2017 Timely Warning Archive
In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the Auraria Higher Education Center located in downtown Denver is issuing the following notice of a crime that occurred on the Auraria Campus.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 – Approximately 8:57 a.m.
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a motor vehicle theft that occurred this morning in the Aspen parking lot on the west side of campus. The two suspects entered campus from the Auraria West light rail station. The suspects broke out the window of one vehicle prior to breaking into and stealing a light blue older Oldsmobile sedan. A map showing the location of the crime can be found here.
SUSPECTS: A photo of the suspects is available here, although they were wearing different clothing in today’s theft. The first suspect is described as a white male in his early 40s, wearing a brown leather jacket with a hoodie and jeans. The other suspect is described as a Hispanic male, also in his early 40s, wearing a navy hoodie, jeans, and white tennis shoes. They are the same suspects from a vehicle break-in that occurred on October 27, 2017 in the Holly parking lot.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 – Approximately 9:19 p.m.
ARSON IN AREA OF AURARIA LIBRARY
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating an arson that occurred outside of the Auraria Library. People in the area reported that the suspect went up to an outdoor recycling bin, pulled out a newspaper, ignited it, and then threw it back into the bin. There was no damage, and bystanders quickly put out the flames in the bin. The suspect left the area on a bicycle. A map showing the location of the incident can be found here.
SUSPECTS: The suspect is described as a male of unknown race, possibly homeless, with a red ponytail. He is further described as wearing a black baseball hat, red/black backpack, wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans. He was riding a bright green bicycle. Officers have been unable to locate the suspect at this time.
UPDATE: Tuesday, October 24, 2017 (1:41 p.m.)
Regarding the reported arson fire on October 18th, investigators have identified a different suspect by utilizing video evidence. A picture of the suspect can be viewed here. Anyone with information about this incident or suspect should contact the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 – Approximately 4:00 p.m.
ROBBERY BETWEEN KING CENTER AND PLAZA BUILDING
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a reported strong-arm robbery that occurred at approximately 4:00pm on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 (while the incident occurred yesterday, it was only recently reported to police). The victim reports that they were approached by an older male that appeared to be dressed similar to a Buddhist monk. The suspect proceeded to say “donation” and show them a sign that said “peace”, then grabbed the victim by the back of the neck and used force while asking for cash from the victim. A map showing the location of the alleged crime can be found here.
SUSPECTS: The suspect is described as an Asian male, 5’8”, in his 40’s with short black hair and a wrinkled face with a black mole. He was wearing an orange trench coat or robe, and a grey bucket hat. The suspect appears to have been present on campus with others in similarly-dressed clothing. Police have been unable to locate the suspect, but have received multiple reports of harassment from individuals that match this suspect’s description.
Thursday, July 27, 2017 – Approximately 10:54 p.m.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AT COLFAX LIGHT RAIL STATION
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police and Denver Police are investigating a case of domestic violence at the Colfax @ Auraria RTD light rail station. The victim was waiting for the train when they were assaulted (shoved against a wall) by the suspect, who was known to them. The victim did not suffer serious injuries. A map showing the location of the crime can be found here.
SUSPECTS: The suspect is described as a black male, 5’10”, 160lbs., wearing a light blue t-shirt with a design on the front, tan pants, and gray shoes. A picture of the suspect is attached. The suspect fled northbound from the light rail platform. Police have been unable to locate the suspect.
UPDATE: The suspect in this case was located in the early hours of Friday, July 28, 2017. He was taken into custody by police.
Thursday, May 18, 2017 – Approximately 4:43 p.m.
ROBBERY AT AURARIA WEST LIGHT RAIL STATION
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a case of robbery at the Auraria West RTD light rail station. The victim was riding the train, and when it stopped at the station, the suspect forcibly grabbed the victim’s cell phone from them and ran off of the train. The victim chased the suspect for a short time, but was unable to catch them. A map showing the location of the crime can be found here.
SUSPECTS: The suspect is described as a black male in his 20’s, slim build, wearing a dark gray hooded jacket, gray pants, and red shoes. He was wearing a yellow and purple bandana over part of his face, and had his hood up over his head. A picture of the suspect is attached. The suspect fled eastbound from the light rail platform.
UPDATE: An arrest was made in the case of the robbery at the Auraria West RTD light rail station on Thursday, May 18, 2017. The suspect is a juvenile with no campus affiliation.
Sunday, May 14, 2017 – Approximately 12:45 a.m.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AT SPEER BOULEVARD AND AURARIA PARKWAY
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a case of aggravated assault at the corner of Auraria Parkway and Speer Boulevard. Two victims were pedestrians waiting at the intersection when the suspects pulled up in a vehicle and sprayed a chemical agent (confirmed to be pepper spray) on them from a vehicle. A map showing the location can be found here.
SUSPECTS: The suspects were in an older four-door white sedan. There were four occupants of the vehicle, but the suspects that sprayed the pepper spray were in front seats, and are described as black males of an unknown age. The vehicle left the scene southbound on Speer Boulevard.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 – 7:15 p.m.
ARSON AT PLAZA BUILDING (955 Lawrence Street)
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating arson at the Plaza Building. Custodians discovered a small fire in a trash bin on the first floor of the building. A person of interest was seen leaving the area after the fire was found. A map showing the location of the Plaza Building can be found here.
SUSPECT: The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s with blonde hair, approximately 5’6” tall, and weighing 150 lbs. He was wearing a blue plaid shirt and jeans with a long, dangling belt.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 – 7:00 AM
BURGLARY AND ATTEMPTED ARSON AT BEAR CREEK BUILDING (855 Champa Street)
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a burglary and attempted arson at the Bear Creek building. A suspect forced entry through a window at approximately 5:19 AM to enter the building. During the course of the burglary, the suspect placed flammable materials near an ignition source. The burglary was not reported until approximately 7:00 AM; the subsequent investigation uncovered the flammable materials. The Denver Police Department Crime Lab is assisting the Auraria Campus Police Department with this active investigation. A map showing the location of the Bear Creek building can be found here.
SUSPECT: The suspect is a male, approximately 5-10” to 6’ tall, medium build. He was wearing a long dark coat, possibly leather.
Thursday, March 16, 2017 – Starting at 3:28 a.m.
SMALL ARSON FIRES IN VARIOUS CAMPUS EXTERIOR AREAS
REPORTED OFFENSE: Auraria Campus Police are investigating a series of small, exterior fires started by an unknown suspect on the campus this morning. The fires were identified and extinguished without any property damage or injury. The identified locations include the east exterior of the Boulder Creek building, north exterior of the Arts Building, on Colfax Avenue, and near 5th & Walnut Streets. The fires were all in landscaping/grass. Auraria Campus Police and the Denver Fire Department have responded and are investigating.
SUSPECT: The suspect is described as a black male, in all black clothing, with tan or brown shoes with a shaved head or close haircut. He was wearing a black or gray sling backpack and glasses or a visor. Height is 5’6” to 5’7”, with a thin build. A picture of the suspect is available here.
REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT
If you or someone you know has any information that might be helpful in this investigation, please contact the Auraria Campus Police Department.
• Call: 303-556-5000
• Text-a-Tip: 720-593-TIPS (8477)
• Visit in person: 1201 5th Street, Administration Building, Room 110
• Call with an anonymous tip: 303-556-2677
SAFETY TIPS
Crime survivors are not responsible for their victimization; perpetrators are accountable for their crimes and the outcomes of their actions. The following safety information may help reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of a crime.
• Trust your instincts: If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you’re probably right. Immediately call the Auraria Campus Police Department from any campus phone by dialing 911 or from a cell phone by dialing 303-556-5000. You may also “Text-a-Tip” to the Auraria Campus Police Department at 720-593-TIPS (8477).
• Blue light emergency telephones: Be aware of the blue light emergency telephones in parking lots and walkways throughout campus. Use these telephones to be immediately connected with the Auraria Campus Police Department.
• Bystanders: Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a person in distress, seek immediate help from the Auraria Campus Police Department.
• Program your phone: Store the Auraria Campus Police Department phone number and text-a-tip line in your “favorites” on your cell phone to have the numbers at your fingertips in the event of an emergency. Dispatch: 303-556-5000, Text-a-Tip: 720-593-TIPS (8477)
More safety tips from the Auraria Campus Police Department: aurariacampus.edu/safetytips