Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Technology: the tip of the spear to ensure we can do all we can to keep Aurora safe.
It’s not a catch-all, but it is a tool that is a force multiplier for APD.
Over the last week, our Real Time Information Center has had some incredible opportunities to use technology to help apprehend suspects, take multiple guns off Aurora streets, and completely disrupt a fuel theft ring.
On Friday, April 24, officers were dispatched to reports of a stabbing at East Colfax Avenue and North Dayton Street. While en route, officers learned the suspect had fled the scene and jumped onto a bus to try and escape capture. Not only did members of the RTIC utilize cameras in the area to help find victims to ensure officers were able to render aid more quickly, but cameras were also utilized to capture images of the suspect and his attempted escape route.
RTIC members and officers with our Direct Action Response Team tracked the suspect to an alley way and arrested 30-year-old Aurora resident Obed Arrazola-Diaz on suspicion of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and violation of a protection order.
The next day, members of our RTIC were able to utilize traffic cameras and drones to monitor a large gathering at Del Mar Park. The year prior, and without technology, the event had devolved quickly and led to multiple issues. But this year, with the help of technology, we were able to ensure safety was maintained and when bad actors attempted to disrupt the gathering, officers were able to make targeted efforts to conduct traffic stops and remove six handguns from vehicles. And, one of those guns was stolen.
That’s six guns now off our streets.
“Technology is a difference maker in these large-scale event. Our personnel were able to leverage the RTIC to provide our officers with direct, real-time and actionable information related to the safety of a large scale public gathering,” said Deputy Chief Philip Rathbun. “This ensures APD's ability to respond to active threats quickly and safely while preserving the ability for community gatherings to continue largely uninterrupted.”
And last but not least, on April 28 around 8:20 p.m., one of our newest recruits was dispatched to a gas station on the 17000 block of East Smith Road after the caller reported that a man was stealing diesel from a gas pump. That same man, the caller said, had stolen diesel from that same location earlier that month.
Members of the RTIC utilized a drone to capture the man indeed pumping diesel into a large tank located in the bed of the truck. Drones kept eyes on the driver as he exited the gas station and helped guide officers to a safe location to conduct a high-risk car stop. Further investigation revealed the man had paid only $30 while stealing more than 190 gallons of fuel.
A driver and a passenger were detained without incident and are believed to be connected to multiple fuel thefts throughout the Metro region. This investigation remains ongoing and as such, at this time we are not releasing their information.
“Technology, used for good, can stop criminals, keep Aurora safe, and ensure we’re doing all we can to achieve those objectives every single day,” said Rathbun. “We are making intentional efforts with our technology usage every day to reduce victimization, hold offenders accountable, and prioritize safety and security here in our City.”
#apdinaction #communitycommitment #cops
Technology: the tip of the spear to ensure we can do all we can to keep Aurora safe.
It’s not a catch-all, but it is a tool that is a force multiplier for APD.
Over the last week, our Real Time Information Center has had some incredible opportunities to use technology to help apprehend suspects, take multiple guns off Aurora streets, and completely disrupt a fuel theft ring.
On Friday, April 24, officers were dispatched to reports of a stabbing at East Colfax Avenue and North Dayton Street. While en route, officers learned the suspect had fled the scene and jumped onto a bus to try and escape capture. Not only did members of the RTIC utilize cameras in the area to help find victims to ensure officers were able to render aid more quickly, but cameras were also utilized to capture images of the suspect and his attempted escape route.
RTIC members and officers with our Direct Action Response Team tracked the suspect to an alley way and arrested 30-year-old Aurora resident Obed Arrazola-Diaz on suspicion of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and violation of a protection order.
The next day, members of our RTIC were able to utilize traffic cameras and drones to monitor a large gathering at Del Mar Park. The year prior, and without technology, the event had devolved quickly and led to multiple issues. But this year, with the help of technology, we were able to ensure safety was maintained and when bad actors attempted to disrupt the gathering, officers were able to make targeted efforts to conduct traffic stops and remove six handguns from vehicles. And, one of those guns was stolen.
That’s six guns now off our streets.
“Technology is a difference maker in these large-scale event. Our personnel were able to leverage the RTIC to provide our officers with direct, real-time and actionable information related to the safety of a large scale public gathering,” said Deputy Chief Philip Rathbun. “This ensures APD's ability to respond to active threats quickly and safely while preserving the ability for community gatherings to continue largely uninterrupted.”
And last but not least, on April 28 around 8:20 p.m., one of our newest recruits was dispatched to a gas station on the 17000 block of East Smith Road after the caller reported that a man was stealing diesel from a gas pump. That same man, the caller said, had stolen diesel from that same location earlier that month.
Members of the RTIC utilized a drone to capture the man indeed pumping diesel into a large tank located in the bed of the truck. Drones kept eyes on the driver as he exited the gas station and helped guide officers to a safe location to conduct a high-risk car stop. Further investigation revealed the man had paid only $30 while stealing more than 190 gallons of fuel.
A driver and a passenger were detained without incident and are believed to be connected to multiple fuel thefts throughout the Metro region. This investigation remains ongoing and as such, at this time we are not releasing their information.
“Technology, used for good, can stop criminals, keep Aurora safe, and ensure we’re doing all we can to achieve those objectives every single day,” said Rathbun. “We are making intentional efforts with our technology usage every day to reduce victimization, hold offenders accountable, and prioritize safety and security here in our City.”
#apdinaction #communitycommitment #cops
