Aurora Police Department

From grit to greatness 💪

Skills Week tests every aspect of what a police officer could encounter on the job. It teaches recruits not only about tactics, but about themselves.

We're proud of their journey so far. Every day, every test, a step closer to their calling: serving the City of Aurora with honor and integrity.

Here. We. Go.



[Media Description: Recruits participating in skills week with OC Spray, fitness routines etc. ]

Traumatizing.

That's how Chelsea Yasser's father describes the moment he learned his daughter had been murdered.

Chelsea Marie Yasser was just 21 years old when she was killed in an Aurora shopping center parking lot on May 15, 2016. Nearly 10 years later, her family is still searching for answers and so are we.

Chelsea had a story. A family who loved her. A future that was taken away. Through this podcast, we intend to share her story in the hope that someone who knows something will finally come forward.

One week from today, the Aurora Police Department will launch The White Whale: The Chelsea Yasser Story, a multi-episode podcast that takes an in-depth look at Chelsea's life, the night she was killed and the investigation that has spanned over a decade.

Every lead. Every question. Every piece of evidence.

This podcast is part of our continued commitment to seeking justice for Chelsea and providing answers for those who have spent years living with unimaginable loss.

The White Whale: The Chelsea Yasser Story will be available on all major podcast platforms beginning June 29.

[Media Description: VIdeo of interview, photos of Chelsea Yasser and crime scene photos.]

Traffic stop ➡️pursuit ➡️ foot case➡️ drug seizure.

That was the series of events District Two Central officers were facing yesterday afternoon.

Around 5:08 p.m. on June 16, officers attempted to stop a suspected stolen vehicle near North Abilene Street and North Blackhawk Street.

The driver failed to stop.
A pursuit was initiated.

Officers successfully performed a PIT maneuver near East 4th Avenue and North Sable Boulevard, taking a female passenger into custody.

But, the male driver fled YET AGAIN.

Our Real Time Information Center used drones to keep eyes on our suspect until he stopped near North Victor Street.

The suspect then fled one last time before our officers were able to take him into custody.

Once 58-year-old Carl Raymonde was in custody, his constant fleeing made a bit more sense to officers on scene.

The suspect was found with methamphetamine, more than seven grams of fentanyl and over $1,900 in cash on his person.

This arrest? Yet another example of how technology, teamwork, and determined police officers help keep dangerous drugs off our streets and hold offenders accountable.

Oh and it’s another example of if you run we will catch you.

Given the amount of cash and narcotics located during this arrest, we believe there may be additional follow-up that could be connected to Mr. Raymonde. If you or someone you know recognizes Mr. Raymonde, please contact us and reference case number 26-124302.

Know her face. Help us find her killer.

Chelsea Yasser isn't just an "unsolved homicide." She was a real person, victimized by crime.

Chelsea Marie Yasser was 21 years old when on May 15, 2016, she was killed in an Aurora shopping center parking lot. She was a beloved daughter and friend with a good heart.

In a few weeks, we’re going to bring you inside this 10-year-old cold case and let you hear from the officers who responded to the scene, the investigators who continue to search for answers and from family members waiting for closure.

Chelsea’s family hasn’t given up hope and neither have we. They deserve answers. Every lead has been exhausted. Every option has been pursued -- except one. You. Aurora and beyond, we're asking for help. Because someone knows something. Someone knows who did this.

Beginning June 29, APD Presents: The White Whale – The Chelsea Yasser Story.

[Media Description: Photos of Chelsea, crime scene photos and poster of podcast name.]

Today, we proudly welcomed four new officers to the Aurora Police Department during our swearing-in ceremony. 👮‍♂🎊

These lateral officers bring valuable experience from law enforcement agencies across Colorado and are ready to continue their careers serving the Aurora community. Please join us in welcoming them to APD and congratulating them as they begin this new chapter!

[Media Description: Video of photos of officers being sworn in and loved ones pinning on their badges.]

Last week, our Real Time Information Center (RTIC) was alerted to a stolen vehicle out of Washington state that had entered our city.

Using city cameras, RTIC tracked the vehicle to a parking lot near Peoria Street and Colfax Avenue and provided officers with real-time updates as they coordinated their response.

When the vehicle left the parking lot, officers conducted a traffic stop near 11th Avenue and Peoria Street. To safely prevent the vehicle from fleeing, officers deployed a grappler device.

The driver and passenger were detained without incident. During the investigation, officers developed information and obtained evidence the passenger had taken the vehicle from its owner in Washington months earlier and driven it to Colorado. Investigators also determined the driver was unaware the vehicle had been reported stolen.

The stolen vehicle was recovered, and 48-year-old Jasmine Penix was arrested on charges related to motor vehicle theft.

This case is another example of how we use technology and teamwork every day to help keep our community safe.

Our cameras and RTIC resources are tools that help officers locate stolen vehicles, solve crimes and hold offenders accountable, while enhancing public safety for everyone.