(Oct. 23, 2025) – The Aurora Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a shooting that occurred last weekend on Interstate 225.
Celin Villeda Orellana, 38, was arrested Thursday by members of the Aurora Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension & Narcotics Unit on charges of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, menacing and illegal discharge of a firearm, all felonies.
Orellana was arrested during a traffic stop near the intersection of 11th Avenue and Havana Street in Aurora. Following the traffic stop, the ongoing investigation revealed Orellana, who is a Honduran national, was making plans to flee the country.
In consultation with federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations, Orellana was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on possible federal charges.
“This case is a clear example of why our partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and ICE is so critical,” said Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain. “Without their cooperation, we would not have the ability to hold this dangerous individual accountable for his actions here in Aurora.
“The criminal nexus between his immigration status and the violent crime he committed allowed us to take lawful action to ensure he remains in custody today. We will continue working alongside our federal partners and use every available resource to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our community.”
Orellana’s arrest stems from 1:14 a.m. Saturday, when Aurora police patrol officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash on I-225 near East 6th Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the vehicle had collided with the jersey barrier. The driver sustained multiple gunshot wounds, which led to the crash. The adult male driver was taken to a local hospital, where he remains with life-threatening injuries.
Using Flock Safety cameras equipped with license plate readers, Aurora police investigators were able to identify a suspect vehicle. Orellana was later identified as the registered owner and as the suspect in the shooting.
Orellana was previously deported in 2007, 2018 and 2020. The 2020 deportation came after Orellana was arrested in Denver on child sexual assault charges involving a victim under the age of 15.
Orellana is currently in ICE custody pending federal charges. Formal charges for Saturday’s shooting will be filed by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Gabby Easterwood
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP25-205441