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
|