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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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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 2) One teenage girl is dead after an automobile versus pedestrian crash on East Colfax Avenue.
On February 1, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. Aurora 911 began receiving calls about a crash at the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Moline Street involving two teenage pedestrians.
A boy and girl, both 15-years-old, were transported to the hospital. The girl was suffering from life-threatening injuries and tragically died from her injuries last night. The boy had serious injuries and is expected to survive. The identity of the girl will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once next of kin has been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigation responded to the scene and closed East Colfax Avenue for several hours so they could collect evidence, photograph the scene, and take necessary measurements. The initial investigation revealed a Jeep Wrangler was traveling eastbound on East Colfax Avenue. The pedestrians were crossing East Colfax Avenue, walking from the north side of the street to the south. The pedestrians were in the crosswalk, crossing Colfax against traffic, while the Jeep had the right-of-way.
While neither intoxication nor speed appear to be contributing factors, the investigation is ongoing. If you witnessed the crash or have any information, and you have not already spoken to investigators, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
This is the 3rd traffic related fatality of 2023.
Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
(January 27) Aurora Police Officers arrested a man in connection with yesterday's fatal hit and run crash.
Daniel Saenz-Moreno, 27-years-old, was arrested yesterday and will face one charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. This case will be filed into the 17th Judicial District.
This investigation is still ongoing to determine any contributing factors to this crash and detectives are asking anyone with information, who have not yet spoken to investigators, to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(January 26) One man is dead after a hit and run crash on Peoria Street.
On January 26, 2023, at 5:56 a.m. Aurora 911 began receiving calls about a crash at the intersection of Peoria Street and East 19th Avenue involving a pedestrian. Officers arrived on scene and found a man lying in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. The man was transported to the hospital but sadly, he died from his injuries.
The identity of the pedestrian will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once next of kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and closed Peoria Street for several hours so they could collect evidence, photograph the scene, and take necessary measurements. The initial investigation revealed a large SUV was traveling southbound on Peoria Street. A pedestrian was crossing from at the East 19th Avenue intersection, walking west to east. The driver of the SUV struck the pedestrian at the intersection of Peoria Street and East 19th Avenue, fatally injuring him. After striking the pedestrian, the driver drove away from the scene, failing to render aid. The involved vehicle was located nearby a short time later, but the driver remains unidentified at this time.
The investigation is ongoing and will determine if any additional factors contributed to the crash. If you witnessed the crash or have any information about the identity of the driver, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
This is the 2nd traffic related fatality of 2023.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
(January 19) Aurora Police Officers have arrested a man in connection to a fatal stabbing on East Mississippi Avenue.
Brandon Saguilan-Patricio, 27, was arrested Wednesday night on one count of first degree murder. Saguilan-Patricio was taken into custody without incident thanks to District 1 Patrol, the Direct Action Response Team (DART), APD’s K-9 Unit and the APD SWAT Team.
The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Any additional information about the incident would be obtained from the district attorney’s office.
If you have information about the incident, and have not yet spoken to investigators, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released
(January 11) The Aurora Police Department is investigating a stabbing that left one man dead near Mississippi and Havana.
Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a report of a stabbing near 10955 East Mississippi Avenue. Once on scene, officers found a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
Official cause and manner of death, along with the identity of the man, will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office after an autopsy and notification of next of kin.
The circumstances leading up to the stabbing are still under investigation and detectives are actively pursuing leads. The relationship between the deceased and the suspect are not yet known. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By submitting your tips through Crime Stoppers, tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(January 18) After months of hard work, the Aurora Police Department is pleased to announce an arrest in this June 2022 homicide.
The Department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit (MCHU) has been working diligently since this homicide to identify anyone that was involved in this incident. Today, we are announcing the arrest of Darrion Rouse, 28, of Aurora. Darrion has been arrested on one count of first-degree murder. The charges will be filed into the 18th Judicial District. We want to thank the dedication of the detectives assigned to this case and our Fugitive and SWAT Teams for finding and apprehending Darrion.
If you have information about this incident, and have not yet spoken to investigators, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released
(June 24) On June 20, 2022 at about 8:27 p.m. Aurora Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near E Alameda Avenue and South Jamaica Street. When officers arrived on scene, they found an adult male in a gold VW Jetta suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital by Aurora Fire Rescue.
The male remained in the hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on June 23, 2022. The male has been identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office as Jeremiah Lashae Quashawn Cannady.
Detectives from the Major Crime Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are the lead investigators for this incident. The facts and circumstances leading up to the incident are still unknown but are being investigated.
If you were driving in this area around 8:27 p.m. on the night of the shooting and have a dash camera, we are requesting you review your footage. If you have video of the incident or any information about this homicide, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7807, tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Officer Elizabeth McGregor
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
(January 10) One man is dead after a single vehicle crash on East Montview Boulevard.
On January 10, 2023, at 7:54 p.m. Aurora 911 began receiving calls about a crash at the intersection of East Montview Boulevard and Fitzsimons Parkway involving an SUV.
Officers arrived on scene and found the driver, and only occupant, suffering from life-threatening injuries. The man was transported to the hospital but sadly, he died from his injuries.
The identity of the deceased driver will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once next of kin have been notified.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigation responded to the scene and closed East Montview and Fitzsimons for several hours so they could collect evidence, photograph the scene, and take necessary measurements. The initial investigation revealed a Nissan SUV was traveling eastbound on East Montview Boulevard at a high rate of speed. The driver of the SUV proceeded straight through the Fitzsimons intersection, striking the retaining wall on the east side of the roadway. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
The investigation is ongoing and will determine if any additional factors contributed to the crash. If you witnessed the crash or have any information, and you have not already spoken to investigators, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
This is the 1st traffic related fatality of 2023.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(December 29) The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit investigating a homicide in the 1600 block of Alton Street.
At 2:40 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1600 block of Alton Street. Officers discovered a man inside of an apartment with an apparent gunshot wound. This man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased a short time later. He will be identified by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are actively pursuing leads. No arrests had been made as of Thursday afternoon.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By submitting your tips through Crime Stoppers, tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(December 28) Aurora Police Officers arrested a man in connection with this morning's homicide.
C Vontae Smith, 22-years-old, was arrested this afternoon and will face one charge of first degree murder. The charges will be filed into the 18th Judicial District. C Vontae is an acquaintance of the victim.
This investigation is still ongoing and detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident, who have not yet spoken to investigators, to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information Previously Released
(December 28) The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating an overnight shooting in District 1 near East Alameda and South Peoria.
About 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 300 block of South Salem Street. Once on scene, officers discovered a man lying outside with an apparent gunshot wound. This man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced deceased. He will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are actively pursuing leads. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By submitting your tips through Crime Stoppers, tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(December 24) The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide in District 1 with two victims.
At 11:00 a.m. Saturday, officers received a call from an anonymous person requesting a welfare check at a house in the 1500 block of Boston Street. Once on scene, officers discovered two adults inside of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.
Both victims were pronounced deceased on scene. They will be identified by the Adams County Coroner’s Office after positive identification and notifications of next of kin.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are actively pursuing leads. The relationship between the victims is not known at this time. No arrests had been made as of Saturday afternoon.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By submitting your tips through Crime Stoppers, you could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may still remain anonymous.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(December 12) Joseph Castorena, the suspect in the Oct. 30 quadruple homicide in Aurora, was arrested over the weekend in Mexico.
Castorena, 21, was arrested Saturday, December 10, 2022, in Aguascalientes, a state in north-central Mexico, with the assistance of the FBI, local police officers in Mexico, the Instituto Nacional de Migracion – Mexico’s immigration enforcement agency – and the Mexican government. Castorena was flown to the U.S. Sunday and was booked into a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office detention center located in Phoenix.
Following the Oct. 30 quadruple homicide, investigators with the Aurora Police Department’s Fugitive Unit developed information Castorena fled to Zacatecas, another state in north-central Mexico. Investigators, with the help of federal and Mexican law enforcement partners, continued to monitor Castorena’s movements south through the country until his arrest Saturday.
“The arrest of Joseph Castorena should serve as an example that the dedicated men and women of the Aurora Police Department never quit on a case until those responsible are in custody,” said interim police Chief Art Acevedo. “I would like to thank our federal partners at the FBI and our law enforcement partners in Mexico for teaming up on the arrest.
“We hope this announcement helps bring family and friends of the victims a little closer to the closure they deserve.”
It’s not yet known when Castorena will be transferred to Colorado.
**Booking photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released.
UPDATE: FAMILY MEMBER OF SUSPECT ARRESTED: Aurora Police Investigating Overnight Quadruple Homicide
(November 10) The Aurora Police Department continues to work with local, state and federal partners to locate 21-year-old Joseph Mario Castorena, who is wanted for killing four people on October 30, 2022.
Today, Carlos Casillas-Flores, 22-years-old, was arrested in Denver by Aurora Police Fugitive Officers. Carlos Casillas-Flores is the cousin of Joseph Castorena.
Carlos was transported and booked into the Aurora Jail and is facing the charge of accessory after the fact, 1st degree murder. Detectives do not have evidence at this time indicating Carlos was directly involved in the shooting on Geneva Street on October 30, 2022, but investigators determined that Carlos assisted Joseph in avoiding apprehension.
We continue our search efforts for Joseph Castorena. We urge anyone with knowledge about his whereabouts to call 911 or submit a tip to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line at 720.913.STOP (7867) or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the Aurora Reward Fund is offering a $5,000 reward. There is now a combined reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Castorena.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 4) The Aurora Police Department has been working tirelessly to locate 21-year-old Joseph Mario Castorena, who killed four people on October 30, 2022.
Today, Juan Angel Castorena, 18-years-old, was arrested near West Belleview Avenue and South Federal Boulevard in Denver by Aurora Police Officers. Juan Castorena is the brother of Joseph Castorena.
Juan was transported to Aurora and booked into the jail facing the charge of accessory after the fact, 1st degree murder. At this time, there is no evidence indicating Juan was involved in the shootings on Geneva Street on October 30, 2022.
This arrest is the result of the hard work of many different Aurora Police Department Units and their collaboration with other State and Federal Agencies. We will continue our search for Joseph Castorena. We urge anyone with knowledge about his whereabouts to call 911 or submit a tip to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line at 720.913.STOP (7867) or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the Aurora Reward Fund is offering a $5,000 reward. There is now a combined reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Castorena.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(November 1) The Aurora Police Department responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Geneva Street in the early morning hours of October 30, 2022. Four people were killed by 21-year-old Joseph Mario Castorena who has been on the run since this incident and has not been located.
Today, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers has increased their reward for information regarding the whereabouts of Joseph Castorena. To be eligible for the award and to remain anonymous, tipsters must call the tip line at 720.913.STOP (7867) or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 in this case. The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the Aurora Reward Fund is offering a $5,000 reward. There is now a combined reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Castorena.
We are urging anyone with knowledge about his location to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. If you see Joseph Castorena, you are urged to call 911 immediately.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
(October 30) The Aurora Police Department is investigating a quadruple homicide that occurred overnight near Delmar Parkway.
At 2:06 a.m., Aurora 911 received a call about suspicious activity in the 900 block of Geneva Street. Three minutes later, the dispatcher heard gunshots and upgraded the call.
Officers arrived at 2:15 a.m. to find four adults dead at a home near the intersection of East 10th Avenue and Geneva Street. Officers rescued two young children and a woman from the scene. The woman and the children were unharmed.
The children are not related to the woman or the suspect.
The ongoing investigation revealed the incident stemmed from an ongoing domestic situation between the surviving woman and the suspect, 21-year-old Joseph Mario Castorena. Castorena has a distinctive lion tattoo on the left side of his neck.
Castorena is on the run and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information about Castorena or his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
The victims’ identities will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office following positive identification and notification of next of kin.
If you have any information about this case, and did not speak to detectives on scene, you may also contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 and may remain anonymous.
Here’s a link to the news conference Aurora police Chief Dan Oates delivered Sunday morning from the scene.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
(December 7) A second juvenile suspect has been arrested in connection to last week’s shootout with Aurora police officers in a shopping center parking lot in District 1.
The 15-year-old was arrested about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday near 11th Avenue and North Syracuse Street in Denver with the help of the Denver Police Department. The suspect, who’s name is not being released because he is a minor, was identified by detectives through evidence recovered at the scene.
The suspect was arrested on seven charges of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer and one charge of aggravated motor vehicle theft. Formal charges will be filed by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The Aurora Police Department, through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and the Aurora Reward Fund, offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the second suspect’s capture. We appreciate the tips we received from the public, but ultimately the suspect was identified, located and arrested thanks to the dedicated work of Aurora police officers, detectives, crime scene investigators and crime analysts.
“I know capturing the second suspect in this case was a top priority of Chief Dan Oates,” said interim Aurora police Chief Art Acevedo. “I’m proud of the diligent work of our investigators and gratified to be able to make this announcement on behalf of my good friend and colleague so early in my tenure with the Aurora Police Department.”
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is ongoing. The six officers involved in last week’s incident remain on paid administrative leave in accordance with agency policy.
No additional suspects are being sought in connection to this investigation.
Anyone with any additional information about this case is encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released.
UPDATE: Juvenile Charged with Attempted Murder of 7 Aurora Police Officers
(December 3) After several days of relentless investigation, the Aurora Police Department on Saturday made an arrest in connection to the Wednesday, Nov. 30 incident that culminated in an officer-involved shooting.
Today, a 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested on seven charges of attempted murder of a peace officer and one charge of aggravated motor vehicle theft. Evidence on scene and the hard work of officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, and crime analysts determined that the 16-year-old who was found early Thursday morning in the open field near the getaway car was involved in the incident.
The juvenile was already in custody on active failure-to-appear warrants. His name and booking photo are not being released at this time because he is a minor.
“We are relieved that we have this one suspect in custody, but there is at least one other out there,” Chief Oates said. “We need the public’s help. There is still a $10,000 reward for any information that will lead to the capture and conviction of the remaining suspect or suspects who tried to murder our officers.”
The reward of $10,000 is being offered by Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and the Aurora Reward Fund. If you have any information about this incident, you can remain anonymous by calling the tip line at 720.913.STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online.
Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released
Aurora Police Involved in Shooting with Suspected Car Thieves
(December 1) Aurora police officers, following a stolen vehicle, were involved in a shooting Wednesday, Nov. 30 in District 1.
The incident began when officers began following a stolen white Kia sedan. About 9:45 p.m., the Kia pulled into a shopping center parking lot at East 6th Avenue and South Peoria Street, occupied by at least two suspects.
The Kia stopped in the parking lot, and one or more persons in the vehicle, unprovoked, began firing multiple rounds at two officers in an unmarked police car. These officers returned fire.
After this initial shooting, the suspects attempted to speed away from the scene, but were confronted by more officers responding to the initial shots fired call. The suspects fired multiple rounds at officers before driving out of the parking lot. A total of four police cars were struck by the suspects’ gunfire.
Shortly thereafter, officers located the suspect vehicle, crashed and unoccupied, at East 10th Avenue and South Lima Street. Officers set up a perimeter and began a search for additional suspects. A Reverse 911 was sent out to residents in the area to shelter in place.
A juvenile was found nearby in an open field and ultimately arrested on active warrants. Investigators are working to determine if this juvenile had any involvement in the shooting. The Aurora SWAT Team, K-9 and outside law enforcement agencies responded to conduct a search for more suspects. That search is ongoing and may continue into daylight.
In total, five Aurora police officers fired their weapons. Consistent with long-standing department policy, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.
No officers were struck by gunfire, but one was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries and was released.
The investigation is ongoing by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. No additional details will be released tonight.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
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