calling dispatch at 303-627-3100. At any time during the event, if there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. Otherwise, the non-emergency number is 303-627-3100 for police and fire assistance. Some police reports can be filed online at any time by clicking HERE.
Facilities: All buildings on the Aurora Municipal Center Campus will be closed to the public on July 25th, 2020. Attendees should plan accordingly for simple first aid needs, weather, hydration, and food.
Excessive Noise: Please be advised the use of using bullhorns, noisemakers, and like devices cause actual physical pain, or bodily injury, to attendees, which is unlawful.
Safety and Officer Conduct: Our officers are there to ensure the safety of those attending the event. If an officer contacts you, please remain cordial and comply with any orders the officer may have given you. If you have concerns, questions or compliments you can relay that information to www.AuroraPolice.com. To ensure everyone’s safety the following additional regulations will be in effect:
Sticks poles, pipes, bats or similar objects will not be permitted.
- Sticks being used as supports for signs, posters, banners or flags may only be permitted under all of the following conditions:
- They are attached and remain attached to a sign, poster, banner or flag at all times.
- They are made of wood. No metal, PVC, glass, or other material allowed for sign supports.
- They are 40" or less in length.
- They are blunt on each end. No sharp supports are allowed.
Violation of these rules will be grounds to deny access or removal from the protest area, and refusal to leave will be a violation of Aurora Municipal Code (AMC) 94-71, Trespass.
Drones: The publics use of Drones are not permitted at this event.
Accident Alert and Priority Dispatch: During this event APD will be on accident alert and priority dispatch protocol from noon until the event is over due to limited police resources. If you are involved in an accident during this time that involve any of the following:
· Injuries
· Hit-and-Run
· DUI involving alcohol and/or drugs
· One or more vehicles are not drivable
· One driver does not have proof of insurance
Please call 303-627-3100 for an officer to respond. All other traffic accidents should be filed online by clicking HERE or you can respond to the APD headquarters lobby located at 15001 East Alameda Parkway with all involved drivers the following day to complete the accident report.
Priority dispatch means APD will only respond to in-progress calls where life is in danger, and all other calls for service will potentially have significantly extended wait times for a response. We understand this is frustrating, but we appreciate your patience.
Dispersal Orders: As a last resort, APD may have to give dispersal orders to the crowd and will do so in both English and Spanish. This will only occur when there is a clear and present danger of immediate threat to safety.
Please follow all orders immediately and peacefully while evacuating the area. If a dispersal order is given, all attendees will be given directions on a safe route to leave the area.
Media: The media can use the below phone number and email address for incident response inquiries, and interview requests:
720-432-5095
[email protected]
Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of those attending the event and our officers. The Aurora Police Department respects and upholds the constitutional rights of our community including the right to express and exercise free speech. We will continue to balance these rights with the protection of property, safety and life. We appreciate the community’s partnership in this regard and encourage everyone to remain peaceful and civil.
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On July 23, 2020, around 10:50 P.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to the intersection of Gun Club Road and South Picadilly Street on reports of a vehicle crash.
When officers arrived on scene, they located 2 people who had been ejected from an SUV. Both of those individuals, one whom is an adult female and the other an adult male, were pronounced deceased on scene. Their identities will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroners Office after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Initial investigation shows that the SUV was traveling westbound on Gun Club Road, at a high rate of speed, when it lost control. The vehicle then began to roll, ejecting both occupants, and eventually comes to rest after striking a power line and causing damage to that pole.
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) or reach out to the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
On July 23, 2020, at 9:12 P.M., Aurora Police Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a crash at East Hampden Avenue and South Kalispell Street.
Initial investigation reveals that a black Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on East Hampden Avenue. An adult male was riding his bicycle and was going northbound on South Kalispell Street. It is unknown at this time who had the right-of-way. The bicycle was struck while in the crosswalk area and the driver and vehicle involved remained on scene. At this time, it does not appear that speed or alcohol was a factor.
Investigators for our Traffic Unit will attempt to reconstruct the scene to determine speeds and other contributing factors of the crash. The identity of the deceased male will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after positive identification and next-of-kin notification.
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) or reach out to the Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
Mugshot of the suspect from this morning's Manslaughter case at the Bella Terra Apartments
PHOTO: Abdiel Vigil (DOB: 04/17/1982)
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information originally released on July 14th, 2020
On July 13th at around 11:25p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a shooting at the Bella Terra Apartments located at 15400 East Evans Avenue.
Upon arrival officers found an adult male in a breezeway of one of the apartment building suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injury. An adult male acquaintance who was with the victim at the time of the shooting, Abdiel Vigil (DOB: 04/17/1982) was taken into custody at the scene.
The preliminary investigation into this shooting found that Vigil and the victim were playing with a gun owned by Vigil, the gun discharged striking the victim in the chest and killing him.
The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
Vigil was arrested for Manslaughter (Colorado Revised Statue 18-3-104) and is being held on a $25,000 bond. Once he has been booked into the Aurora Detention Center a mugshot will be available for release.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(July 13, 2020) UPDATE: Our investigators have identified Julio Cesar Gonzalez as a suspect in the attack from July 11th.
A warrant was issued for Julio for one count of 1st Degree Assault. Julio is already in custody on unrelated charges.
We are still seeking suspect information regarding the attack that occurred on July 8th. Any witnesses are urged to call Aurora Police or email [email protected]. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released July 11, 2019
UPDATE: Investigators are releasing a sketch of the suspect from today's assault on the High Line Canal Trail. The public is reminded that if they see this person that they do not approach him and call 911.
Anyone with information on the identity of this person is asked to call Aurora Police or email [email protected]. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Originally published on July 11, 2020:
The Aurora Police Department is investigating two assaults that occurred on the High Line Canal Trail in the Highland Park Neighborhood this week.
The first assault occurred on Wednesday, July 8th at around 11:30 in the morning. The female victim was riding her bike on the trail around East 2nd Avenue with her children. She was approached by an unknown man who swung a 2X4 board at her, striking her, and knocking her off her bicycle. The victim and her children were able to escape from the assailant and call police. She was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries.
The second assault occurred today (July 11th) at around 6:00 this morning around East 1st Avenue and Moline Street. The victim was jogging down the trail when she was attacked by an unknown man who struck her several times with a board. She sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where she is currently being treated.
The suspect in the July 8th assault is described as a black male who is approximately 6-foot-tall with curly hair. He was wearing a red shirt and black shorts at the time of the crime.
The suspect in the July 11th assault is described as a Hispanic male in his 20’s who is approximately 5’7” tall, he has an athletic build and has short black “high and tight” hair. At the time of the attack he was wearing a black shirt and black pants. He was spotted later in the morning wearing a grey sweatshirt and was seen riding a children’s bicycle.
The APD has increased patrols in the area and our officers and detectives have been canvasing the area looking for the assailants and potential witnesses to these two attacks. If the public sees either of these two individuals they are advised not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Anyone who has information on these two cases is asked to email [email protected]. Tipsters can also contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers by calling 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
The APD is providing the following safety tips for our community to follow to help keep them and their families safe:
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Criminals tend to avoid people who appear self-assured, so walk purposefully and with confidence.
• Avoid walking at night or in dimly lit areas. If you must walk in the evening, walk in pairs whenever possible and along familiar routes.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. If you feel someone is following you or could hurt you, yell ‘Fire’ instead of ‘help.’ People are more likely to respond to your call for assistance.
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Today, July 3rd, 2020, Interim Chief Vanessa Wilson announced the termination of three employees after the internal investigation determined their involvement with selfie photographs taken at the memorial site for Elijah McClain on October 20th, 2019.
Chief Wilson terminated Erica Marrero, Kyle Dittrich, and Jason Rosenblatt. Former employee, Jaron Jones, resigned on June 30th, 2020 prior to the pre-disciplinary hearing.
Chief Wilson was made aware of the allegation on Thursday, June 25th, 2020 after an uninvolved officer saw the photo and reported it to a supervisor. The involved officers were immediately placed on Administrative Leave and an Internal Affairs Investigation was initiated.
Chief Wilson understands the devastating impact this incident has had on the relationship between the community and the Department. She believes that transparency is paramount in beginning to rebuild that relationship. Therefore, Internal Affairs File 20-25 can be found by clicking HERE.
PRESS CONFERENCE
TWITTER LIVE STREAM
PRESS PACKET
PICTURE 1
PICTURE 2
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT: Press Conference Reference Photo Investigation Update
WHEN: July 3rd, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room
WHO: Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson
CONTACT: Detective Faith Goodrich, Public Information Officer, Media Relations Unit, 720.432.5095
This press conference will be held in the Aurora Municipal Building Aurora Room, which is a secure facility. The media is asked to arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. and to bring your media credentials for admittance. See the parking map and use Visitor Parking Lot B. Call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will escort you into the building. The event will be live-streamed on Twitter (@AuroraPD).
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, we ask that everyone wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines. Due to these restrictions we can only allow one pool video camera, one pool still camera at this event, and only one reporter per media outlet. Members of the media who plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected].
Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on June 29th, 2020
Please see below statement from Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson:
"Thursday afternoon, I was apprised of allegations reported to Internal Affairs by an Aurora Police Officer alleging multiple Aurora Police officers were depicted in photographs near the site where Elijah McClain died. All involved officers were immediately placed on administrative leave with pay in non-enforcement capacities.
I immediately ordered Internal Affairs to make this investigation their top priority. This accelerated investigation was completed this evening.
This investigation will be publicly released in its entirety promptly upon its conclusion. This will include reports, photographic evidence obtained, officer’s names, and my final determination which can rise to the level of termination."
Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson
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