On Friday October 6, 2017 at approximately 5:00 P.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to a residence located in the 1200 block of S. Fultondale Cir. to check the welfare of a party.
Upon arrival, the responding Officers heard a single gunshot come from inside the residence that they had been dispatched to. Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of Officers on scene, additional resources were requested to the scene to include members of Aurora’s Strategic Response Team (SRT). From this point, SRT Officers began to systematically check the residence. Ultimately, two deceased adults were located inside the residence.
The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is investigating this incident to determine exactly what occurred. At this time, the Aurora Police Department does not believe that any circumstances pose a danger to the public at large.
The identity of the victims will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victims and the notification of their next of kin.
This investigation remains open and is very active. The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Alton Reed with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6068. Tipsters can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095
On Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 14th opportunity in 7 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Central Aurora: The Medical Center of Aurora, 1501 S. Potomac St.
Northeast Aurora: Pickens Technical College, 500 Airport Blvd.
Southeast Aurora: Saddle Rock Emergency Room, 22500 E. Dry Creek Rd.
(The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Officers were stationary in a parking lot near E. Colfax Ave. and Ironton St. when they were made aware of a stolen white Ford F-250 bearing Colorado Plate 297-PMQ, which was eastbound on E Colfax Ave at N Chester St. Officers observed the F-250 approaching, and drove towards the parking lot exit, activating the patrol vehicles overhead lights. The truck immediately accelerated, indicating to the officer that a traffic stop was not plausible. The officer, therefore, shut off his lights, never leaving the parking lot.
Another officer was stationary in a parking-lot at E 30th Ave and N Peoria St, and observed the F-250 travelling northbound into Denver at a high rate of speed.
Aurora Police were then alerted to an auto-pedestrian accident at E Colfax Ave and N Kingston St, in the eastbound lanes. The adult male victim was deceased and it was determined based on witness statements that the F-250 struck the victim as he was crossing the roadway.
This investigation is on-going and the pedestrians identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroners office, pending notification of next of kin.
The F-250 has damage to the driver-side front end, to include the headlight being inoperable.
Anyone with information which would assist this investigation is asked to call Detective Steve Chinn at 303.739.6342 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. Tipsters calling Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
On the afternoon of September 6, 2017, members of the Aurora Police Department made an arrest in connection with this case. Michael Christopher Taylor (DOB 03/09/1983) was arrested for the charge of attempted first-degree murder. The case will be reviewed by the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office.
The victim in this case still remains in critical condition.
At this time, a photograph of Taylor will not be released because there is still follow-up to be conducted in this investigation.
The investigation remains open and is on-going. There is no further information to provide at this time.
Investigators would still like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with anyone who has information about this case. Witnesses are asked to call Detective Mike Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6127 or they can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6038
Information previous released on September 5, 2017
On September 5, 2017 at approximately 2:40 P.M., Aurora Police Officers were dispatched to Shaus Motorsport located at 15551 E. 6th Ave. on the report of a shooting. Responding Officers located an adult male inside of the business who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived and subsequently transported the victim to an area hospital.
In the early stages of the investigation, information lead officers to the area of Hinkley High School. Officers determined through the course of investigation that an incident at the school was unrelated to the shooting. As a precaution, Hinkley High school was placed on a lockout status for approximately 30 minutes.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are following up on leads and interviewing witnesses to determine what events lead up to the shooting.
The identity of the victim, who remains in critical condition, is not being released at this time.
The investigation into this incident is active and on-going. There is no further information to release at this time.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with anyone who has information about this case. Witnesses are asked to call Detective Mike Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6127 or they can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
We will provide further updates when information becomes available.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6038
On June 21st, 2017 at 3:11 PM Aurora Police officers were dispatched to a 2 vehicle head on collision on E. Yale Ave just west of S. Chambers Rd in Aurora. The investigation found that an SUV driven by 41 year old Gonzalo Fabian Moreno had been eastbound on E. Yale Ave, and crossed over several of lanes and into oncoming westbound E. Yale Ave traffic. As a result he crashed head-on into a car driven by an 86 year old husband and his 84 year old wife as they were on their way home from grocery shopping. The crash was well witnessed and multiple people stopped to assist the injured and called 911 for help.
All 3 parties were transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, the husband and wife, Larry and Jetta Feil, died from their injuries. Gonzalo Moreno was cooperative with this investigation and said he fell asleep at the wheel. He provided a voluntary blood sample to APD, the results of which showed he had been Driving while Under the Influence of alcohol/drugs or both. As a result of the crash investigation, a warrant was applied for and approved for the arrest of Mr. Moreno. He was arrested on September 4th, 2017, for 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide DUI/DUID, 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide Reckless Driving and other traffic related charges.
On the afternoon of August 29, 2017, the victim who was shot during this incident has died from her injuries. The victim, an adult female, was shot on the afternoon of August 28, 2017 in the 10500 block of E. Mississippi Ave.
The investigation into this incident remains very active and is on-going. The identity of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office pending the positive identification of the victim and notification of her next of kin.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with anyone who has information about this case. Witnesses are asked to call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6067 or they can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
In order to protect the integrity of this investigation, there is no further information available for release at this time.
Information previously released on August 28, 2017
On Monday afternoon at approximately 5:48 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received information from the Denver Police Department about a shooting that had occurred in the 10500 block of East Mississippi Avenue. Upon arrival officers located an adult female who was suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition.
During the initial investigation it was determined that two vehicles traveling eastbound on East Mississippi Avenue were involved in the shooting and a subsequent accident resulted in another vehicle becoming involved. The suspect’s vehicle left the scene. It is unknown how many occupants were inside the two involved vehicles when the shooting occurred.
Investigators from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are following on up leads and interviewing witnesses to determine what events lead up to the shooting and to identify potential suspect(s) .
Due to the fact that this is an ongoing investigation information about the suspect(s) and the suspect’s vehicle is not being released at this time.
The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with anyone who has information about this case. Witnesses are asked to call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6067 or they can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
No further updates are expected to be released tonight. We will provide updates when they come available.
Officer Kenneth Forrest
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6616
DATE: 08-29-17
CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael McClelland, Traffic Section Commander, 303-739-6326
NATURE: Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint- Friday September 1st, 2017
Aurora, Colorado- The Aurora Police Department will be conducting a Stationary Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday September 1st, 2017 from 10:00 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 Chambers Rd.
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 N.H.T.S.A. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) grant in partnership with the “Heat is On” campaign and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Please contact Traffic Section Commander, Lt. Michael McClelland with any questions.
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On Thursday evening at approximately 11:46p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a party shot in the alley behind 1460 Boston Street in Northwest Aurora. Upon arrival officers located an adult male victim who had been shot several times. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries early this morning.
Patrol Officers with the assistance of the Denver Police Department Air Support Unit searched the area for any potential suspects remaining in the area, none were located. The Major Crimes/Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating this case.
The identity of the victim is not being released at this time. His name will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with anyone who has information about this case. Witnesses are asked to call Agent Randy Hansen with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6710 or they can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Acting Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
On 08/20/2017, the Aurora Police Department received a report pertaining to allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct involving a suspect Brian Vasquez (DOB: 04/15/1983), a teacher who is currently employed at Prairie Middle School. As these allegations were investigated, more serious incidents came to light to include sexual assault between Vasquez and juvenile students.
Investigators are still working to investigate this matter and are still speaking with witnesses and victims. At this time limited information is being released as to protect the integrity of this very active, open investigation. Aurora Crimes Against Children (CAC) Detectives are investigating this incident as well as other incidents of sexual assault involving Vasquez and students.
On 8/22/2017, Vasquez was arrested and booked into the Aurora City Jail on the following charges: 3 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child- Position of Trust (‘Pattern of Abuse’ charging enhancer) and 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Vasquez has been placed on administrative leave by the Cherry Creek School District.
The Aurora Police Department is working in conjunction with the Cherry Creek School District and other school districts that have previously employed Vasquez to ensure that needs of victims are met. The cooperation of the Cherry Creek School district has been instrumental in aiding our investigation.
It is possible that there are additional persons who have been victimized by Vasquez and have not yet reported it. The Aurora Police Department is asking anybody who is a witness or has information about circumstances surrounding this investigation to please call the Crimes Against Children Tip-Line at (303) 739-6164. If there are any additional victims who are wishing to report to police, they are asked to call Police Dispatch at (303) 627-3100 immediately. A photo is being released to the public in the event that there are additional victims who have not yet come forward in filing a report with Police.
Because it is possible that there are additional victims, the Aurora Police Department is releasing Vasquez’s known previous work history that has been made available by the Cherry Creek School District:
-Social Studies Teacher (7th and 8th grade) at Prairie Middle School: 08/11/11 to current
-Destination Imagination Coach at Prairie Middle School: 10/2012- 01/2017
-Teacher at Mountain vista Community school in Harrison School District 2, (7th grade Geography and 8th grade U.S. History): 08/2009-06/2011
-Teacher at Mesa Ridge High School in Widefield School District 3 (9th grade Geography/ Social Studies, 10th grade World History, 11th grade U.S. History): 10/2007-06/2009
-Substitute Teacher in Widefield School District (grades 6th-12th, all subject areas): 04/2007-10/2007
-Student Teacher at Janitell High School in Widefield School District (7th grade Geography, 8th grade U.S. History): 05/2006-12/2006
-Youth Worker at the San Louis Valley Youth Detention Center in Alamosa, Colorado: 04/2004-04/2006
There is no further information available at this time.
Photo Courtesy of Cherry Creek Schools
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
303.739.6038
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
WHAT: The Aurora Police Department and Cherry Creek School District
WHEN: Monday August 22, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, Office of the Chief of Police, 15001 East Alameda Parkway
WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz
Major Investigations Lieutenant, Stephen Redfearn
Cherry Creek Public Schools Superintendent, Harry Bull
CONTACT: Officer Bill Hummel, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department (303) 739-6038.
PRESS CONFERENCE REFERENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
Aurora, Colorado-The Aurora Police Department will be holding a press conference to brief the media about the circumstances related to an on-going sexual assault investigation. It is believed that there are multiple victims in this case and the suspect is a teacher at Prairie Middle School in Aurora.
The conference will take place today at Aurora Police Headquarters (15001 East Alameda Parkway) at 6:00 p.m.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of police headquarters so the media is asked to arrive prior to 6:00 p.m. at the north doors of police headquarters near the crime lab vehicles. A representative of the Media Relations Unit will then provide access into the building.
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