AURORA—On August 2, Aurora Police Officers responded to a “possible stolen vehicle near South Buckley Road and East Iliff Avenue,” according to a statement by the Aurora Police Department (APD). However, the traffic stop they made was for the wrong vehicle.
A bystander captured video footage of the police interaction showing 4 individuals in handcuffs aged 6, 12, 14, and 17. According to the eye witness as reported by 9News, “police pull up silently behind them and had guns drawn on the children.”
According to the APD statement, the reason for the mixup, in part, was due to “finding a vehicle that matched the license plate number and vehicle description”. The plates were then determined to be from a different state.
The following day, Chief of Aurora Police Department Vanessa Wilson extended a formal apology to the family involved. “I have called the family to apologize and to offer any help we can provide, especially for the children who may have been traumatized by yesterday’s events.”
Chief Wilson also stated that “an internal investigation has been opened, and an examination of training and procedures is underway.”