Aurora Police Dept

Update on Injured Aurora Police Department Officer An Aurora Police Department officer critically injured earlier this month is still hospitalized and receiving rehabilitation for his injuries. Nearly two weeks ago, Officer Mark Moore sustained life-threatening stab wounds to his head while responding to a call for service involving a man experiencing a mental health crisis. Officer Moore discharged his firearm during the incident, fatally wounding the 23-year-old Aurora man. Officer Moore was first hired by the City of Aurora in 2002. He joined the Aurora Police Department as a new hire in November 2012 and has been assigned to the K9 Unit since March 2019. “Mark is a dedicated and dependable officer who has served the Aurora community with distinction for more than a decade,” said Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain. “While his road to recovery remains uncertain, we are grateful he has made some progress. We continue to think of Mark and his family during this time, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the department.” Officer Moore’s K9 partner, Cyrus, also sustained a stab wound on April 9. Cyrus, a recent cancer survivor, received emergency veterinary treatment that night and is expected to make a full recovery. “This is a terrible and tragic situation for everyone involved, including our officer, his family, our department, and this community, as well as the young man who lost his life and his family,” Chief Chamberlain said. “Society has pushed law enforcement to become a default, catch-all when other systems fall short or are nonexistent in delivering critical long-term care. In response, our profession has adapted through enhanced training, evolving tactics, less-lethal tools, and strong partnerships, including programs like our Crisis Response Team." At about 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, Aurora police patrol officers responded to an apartment complex in the 14000 block of East Stanford Circle following a 911 call from Aurora Mental Health clinicians, who stated a 23-year-old man – later identified as Amare Garlington – was experiencing a mental health crisis and threatening to harm himself and others in the home. Patrol officers and members of the department’s Crisis Response Team arrived at 3:37 p.m. Aurora Police’s Crisis Response Team pairs a sworn officer with a mental health clinician who is trained to respond to situations involving people experiencing a mental health crisis. “Our residents deserve transparency, and we remain committed to providing a neutral, fact-based account of the April 9 incident,” Chief Chamberlain said. “At the same time, protecting the integrity of the ongoing investigations is paramount. The body camera footage will be released through our standard process as soon as Mark is well enough to speak with investigators and provide his statement.” For a full recap of events, here is a link to our original news release: auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?p…

We are pleased to share that the missing 11-year-old we posted about last night has been found safe and has been reunited with his family. To protect his privacy, we have removed the original post. Thank you to all who kept an eye and ear out.

“Follow me!” When an elderly man with multiple medical conditions was recently reported missing, technology and teamwork helped officers quickly locate him and get him home safe. Our Real Time Information Center utilized Flock cameras to help officers efficiently find the missing man’s car and contact him so he could get safely back to his loved ones. Technology doesn’t replace good old fashioned police work, but it does help eliminate the space so many law enforcement officers operate in every day — the “what if” scenarios. What if we hadn’t found him so quickly? What if something happened and he didn’t get home safe? Technology helps officers more effectively and efficiently ensure we can respond to calls to keep all Aurora residents safer. This is just one example of how and why that matters. [Media description: Video of Aurora officers helping a missing man get home safely.]

Today and all month long we have been celebrating National Volunteer Month. Now, we are shining a light on something you might not know about APD. Our volunteer program plays a huge role in how we serve Aurora. Every year, our volunteers give around 32,000 hours of their time, energy and expertise to support our officers and connect with our community. You can find them across many divisions, helping with everything from day-to-day operations to community engagement. In the video, you will see John and Judy Heimer, two of our incredible volunteers sharing their experiences and giving a behind the scenes look at what it means to serve in this role. To all of our volunteers, thank you. Your dedication makes a real difference in this community and we could not do this work without you. If you’d like more information about how to volunteer you can find out more here: auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?p… [Media Description: Two volunteers speaking about their experience with videos and photos of volunteer opportunities.]

Today is a great day. We wanted to share with our community – Officer Mark Moore has been released from the hospital and is going home. Mark, who was seriously injured responding to a mental health call on April 9, has undergone multiple surgeries and nearly two weeks of rehabilitation. He continues to have a long road to recovery, but today marks a powerful step forward. Through it all, Mark, his family, and his K9 partner Cyrus have felt an outpouring of support from this community. All of us here at APD can’t thank you enough for that. It has not gone unnoticed, and it has made a difference. A national nonprofit has created a fundraiser to help support Mark and his family during this time. If you would like to contribute, you can do so here: zeffy.com/en-US/donation… We would also like to invite you to join us in person for a fundraiser with@backthebluek9force benefiting the Moore family on Tuesday, May 12th: 📍Chick Fil A 5600 S Parker Rd, Aurora ⏲️All day More details, including a Facebook event, will be shared soon. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Officer Moore and his family. Your support continues to lift them up during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

@_bedghost Actually, quite the opposite. The dog was unrestrained in a vehicle that was driving recklessly with a driver who is suspected of a DUI. We saved the dog.

@AuroraPD Holyyyyyy shit APD killed a dog while doing this

Two Grappler deployments = two dangerous individuals taken into custody. First up – on the 18th officers attempted to stop a vehicle with no license plates at East Mississippi and South Moline. But, the vehicle fled. The driver began driving recklessly and at one point threw an empty beer bottle out of the vehicle. That’s when our Grappler comes in. A successful deployment resulted in 50-year-old Jose Holguin taken into custody without further incident. Inside his vehicle we found an unrestrained bulldog (poor thing!) in the back seat and an open, nearly empty bottle of vodka. Holguin was arrested on suspicion of vehicular eluding, animal cruelty, driving without a license, without insurance and operating an unregistered vehicle. He also had multiple warrants. Round two➡️ On April 27, officers got a flock hit of a stolen vehicle near 6th and Potomac. Officers followed the vehicle using our city cameras and found the vehicle getting gas. No joke. As soon as the vehicle pulled out of the gas station, we attempted to pull the driver over, but we guess they wanted to see the Grappler deployed too because they did not comply. A pursuit was initiated and a Grappler was deployed as the driver got onto I-225. 36-year-old Rebecca Bradshaw was taken into custody without incident and good lord, girl, in the back of the stolen car we also found multiple baggies containing: •Methamphetamine •Cocaine •Pills believed to be counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl-related substances •A scale and materials commonly used for drug distribution Bradshaw is now facing charges of motor vehicle theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and oh also, she had two active warrants. These situations could have ended very differently. The Grappler isn’t just another tool in our toolbelt to help hold offenders accountable. It helps to stop a fleeing vehicle quickly and safely, reducing the risk to everyone on the road. [Media Description: Body camera and dash camera footage of two suspect vehicles being stopped using a grappler devise.]

Onward and upward. Today’s promotional ceremony highlighted the hard but rewarding work of numerous sworn and professional staff members here at APD. These are memorable moments not just for our team and their families. These promotions also represent how dedication, commitment and a belief in something better makes our community better now and in the future. Congratulations, one and all 🎉. [Media Description: Video of promoted members of APD receiving new badges, shaking hands, and taking photos.]

@AaAlphaMale67 A serious crime, correct. Three people were injured because of their actions.

JUST IN: 6th and Potomac is currently shut down while our teams investigate a collision involving an erratic delivery truck driver who crashed into a pickup truck. Four people, including the suspect, have been transported to hospitals. Please seek alternate routes.

The roadway remains closed. Please seek alternate routes and expect traffic delays while our teams investigate.

UPDATE: The intersection has reopened. Thank you for your patience.

APD and @AuroraFireDpt are on scene of a three vehicle collision with injuries at East Montview Blvd. and Nome St. The intersection is currently shut down while crews investigate the crash. Please seek alternate routes.

Sisterhood exists everywhere – including here at APD. Meet Officers Cortez and Colvin, a dynamic duo that has developed a strong bond working patrol. (Seriously, watch how they make each other smile. It’s great.) Police work makes you truly learn about those you work with – not just in public contacts, but with the women and men in which you spend hours, weeks and years together. Policing is a people business all the way around. And Cortez and Colvin don’t just show up for Aurora, they also really know how to show up for each other. [Media Description: Partnered officers sitting side by side speaking about their experience together. ]

@dobetterdnvr Hi there, we did work a reported stabbing — however unclear how many people were actually injured. One person was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Hey @AuroraPD were two people just stabbed at Colfax and Dayton around 3:30 pm? 🔪🔪

Hands on, realistic, scenario-based training.➡️ That’s our goal with every recruit that’s training to become a member of APD. Last week, APD recruits spent time with community members through a partnership with @TheArcAurora for some specialized training. They talked, asked questions and heard directly from individuals with developmental disabilities about their lived experiences, including interactions with law enforcement. These conversations gave recruits the chance to practice communication skills and better understand what they might encounter out in the field. One sentence to add: Throughout the day, our recruits didn't just learn. They connected and found commonalities -- from favorite rappers to favorite snacks -- with those who were teaching them that we aren't so different after all. It’s training like this that helps prepare our future officers to respond with awareness, respect and confidence when they’re interacting with individuals with disabilities in real-world situations.

NEWS RELEASE: The Aurora Police Department and members of the Victim Services Unit hosted a lantern ceremony Wednesday night to honor victims, survivors and families impacted by crime for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. During Wednesday’s ceremony, officers, advocates, volunteers, survivors, family and members of the community came together to decorate lanterns to remember victims of crime. The lanterns were lit and placed on the pond at City Center Park on the City of Aurora campus. “This is a powerful memorial honoring members of our community and their loved ones impacted by crime,” said Investigations Division Cmdr. Mark Paolino. “The work of our Victim Services Unit is often unseen, but its impact is profound; providing critical support and compassion to those in our community who need it most.” The Aurora Police Department Victim Services Unit is composed of eight full-time advocates and one part-time advocate. Last year, the Victim Services Unit responded to 1,645 calls for service and manages a caseload of 7,960 cases, which averages to about 884 cases per advocate. The Victim Services Unit’s mission is to deliver timely and effective crisis intervention by providing victims and their families support and guidance during the criminal investigative process, and by connecting them to community resources in the city of Aurora. “At its core, our work is about providing emotional support,” said Victim Services Supervisor Kate Robinson. “Victims of crime are often left with uncertainty about the investigative process and concerns for their safety. We serve as their voice, ensuring they and their families are heard, supported and never overlooked.” Launched in 1981 by the U.S Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week takes place April 19-25 and focuses on confronting and removing barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. This year’s theme is: “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.” [Media description: Video of last night's National Crime Victims' Rights Week ceremony hosted by the Aurora Police Department's Victim Services Unit.]

Behind every successful police department is a team of dedicated professionals who keep everything running smoothly. Today, on Administrative Professionals Day, we recognize and thank the hardworking staff of the Aurora Police Department. Your professionalism, organization, patience and commitment help support our officers and serve our community every single day. Our chief, Todd Chamberlain, has made a declaration in celebration of this week. “Administrative professionals serve as trusted partners to command staff, supervisors, and operational units, facilitating communication, supporting decision-making, and ensuring continuity or operations across the organization.” Chief Chamberlain stated in the declaration, which you can read in full in the photo below. We thank you, and every other administrative professional, for the work you do every day! #administrativeprofessionalsday [Media Description: Photos of admin professionals and proclamation of Admin professionals week.]

@ColoradoBetsi Not at this time, but something is in the works we hope to share soon.

@AuroraPD Is there a way to contribute to his family?

Update on Injured Aurora Police Department Officer An Aurora Police Department officer critically injured earlier this month is still hospitalized and receiving rehabilitation for his injuries. Nearly two weeks ago, Officer Mark Moore sustained life-threatening stab wounds to his head while responding to a call for service involving a man experiencing a mental health crisis. Officer Moore discharged his firearm during the incident, fatally wounding the 23-year-old Aurora man. Officer Moore was first hired by the City of Aurora in 2002. He joined the Aurora Police Department as a new hire in November 2012 and has been assigned to the K9 Unit since March 2019. “Mark is a dedicated and dependable officer who has served the Aurora community with distinction for more than a decade,” said Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain. “While his road to recovery remains uncertain, we are grateful he has made some progress. We continue to think of Mark and his family during this time, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the department.” Officer Moore’s K9 partner, Cyrus, also sustained a stab wound on April 9. Cyrus, a recent cancer survivor, received emergency veterinary treatment that night and is expected to make a full recovery. “This is a terrible and tragic situation for everyone involved, including our officer, his family, our department, and this community, as well as the young man who lost his life and his family,” Chief Chamberlain said. “Society has pushed law enforcement to become a default, catch-all when other systems fall short or are nonexistent in delivering critical long-term care. In response, our profession has adapted through enhanced training, evolving tactics, less-lethal tools, and strong partnerships, including programs like our Crisis Response Team." At about 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, Aurora police patrol officers responded to an apartment complex in the 14000 block of East Stanford Circle following a 911 call from Aurora Mental Health clinicians, who stated a 23-year-old man – later identified as Amare Garlington – was experiencing a mental health crisis and threatening to harm himself and others in the home. Patrol officers and members of the department’s Crisis Response Team arrived at 3:37 p.m. Aurora Police’s Crisis Response Team pairs a sworn officer with a mental health clinician who is trained to respond to situations involving people experiencing a mental health crisis. “Our residents deserve transparency, and we remain committed to providing a neutral, fact-based account of the April 9 incident,” Chief Chamberlain said. “At the same time, protecting the integrity of the ongoing investigations is paramount. The body camera footage will be released through our standard process as soon as Mark is well enough to speak with investigators and provide his statement.” For a full recap of events, here is a link to our original news release: auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?p…