News Release: Eighteen suspects responsible for organized and violent criminal activity throughout the state were recently arrested as part of a two-phase, multi-jurisdictional operation led by the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network. The 13-month investigation targeted 20 members of a local criminal organization responsible for more than 20 criminal episodes affecting 13 jurisdictions, including the cities of Aurora, Bennett, Commerce City, Denver, Frederick, Firestone, Greeley and Parker, as well as Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Weld counties. Investigators obtained 67 search warrants and seized 31 firearms during the investigation. Arrest warrants were obtained for 18 suspects, including 14 adults and four minors, on a total of 185 criminal charges, including 166 felonies and 19 misdemeanors. All 18 suspects are in custody and charged in Denver District Court. “This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to hold violent offenders accountable and disrupt criminal networks operating across our communities,” said Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand, who oversees the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division, which includes the RAVEN Task Force. “Over 13 months, this regional effort resulted in 18 arrests, 166 felony charges and the seizure of 31 firearms, addressing serious crimes that affected 13 jurisdictions across the Denver metro area and northern Colorado. “These results reflect the commitment of our partner agencies to protecting our communities and ensuring those responsible for violent crime are held accountable for their actions and widespread victimization.” The investigation was led by two task force officers from the Aurora Police Department and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. The suspects were arrested during two multi-jurisdictional operations on Sept. 15 and Oct. 7. The first take down operation targeted 12 suspects and all were taken into custody. The second take down operation targeted the remaining six suspects, five of whom were arrested that day. The final suspect was taken into custody days later. The suspects were arrested in Aurora, Bennett, Commerce City, Denver, Greeley and Wichita, Kan. RAVEN agencies and other law enforcement partners that contributed resources or assisted with the operations include SWAT Teams from the Aurora, Commerce City, Brighton, Denver, Englewood, Greeley and the Littleton police departments, SWAT Teams from the Arapahoe County and Douglas County sheriff’s offices, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Response Team, the Denver District Attorney’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service. “RAVEN’s success demonstrates the strength of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and our shared commitment to keeping communities safe,” said Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler S. Brown. “By combining investigative expertise, resources and coordinated efforts across jurisdictions, our partner agencies helped disrupt this alleged criminal network. “This regional partnership sends a clear message that those charged with violent and organized criminal activity will be pursued across jurisdictional boundaries, while reinforcing our commitment to protecting residents and holding individuals accountable through the justice system.” The adult suspects arrested during the investigation are: Brandon McAfee, 48, faces 11 charges, including unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor, unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child abuse, failing to properly secure a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon. Daniel Lopez, 20, faces 16 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. Diego Rodriguez-Balderrama, 18, faces 26 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and illegal discharge of a firearm. Gina Bramlett, 59, faces two charges, including accessory to a crime and attempting to influence a public servant. Griselda Muniz, 38, faces four charges, including unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and child abuse. Nicole Garcia, 47, faces 11 charges, including unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor, unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child abuse, failing to properly secure a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon. Oscar Aguilar-Rea, 18, faces 14 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing and illegal discharge of a firearm. Guadalupe Lopez, 19, faces 13 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon. Armando Valdez, 23, faces nine charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and menacing. Christian Mayfield, 21, faces five charges, including aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and menacing. Christopher Smith, 21, faces five charges, including aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and menacing. Lakeno Conde-Smith, 18, faces eight charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. Tom Cruz-Monfil, 21, faces 11 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and attempted first-degree assault. Devyn Roman, 22, faces 10 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, menacing, first-degree assault, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. The juvenile suspects arrested during the investigation include the following. They are not being identified because they are minors. A 16-year-old male who faces 18 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, theft and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor. A 17-year-old male who faces 12 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, menacing, possession of a handgun by a minor, possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine and unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor. A 17-year-old male who faces 10 charges, including violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon. A 17-year-old male who faces 10 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine. The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with any additional information about criminal activity involving the above suspects 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. About the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network The Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, also known as RAVEN, is a regional task force composed of law enforcement partners from the Aurora, Denver, Arvada, Thornton and Lakewood police departments, the Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices, the Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Douglas district attorney’s offices, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Department of Corrections, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Technology + Teamwork Help Bring Teen Home On October 3, Aurora officers partnered with a caregiver using AngelSense, a GPS safety device for at-risk children, to help locate a special-needs teen who had run away. AngelSense is operated by a family member or caregiver, who then shares location updates with officers when their loved one goes missing. Thanks to the device’s real-time location updates, officers were able to quickly narrow down the search area and locate the teen. For caregivers or parents of children who may wander or become separated, tools like AngelSense can provide critical location information when every minute matters. When officers found him, he picked up a rock before running away. Officers spent several minutes working to de-escalate the situation as the teen moved through multiple yards and over fences. When he eventually stopped, he told officers he was having trouble breathing. Medical crews were requested immediately, and Aurora Fire Rescue provided care. The teen later went to a local hospital for further evaluation. Time and tools lead to good outcomes every day. This is another great example of technology, teamwork and patience coming together when it mattered most. We’re grateful to the caregiver for quickly using AngelSense to help officers locate the teen and to Aurora Fire Rescue and hospital staff for helping ensure he received the care he needed. [Media Description: Graphic of people holding hands]

Pride and joy. That's exactly how we describe the Blue Envelope program. The Blue Envelope program is a communication tool designed to make traffic stops and roadside interactions safer and less stressful for drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, dementia, anxiety or hearing loss. To date, we've provided 1,000 envelopes to community members, and we're ready to share more with those who would like one. The goal of Blue Envelope? To create better, more holistic interactions with members of our community. The more we know, the better we can communicate and connect, particularly in moments that can be somewhat nerve-wracking. Learn more about our community partnership, our purpose with Blue Envelope, and above all -- hear our pride and the joy we have in being a part of the Blue Envelope family. To learn more about the Blue Envelope Program visit here: auroragov.org/residents/publ… [Media Description: Officer approaches vehicle and is handed a blue envelope, officer and community advocate sit in tall chair and speak on the program.]

Heart of Elder Justice Award On Monday, October 12, 2026, APD Special Victims Unit Detective Barbara Asmussen received the Heart of Elder Justice Award at the Elder Justice Summit hosted by CU Anschutz and the VESPA Team (Vulnerable Elder Services, Protection & Advocacy). This award honors frontline professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to protecting at‑risk older adults from mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation across Colorado. Detective Asmussen’s work reflects the award’s mission of uniting law enforcement, healthcare partners, and protective service agencies to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for vulnerable seniors. We are proud to recognize Detective Asmussen’s dedication, investigative expertise, and informed advocacy on behalf of older adults in our community. [Media Description: Women presenting award.]

News Release: An Aurora man has been safely taken into custody after a nearly 12-hour standoff that resulted from the suspect running over a woman with a car. Pierre Jones, 39, was arrested on probable cause of 2nd Degree Assault, Hit and Run, Vehicular Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Child Abuse and Domestic Violence, after he hit a woman with a vehicle in the parking lot of Robinwood Apartments early Friday morning, seriously injuring her. The incident began around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Robinwood Apartments located on the 18000 block of East Ohio Avenue. At the time, Aurora patrol officers were dispatched to reports of a Ford truck that had hit a pedestrian in the parking lot. The truck then left the scene. Responding officers located a woman suffering from serious injuries and immediately provided medical aid. She was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Jones and the victim are known to one another. Utilizing Flock cameras, officers located the truck at a residence in the 14000 block of E. 22nd Place. Officers contacted family members at the address and learned that a toddler was inside the house with Jones. Officers set up an immediate entry team and were able to safely rescue the child from the house and reunite them with family members at the scene. Jones, however, was unable to be contacted. Detectives authored an emergency search and arrest warrant, which was sent to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review. During the subsequent two hours prior to the warrant’s approval, crisis response team members and other officers with the department made numerous and repeated attempts to encourage Jones to come out peacefully and safely. Shortly before 3 p.m., the warrant was approved and officers entered the residence. Jones, however, was not found inside. A short while later just before 4 p.m., Jones was brought to the Aurora Municipal Court where he surrendered and was arrested without further incident. The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Yesterday morning we had the privilege of hosting public information officers from across the state. PIOs serve as the liaison between community and police, a vital role to keep community informed and educated. For this visit they were given a presentation on technology usage at APD. The efforts we make to regularly share how and why technology tools help solve crime led to incredible discussions from other departments about how they can also share what they do with technologies and how it is used to help keep communities safe. You’ve heard it before and now we’re showing other departments what we do and how we do it. They also got the chance to visit our Real Time Information Center (RTIC) that houses all our tech. There, they spoke to and asked questions with RTIC technicians and command staff about how things work and what they should take back to their agencies about community engagement and understanding of technology. PIOs are working hard across the state to help their residents be able to ask questions and better understand what technology can do – and even more so what it cannot do. Here at APD, we don’t shy away from being transparent about our technology. We welcome it on every level. [Media Description: Colorado PIOs touring the RTIC, speaking with technicians and having a discussion at a conference table.]

A stolen handgun recovered. A safer community thanks to the relentless pursuit of justice by patrol officers. While you were sleeping in the early morning hours on Tuesday, October 6, officers in the area of East Colfax Avenue at North Havana Street spotted a truck that had been stolen out of Denver a few days prior. Before a traffic stop could even be initiated, the suspects spotted patrol cars and sped off. Nope. Multiple attempts were made to safely stop the eluding suspects, including stop sticks that were successfully deployed but wouldn't you know it -- the suspects wanted to keep going. The suspect vehicle tried one last time to elude through the parking lot of a church on Del Mar Circle, going through a covered pergola and driving into a garden area. At one point, the suspect had no way to leave and attempted to drive back out, nearly striking two responding officers. The vehicle finally came to a stop it got stuck on a high-centered garden bed in the landscaping of the church. Officers removed the two suspects from the vehicle and located two firearms inside the vehicle, one of which was reported stolen. Both occupants were safely taken into custody on probable cause charges for motor vehicle theft, attempted vehicular homicide, felony eluding, possession of a weapon by a previous felony offender, and theft. We're very thankful teamwork helped not only keep everyone as safe as possible in this instance, but that the tools we had helped to safely apprehend the suspects and recover and remove a stolen gun off of Aurora streets. Safer every day, one call at a time. [Media Description: Officers in pursuit of a suspect and use stop sticks and multiple other tactics to stop the suspect and take him into custody.]

The Aurora Police Department extends a sincere thank you to The Juicy Seafood for its generous $10,000 donation in support of APD’s Victim Services and Employee Wellness Units. This contribution will help strengthen the support and resources available to victims in our community while also supporting the health and wellness of the employees who serve Aurora every day. We’re grateful to The Juicy Seafood for its generosity, partnership, and investment in our community. Thank you! [Media Description: Officers and Chiefs standing in front of Juicy Seafood for a check presentation.]

National Coffee with a Cop Day gives us a chance to slow down, share a cup of coffee, and engage in real conversations that strengthen the bond between our officers and the community we serve. Events like these matter because trust is built long before emergencies ever happen. They create space for understanding, relationship‑building, and community partnership, one conversation at a time. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to be part of today’s conversations. Your voices help shape the way we serve Aurora! [Media Description: Officers and Chief Chamberlain enjoying coffee and conversation at a local Starbucks.]

UPDATE: The missing child's parents have been located. Thank you all for helping to raise awareness.

What. A. Weekend. Drugs and guns taken off the streets on Sunday, all thanks to our dedicated D2 Central District officers. Let’s start with the guns, shall we? Just after 2 a.m., officers were near Havana and Jewell when they spotted a vehicle with three men inside wearing ski masks and speeding. A bit suspicious, so a traffic stop was initiated. The driver fled and a pursuit was authorized. At a certain point, the vehicle came to a stop on an embankment, getting stuck on a retaining wall at East Iliff Avenue and Troy Street. The suspects ran, but were quickly found and apprehended. During the investigation, two pistols and two high-capacity magazines were discovered. All three occupants of the car were arrested and are facing probable cause charges of obstruction, eluding, possession of a large capacity magazine and possession of defaced firearm, among other charges. Now, let’s get to the drugs.➡️ Just before 4:45 p.m. on the 1500 block of S. Florence Way, officers were dispatched to a motor-vehicle theft recovery. When they arrived on scene, they found the suspected stolen vehicle with a fake, temporary tag and a woman passed out behind the wheel. Officers tried waking her up to no avail. During their efforts, she suddenly awoke. And instead of listening to officers to come out of the car so she could receive care, she decided to flee. In the process, she hit an unoccupied patrol car, a curb and another unoccupied van. Thankfully, no one was hurt. One of the drones in our RTIC was able to stay on her, keeping officers updated on her location as she sped through neighborhoods. She eventually came to a stop, abandoned the car, and tried to keep running. But, thanks to our drones and K9 units, we were able to take her into custody without further incident. A search of the stolen vehicle found a bag of 30.3 net grams of meth, a 4.8 net gram baggie of an unknown white substance, digital scales, and cash. She had two active warrants and is now facing probable cause charges of motor vehicle theft, hit and run, eluding, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance and DUI. Our officers were on it this weekend, doing all they could to keep Aurora safe and we commend them for their efforts. Whether it’s removing drugs from our streets, confiscating guns, or ensuring criminals are held accountable to prevent further victimization, all teams work together for one cause and one goal: safety for all. [Media Description: body camera footage of pursuits and apprehension of suspects.]

Welcome to Day 5💪🚨 The first week of the academy is largely administrative. Human resources processing, benefits enrollment, and uniform fittings. But Day 5 marks a turning point. It is the recruits’ first true immersion into the realities of police academy training. Day 5 is designed as a deliberate test of mental resilience, physical endurance, and sheer willpower. It challenges new recruits, pushes them past comfort, and begins shaping the mindset required for the profession. More importantly, it builds confidence. By the end of the day, every recruit has fought through adversity and earned their first real accomplishment. Day 5 doesn’t just test determination, it creates momentum. And when it’s over, the recruits walk away with their first victory to celebrate. Welcome 26-3B, let's get to work! [Media Description: Photos of officers in scenario training and performing physical fitness.]

You’ve been asking us why there are Flock cameras at Aurora Public School high school parking lots. Here’s an example from this week.➡️ Just before 4 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, officers responded to a reported carjacking. The victim’s son told officers that during the incident, the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun and threatened the victim before taking their Honda sedan. The vehicle’s information was immediately entered into our system as stolen. Fast‑forward to Wednesday morning. Just before 9:40 a.m. on September 30, a Flock camera at a nearby high school parking lot detected the stolen Honda. By the next alert, officers saw the offenders had tried to conceal the car by spray-painting it black. Just before noon, two of our SROs located the vehicle near East Mississippi Avenue and South Chambers Road. As additional units were responding to make a safe traffic stop, the Honda fled, ran a stop sign, and crashed into another vehicle. We didn’t even have a chance to turn on our emergency lights before they tried to flee. Four male juveniles — all students at the high school where the Flock hit occurred — were taken into custody. Thankfully the crash did not result in any injuries. The safety of our students here in Aurora is pivotal. We want to do all we can to ensure that we work with our community partners to make that a reality every day. In this case, and in others, the Flock cameras helped us prevent further victimization and close a case before any other potential injuries – or worse – occurred. We can’t put a price on that. All we can say is: we’re grateful for a safe outcome for all. Want to know about the safeguards that are in place at our organization to protect students’ privacy (and yours)? Visit: public.powerdms.com/AURORAPD… and powerdms.com/docs/3482686/re…

Aurora Human Trafficking Unit Nets 28 Arrests, 29 Recoveries in Year 1 It’s been one year since the Aurora Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit was established and already it has proved itself to be a force multiplier in the agency’s mission to reduce victimization and stop exploitative behavior. In its first 12 months of operations, the Human Trafficking Unit launched 53 investigations, arrested 28 suspects and recovered 29 survivors of human trafficking activity, 15 of which were minors. The Human Trafficking Unit has recently grown to three detectives with a supervising sergeant. “When we set out to create a dedicated human trafficking unit, our mission was clear: put survivors at the center of our investigations while taking a targeted approach to identifying and holding traffickers accountable,” said Investigations Bureau Cmdr. Marc Paolino. “In its first year, this small, highly focused team has made a significant impact, particularly in protecting vulnerable victims and disrupting the sexual exploitation of minors. “The work they’ve done has made our community safer and sent a clear message that the Aurora Police Department will aggressively pursue anyone who exploits others for this type of heinous, criminal activity.” Among the 28 suspects arrested is Marshae Wheelock, 24, of Aurora, who is tied to numerous human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases over several years involving multiple child victims. Wheelock currently has three active court cases in Arapahoe and Adams district courts. In Arapahoe District Court, Wheelock is charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude, pimping a child, pimping, pandering prostitution and engaging in human trafficking for sexual servitude. Wheelock recently accepted a plea deal with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and is scheduled to appear Nov. 6 in court for sentencing where he faces eight to 16 years in prison. Wheelock has two active cases in Adams District Court. In one, he faces similar charges of trafficking a minor for sexual servitude, pimping a child and pimping. Wheelock also has agreed to a plea deal with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. He is scheduled to appear Nov. 10 in court for sentencing where he faces 10 years in prison. Wheelock is charged with victim intimidation in his second Adams District Court case; crimes investigators determined he orchestrated from jail. Wheelock also accepted a plea deal in this case and faces two to six years in prison. “Marshae Wheelock represents the type of offender the Human Trafficking Unit was created to investigate; someone who repeatedly preys on vulnerable children,” said Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand, who oversees the Aurora Police Department Investigations Division. “I’m proud of the work our investigators did to identify this pattern of exploitation and build these cases to ensure he cannot victimize another child in our community.” In another case, Human Trafficking Unit investigators engaged in February in an undercover operation involving a 16-year-old girl. Investigators recovered the teenager and later identified three suspects involved in the sexual exploitation of the 16-year-old for financial gain. Investigators arrested Aja Abney, 20, of Centennial, Dasjuan Goode, 38, of Aurora, and Damara Hester, 32, of Denver. All three face charges in Adams District Court. Abney, who is free on $30,000 bond, faces charges of trafficking a minor for sexual servitude, pandering a child and attempted pimping of a child. Goode, who is in custody on $75,000 bond, faces charges of trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and pimping a child. Hester, who is free on $20,000 bond, faces charges of pimping. All three cases are early in the court process. The Aurora Police Department is one of a few agencies in Colorado to create a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit. Established in September 2025, the Human Trafficking Unit is partnered with the agency’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit to leverage already-established local, state and federal partnerships and investigative resources through the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force. The investigations are active and ongoing. Anyone with any information about the above suspects or other victims not yet known to law enforcement 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.

Two arrests. One drone. Good night. 🚔➡️ Late Sunday night officers were on a routine patrol along Colfax when they spotted a vehicle driving and showing signs of DUI. It was weaving in and out of traffic, using slow speeds and then rapid accelerations—and to top it off the plate on the vehicle was stolen. So, our officers attempted to make a routine traffic stop, but the driver fled. A pursuit was initiated. The driver finally came to a stop near Colfax and Poplar St. after officers deployed stop sticks, where the two occupants of the vehicle ran yet again. As they fled, our Real Time Information Center was hot on their tails…from above, using our drones. Drone operators were able to give play-by-play directions on which way our suspects had fled and what to be prepared for. Infrared on the drones was used to spot where they were hiding, one in a porta-potty and one just in plain sight. With this assistance, we were able to take both suspects into custody and fast too. The vehicle was not reported stolen; however, the driver was found to be DUID and in possession of methamphetamine.  The driver is now facing DUI, eluding, possession of a controlled substance and theft. Another use of our technology and tools assisting us in getting our suspect and dangerous drugs off our streets.

Hometown Heroes Day is just around the corner! In addition to meeting local first responders, exploring police and emergency vehicles, and enjoying activities for the whole family, there will be plenty of free giveaways throughout the event. Here’s a sneak peek at one of them: Hardt Family Cyclery in Aurora is supporting this year’s Hometown Heroes Day by providing a limited number of bikes and protective gear to be given away during the event. Join the Aurora Police Department and Town Center at Aurora for a free, family-friendly afternoon featuring bounce houses and inflatables, youth activities, safety resources, food trucks, and 50+ community vendors. Saturday, Oct. 10, Noon – 4 p.m. Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave. (NW parking lot near JCPenney) Stop by to meet first responders, connect with the community, and enjoy a fun afternoon with the family! Thank you to Hardt Family Cyclery for supporting Hometown Heroes Day and our Aurora community.

Just before 9 a.m. Wednesday, the 23rd, our officers got a hit on a stolen vehicle near E. 17th Avenue and N. Lansing Street. But not just any stolen vehicle. This was a vehicle that had been taken from its owner in an armed carjacking in Denver earlier that morning. An officer spotted the vehicle and attempted to catch up, but the driver took off, running red lights and driving into oncoming traffic to get away. During the pursuit, our Real Time Information Center stepped in with one of our drones to get an eye on the suspect from above. The vehicle eventually stopped near N. Vaughn Street and the driver took off on foot. He initially hid behind a car parked in a driveway, but then jumped the fence and took off yet again. The drone though? Never lost sight. The suspect apparently thought hiding behind a bicycle in a backyard would be a pretty solid hiding spot. Unfortunately for him, the drone spotted him easily. Officers quickly too him into custody without incident. The suspect was positively identified as the person wanted in connection with the Denver carjacking. He was arrested on probable cause for charges including motor vehicle theft and vehicular eluding. Turns out, if you're trying to hide from us, a bicycle probably isn't the best cover when there's a drone watching from above. [Media Description: Officers in pursuit of vehicle, suspect running through backyards and hiding in multiple spots.]

Working 9 to 5 (and beyond), what a way to make a living! 🐾 Our K9s and their handlers got some new photos last week, and what better day to share them than Colorado Dolly Parton Day? These hardworking pups deserve a little extra spotlight today.🐶🚔