(August 25) On Wednesday, August 25th, at 7:52 p.m., Aurora 911 received multiple calls reporting a shooting in the 800 block of South Buckley Road.
Upon officer’s arrival to the area they discovered an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside of 830 South Buckley Road. Tragically he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The name of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification and notification to next-of-kin have been made.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating this incident as a homicide. At this time, investigators are conducting interviews and collecting evidence to help identify a suspect, and to determine the facts and circumstances that led to this fatal shooting.
Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about this homicide 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 Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(August 23) The Aurora Police Traffic Section is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early this morning along the Hampden corridor.
On August 23, 2021, at approximately 02:40 a.m., Aurora Police responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and South Tower Road. Upon arrival officers found that one of the occupants of the vehicle has been ejected. Additionally, a second person was also located with injuries sustained in the crash. Both occupants are only being identified as juvenile males.
Investigators believe the vehicle, an Infiniti sedan, was traveling eastbound on East Hampden Avenue. The vehicle entered the South Tower Road Intersection and lost control. The Infiniti veered to the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. After striking the tree, it became airborne and hit a light pole just before coming to rest after striking a retaining wall. The passenger of the vehicle was ejected during the crash and pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators believe that high speeds are a contributing factor to this crash. This remains an active investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
The identity of the passenger 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 who may have witnessed this crash or has dash-camera footage of the crash, and have not yet spoke to police, are 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Welcome to Family Book Club!
This is an exciting club for families who love to read and is appropriate for ages 8-15. The books chosen are always within the 3rd-6th grade level but both younger and older kids have enjoyed them! If your child is younger, I encourage the family to read the book aloud together or listen to the audiobook (if available)!
This month we are reading "The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart" by Stephanie Burgis. Aventurine is restless inside her family’s cave and one day decides to explore the world outside. She meets a sorcerer and cannot say no to his enchanted hot chocolate which turns her into a human. Yet, now she has a new passion - chocolate! Genre: FANTASY.
Chapters 13 - 18
1. After the disastrous visit from the royal family, Aventurine chooses to go with Greta instead of explaining what happened to Marina. Why do you think she would do that?
2. Marina admitted her own mistake with royalty and tells Aventurine her hot chocolate wasn’t bad (which means it was pretty good)! Now that Aventurine is going back to the Chocolate Heart, how do you think they will try to save it?
3. Do you have any passions like Marina and Aventurine have for chocolate?
4. The dragons are now getting closer! Make a prediction – what will happen between them and the humans?
Chapters 19 - 24
“Chocolate so good, it even melted a dragon’s heart!”
Aventurine was able to convince her family of who she is, save the city from destruction, and build relationships between dragons and people… all because of her passion for chocolate!
1. What do you think of the book?
2. What was your favorite part?
3. Who was your favorite character?
4 What lessons did Aventurine learn as a human?
We will be having a special virtual event on Saturday, August 28 at 1 p.m. to meet the author! Please register here.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Tallyn's Reach Library. Please call 303.627.3050 if you'd like to put one on hold to be picked up at a different branch. Unlimited eAudiobooks are available via HooplaDigital, free with your library card!
(August 21) On Saturday August 21, 2021 at 4:24 a.m., officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles in the intersection of East Alameda Parkway and South Airport Boulevard.
Upon arrival to the scene officers discovered a white Toyota Prius had been broadsided by a burgundy GMC Yukon. The driver of the Prius, a 25-year-old male and Aurora resident, tragically died on-scene. The driver of the Yukon, a 24-year-old male from Florida, was transported to an area hospital with injuries where he remains at this time.
The initial investigation suggests the Yukon was traveling westbound on East Alameda Parkway at a high rate of speed as the Prius was traveling eastbound on East Alameda Parkway, both approaching the intersection at South Airport Boulevard. As the Prius was making a northbound turn onto South Airport Boulevard, the speeding Yukon broadsided the Prius.
Alcohol and speed, by the driver of the Yukon, are believed to be contributing factors leading to the fatal crash. The driver of the Yukon, who is still hospitalized, will be charged with Vehicular Homicide upon release from the hospital. Once he is charged his identity will be released.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next-of-kin have been notified.
Anyone who may have witnessed this fatal crash or otherwise have any information related to it, are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. Your tips there can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(August 19) On Thursday, August 19, 2021 at approximately 6:47 p.m., Aurora police officers responded to multiple callers reporting a shooting at 14704 East 2nd Avenue.
Upon officer’s arrival they discovered an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where tragically he succumbed to his injuries.
The name of the deceased will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after a positive identification and notification to next-of-kin have been made.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating this incident as a homicide. At this early time in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the shooting, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
Anyone who witnessed this shooting or has information about this homicide is asked to contact contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. By using Crime Stoppers tipster can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(August 19) The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday August 21st, 2021 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. This is part of our continuing commitment to the statewide effort to combat drunk drivers and reduce alcohol related traffic accidents and fatalities. This checkpoint is part of the DUI Checkpoint Colorado program, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend, continuing through Labor Day weekend. This checkpoint will be located on E 6th Ave.
Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be contacted briefly by an officer who will be looking for signs of intoxication and/or impairment in the driver. The checkpoint should cause only minor inconvenience to traffic along the targeted roadway, and highly visible signage will be posted leading into the checkpoint screening area. Drivers entering a checkpoint are asked to pay close attention to the officers directing traffic through the area. Motorists should also roll down their drivers’ side window as they approach the screening area. This allows for better communication between the motorist and the officer, quicker screening, and a shorter delay overall.
The checkpoint is funded by an National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) grant in partnership with the “Heat is On” campaign and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Welcome to Family Book Club!
This is an exciting club for families who love to read and is appropriate for ages 8-15. The books chosen are always within the 3rd-6th grade level but both younger and older kids have enjoyed them! If your child is younger, I encourage the family to read the book aloud together or listen to the audiobook (if available)!
This month we are reading "The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart" by Stephanie Burgis. Aventurine is restless inside her family’s cave and one day decides to explore the world outside. She meets a sorcerer and cannot say no to his enchanted hot chocolate which turns her into a human. Yet, now she has a new passion - chocolate! Genre: FANTASY.
Chapters 7 – 12
1. What is your favorite kind of chocolate?
2. Would you like to learn how to make chocolate-y treats?
3. Marina has Aventurine try “chili chocolate”. Have you ever had Mexican Hot Chocolate? It was probably very similar to that, although maybe a bit spicier!
4. Why do you think the lord mayor wants to shut down The Chocolate Heart?
5. Aventurine’s family is looking for her and Aventurine knows the humans do not like dragons. Do you think this could bring trouble to the town?
This week read chapters 13-18!
We will be having a special virtual event on Saturday, August 28 at 1 p.m. to meet the author! Please register here.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Tallyn's Reach Library. Please call 303.627.3050 if you'd like to put one on hold to be picked up at a different branch. Unlimited eAudiobooks are available via HooplaDigital, free with your library card!
(August 14) On August 14, 2021, at approximately 7:25p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of crash involving a motorcycle near the intersection of Pena Boulevard and East 40th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the rider of the motorcycle unconscious. The rider of the motorcycle (adult male) was pronounced deceased on scene.
Investigators believe the motorcycle was traveling southbound on Pena Boulevard, just south of East 40th Avenue, when it struck the guardrail, ejecting the rider. It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were factors in this crash.
The identity of the motorcycle rider is not being released at this time. The Adams 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.
Agent Matthew Longshore
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 11) The Aurora Police Department, The U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, partnered for a two-week operation called “Operation Restore.” The focus of this operation was the apprehension of violent offenders who had active warrants for their arrest.
The operational period was July 26 through August 6, 2021, occurring within not only the city of Aurora, but nationwide with the help of the U.S. Marshal’s. This operation resulted in the arrest of 116 individuals, 9 firearms were seized and 3 stolen vehicles were recovered.
Several of the violent offenders arrested had active warrants for murder, attempted murder, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, sex assault on a child, sexual exploitation of minor, weapon offenses and felony menacing.
Our ongoing partnerships with the DEA, USAO, U.S. Marshal’s Service and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are invaluable to the Aurora Police Department and the communities we serve. This collaboration contributed greatly to the overall success of the operation and our commitment to making Aurora safer every day.
“The cooperation between local and federal law enforcement reflected in this operation helps promote public safety in Colorado. We appreciate the excellent work of our law enforcement partners in this successful operation.” - Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Kirsch
“Over the course of the past two weeks, a total of 116 state and federal arrests were made as a result of the collective efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies involved… it should be noted that approximately 24% of those arrests were based upon narcotics-related charges, even more notable is that more than 50% of those arrested had a criminal history which included some type of criminal charge associated with illegal drugs. Those numbers underscore the significant and vital role and responsibility the DEA has in reducing violent crime and apprehending those most responsible for endangering the health and safety of our community.” - DEA Denver Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Olesky
“The Aurora Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to restoring and ensuring safety for our community members in Aurora. I would like to especially thank the many APD officers and specialized units of the APD who spearheaded this operation and saw it through to such a tremendous success.”- Chief Vanessa Wilson
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Press Conference YouTube Link
Press Packet
Individuals Arrested During Operation
|