A Message from the Auraria Executives Council: Campus Safety Update

Dear Campus Community,

We wanted to provide you with information on an incident that occurred on the Auraria Campus, but that does not involve any members of our campus community.

What Happened

Early this morning, there was a disturbance that occurred in the outdoor courtyard at the Springhill Suites Hotel involving a firearm and reportedly gunshot(s). The suspect(s) immediately fled the scene in a car and the Auraria Campus Police Department pursued the vehicle to the area of W. Alameda Ave. and S. Kalamath St. One suspect fled the area on foot, and another suffered critical injuries after jumping from the elevated roadway while fleeing and was later pronounced deceased. The Auraria Campus Police Department and Denver Police Department are working together, and there is an active investigation underway. At this time, there is no known campus affiliation with anyone involved in the incident.

Due to the nature of the investigation, a crime scene perimeter has been established at the northeast corner of the Auraria Campus at 12th Street and the Auraria Parkway until the investigation is concluded. There is a second crime scene at the intersection of W. Alameda Ave. and S. Kalamath Street, where the vehicle pursuit concluded. Please avoid these areas and we will provide updates as we are able to.

If you have any information about this incident, we ask that you please report it. We included ways to do so at the end of this message.

A Supportive Campus

We understand that our community, like communities across the country, are continuing to manage through stressful and emotional times – from the pandemic to societal unrest. Please know that we are here for you, and have numerous wellness and counseling services available to support you. At the end of this email we provide specific resources and tips.

Our Place as an Urban Campus

When incidents occur on or near our campus or in our city, it is only natural to reflect on our personal and collective safety. Being a part of an urban campus has many wonderful advantages, but we also have to remember that we are in large city. The reassuring news is that Denver is literally considered to be the safest city in America among the top 50 largest metropolitan areas, and we always make the safety and well-being of our community our top priority. That doesn’t mean we are immune from incidents happening, but it does mean that we have strong operations and highly experienced people in place to help keep you as safe as possible.

Sincerely,

Marielena DeSanctis, Ph.D., President                    
Community College of Denver                                       

Janine Davidson, Ph.D., President                                           
Metropolitan State University of Denver     

Michelle Marks, Ph.D., Chancellor
University of Colorado Denver 

Colleen Walker, Chief Executive Officer                                   
Auraria Higher Education Center

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.

• Program your phone: Download and save the Auraria Campus Police Department’s digital business card (vCard) to your phone to have the numbers readily available in the event of an emergency: Dispatch: 303.556.5000, Text-a-Tip: 720.593.TIPS (8477).
• 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.

More safety tips from the Auraria Campus Police Department: www.ahec.edu/safetytips

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA): Free and confidential assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence.
24/7 Helpline: 303.556.CALL (2255)
www.thepca.org

Health Center at Auraria – Victim Assistance Program: Support and resources for survivors of interpersonal violence.
303.615.9911
www.healthcenter1.com

NightRider Service: A safe evening shuttle service to and from campus buildings and parking lots.
303.556.2001

OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Victim Assistance Unit (DPD): Support, info, and referrals for victims of crime, witnesses, and/or their families.
720.913.6035

The Blue Bench (formerly RAAP): A sexual assault hotline and resources for the metropolitan Denver area.
303.322.7273
www.thebluebench.org