"Aurora Crime Wrap-Up: High-Profile Theft, Assault, and Burglary Incidents in the Past Week"

Aurora police responded to several notable criminal incidents across the city during the past week, beginning with a high-profile motor vehicle theft and pursuit. On the evening of Thursday, August 28, officers in the South Havana area identified a stolen Chevrolet van using automated license plate Flock cameras. The driver, later identified as John Raspitha, allegedly failed to stop for officers, prompting a pursuit involving multiple PIT maneuvers. The chase concluded when the van's tire was disabled, and officers used pepper ball rounds to encourage compliance. Raspitha was taken into custody without further incident. Numerous allegedly stolen credit and debit cards and personal IDs were recovered from the vehicle. Charges include motor vehicle theft and eluding. This incident is now closed with an arrest made, as reported in a department news release available from Aurora Police.In the vicinity of East Colfax and Peoria, officers responded to an alleged aggravated assault near a convenience store late evening on August 27. The initial investigation indicates a physical altercation involving a group of unknown suspects, one of whom allegedly brandished a weapon. Victims sustained minor injuries and refused transport. The case remains under investigation, and Aurora police request anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and reference the active case number 25-194765. No suspect descriptions have been released, and no arrests have been announced.Patrolling officers encountered a burglary in progress at a commercial business near South Buckley and East Mississippi during the early hours of August 26. The suspect, described as a male wearing dark clothing and a blue face covering, fled before officers arrived. Entry was forced, and property damage was reported. The crime is alleged and currently remains under investigation. Aurora police are seeking public assistance; anyone with tips is asked to call the non-emergency line and provide reference number 25-194023.On August 25 in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood, a vehicle theft was reported from a residential parking lot. Surveillance footage showed a suspect—described as a Hispanic male, medium build, last seen wearing a white hoodie and dark jeans—leaving the area with the vehicle at approximately 4:30 a.m. The case is open, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are actively seeking information and ask the public to assist with any leads in identifying the suspect.A robbery occurred near the intersection of East Alameda Parkway and South Tower Road during the night of August 24. According to available police summaries, a male suspect approached the victim at a gas station and demanded property, simulating a weapon. The suspect fled on foot with a small amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The case is open, and Aurora police are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and mention case 25-193576. The suspect is described as an African American male, mid-20s, approximately six feet tall, wearing a black jacket and gray sweatpants.A domestic violence-related assault was reported in the Centrepoint neighborhood during the evening of August 23. Officers responded quickly and made an on-scene arrest. This matter is being handled by investigators and support services and is no longer under investigation. Further details have not been released to protect victim confidentiality.There is a continuing trend of property crimes, particularly vehicle theft and burglary, around major retail corridors and multi-family residential areas. Aurora police remind listeners that community vigilance and timely reporting help address these patterns. Any listeners with information about ongoing investigations are encouraged to contact Aurora police through the non-emergency number or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. In any emergency, dial 911 immediatel