250 members of the APD are committed to exceptional police service for those who live, work and play in this beautiful city located minutes from the mountains.
Arvada, Colorado
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COFFEE WITH A COP — TWO LOCATIONS!
Coffee, conversation, and your Arvada Police officers — what better way to start a Wednesday?
Join us Wednesday, Oct. 7, for Coffee with a Cop. There is no agenda and no speeches, just an opportunity to grab a cup of coffee, meet some of our officers, ask questions, and have a conversation.
We’ll be at two Arvada locations:
McDonald’s — 6590 Wadsworth Blvd.
9–10:30 a.m.
Target — 7899 Wadsworth Blvd.
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Stop by one or both! We’d love to see you. No appointment necessary.
ALT Retro-style Coffee with a Cop graphic for the Arvada Police Department. A cartoon coffee cup stands beside a large “Arvada Police” sign, with an Arvada Police badge displayed on the lower left. The graphic announces Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 7 at two locations: McDonald’s, 6590 Wadsworth Blvd., from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and Target, 7899 Wadsworth Blvd., from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
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Arvada Police are seeking the community’s help in a second missing-person case today.
Please see the attached Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Endangered Missing Alert for additional information.
If you have any information that may help locate this individual, please follow the contact instructions provided in the alert.
Thank you for your continued assistance in bringing missing community members home safely.
CBI Endangered Missing Alert Activation:
Meriyeins "Anthonella" Martin-Acuna was last seen on October 1, 2026, at 4:50pm, on foot, near the 6400 block of Field St in Arvada. Law enforcement is concerned for her safety. If seen, please call 9-1-1 or the Arvada PD at 303-980-7300
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MISSING CHILD – PLEASE SHARE- Lani Schaad.
Arvada Police are searching for a 9-year-old child reportedly missing near 64th Avenue and Utica Street in the Adams County portion of Arvada.
The child was last seen at approximately 8:18 a.m. The child is described as a Black male with black hair, brown eyes, approximately 4 feet tall and 41 pounds, with short hair that is longer on top.
The child is described as having “mild autism.” He was last seen wearing a red Spider-Man shirt, black Spider-Man basketball shorts, and black shoes.
Officers are actively searching the area. If you see this child or have information that may help locate him, please call Arvada Police at
303-980-7300 or 911. Please share with us to help him get home safely.
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Every investigation has a story - and sometimes, the smallest piece of evidence can help tell it.
At the Arvada Police Department, our forensic and evidence personnel play an important role in helping investigators piece together what happened. Whether they're processing a crime scene, examining fingerprints, analyzing DNA, or carefully documenting evidence, their work requires patience, precision, and an incredible attention to detail.
Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their contributions make a real difference in the cases we investigate and the community we serve.
This week, we want to recognize and thank the hardworking professionals who help turn evidence into answers. Your dedication, expertise, and commitment to doing things right do not go unnoticed.
#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #CrimeSceneInvestigation #CSI #ArvadaPD
ALT Arvada Police Crime Scene Unit in Uniform
ALT Arvada Police Crime Scene Unit with Officer on scene
ALT Arvada Police Crime Scene Unit processing a scene
ALT Crime scene evidence markers
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UPDATE: CHILD LOCATED SAFE — GRANDFATHER IN CUSTODY
We are relieved to report that 8-year-old Zayden Castillo has been located and is safe.
Zayden was reported missing after he was last seen at approximately 9:30 a.m. today, September 22, in the 9080 block of Oberon Road in Arvada. Investigators determined Zayden was believed to be with his grandfather, 57-year-old Doyle Stewart, who is suspected of taking the child without permission.
Because of concerns for Zayden’s safety, an alert was issued, and law enforcement agencies across the metro area assisted in the search.
At approximately 1:10 p.m., Zayden and his grandfather were located in the 1600 block of Hamilton Place in Englewood. Officers found Zayden safe, and Stewart was taken into custody.
Stewart is expected to face multiple criminal charges related to this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and we will release additional information about the charges when appropriate.
We sincerely thank the Englewood Police Department and Sheridan Police Department for their assistance and partnership in locating Zayden.
We are grateful this search ended with Zayden being found safe.
ALT Arvada Police - Community Notification
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CELEBRATE NATIONAL CO-RESPONDER WEEK WITH US!
This week, the Arvada Police Department is proud to recognize National Co-Responder Week and the dedicated behavioral health professionals who work alongside first responders to help people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises.
Reminder: We’re inviting our community to join the Arvada Police and Arvada Fire Behavioral Health Response Teams for Coffee with Mental Health Co-Responders. Come grab a cup of coffee, meet the people behind these important programs, ask questions, and learn how co-responders connect people with resources, support, and services.
Thursday, September 17
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Bluegrass Coffee
7415 Grandview Ave., Arvada
National Co-Responder Week is a great opportunity to recognize the partnerships that bring public safety and behavioral health professionals together to better serve our community.
A special thank you to 14ER Group for sponsoring this event.
Coffee. Conversation. Connection.
Come celebrate National Co-Responder Week with us—we’d love to see you there!
#NationalCoResponderWeek #CoResponderWeek #ArvadaPolice #ArvadaFire #MentalHealthMatters #BehavioralHealth #CommunityPartnerships #ArvadaColorado
ALT Coffee with Mental Health Co-Responders.” The Arvada Police and Arvada Fire Department Behavioral Health Response Teams invite the community to learn about their programs and services on September 17 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Bluegrass Coffee, 7415 Grandview Ave., Arvada, Colorado. The graphic features a large tree with visible roots symbolizing growth and connection, along with the Arvada Police and Arvada Fire logos. Sponsored by 14ER Group.
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WE REMEMBER
Today, the Arvada Police Department joins first responders and community members at the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the first responders who ran toward danger when our nation needed them most.
This year marks 25 years since 9/11, but for the Arvada Police Department, September 11 carries another deeply personal meaning.
Four years ago today, September 11, 2022, Arvada Police Officer Dillon Vakoff was killed in the line of duty while responding to protect members of our community. Dillon was 27 years old. His courage, service, and sacrifice remain part of who we are as a department, and we will never forget him.
Today at Red Rocks, every step represents remembrance. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military members, civilians, and families forever changed by September 11. And here at home, we remember Dillon and the sacrifice he made in service to Arvada.
We are also reminded of something that has sustained first responders through the most difficult moments: the support of our community. To everyone who has stood beside our officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and other first responders—in moments of celebration and especially in moments of loss—thank you. Your support means more than we can adequately express.
Twenty-five years later, we still remember.
Four years later, we still remember Dillon.
We climb for those who cannot. We remember those we lost. And we stand together as a community.
ALT 8. Officer Dillon Vakoff: Official portrait of Arvada Police Officer Dillon Vakoff in uniform, standing in front of an American flag. Officer Vakoff was killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2022, and is remembered for his service and sacrifice to the Arvada community.
ALT 7. Arvada Police and Fire: An Arvada Police command officer walks alongside an Arvada firefighter in turnout gear as first responders and community members participate in the Red Rocks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
ALT 4. Arvada Firefighter: An Arvada firefighter wearing full turnout gear, helmet and breathing apparatus participates in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks, surrounded by fellow participants.
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Arvada Police received calls about a disturbance at 5:05 pm in an apartment at 7975 W. 51st Ave. A male was reported to have been beating on neighboring apartment doors with a metal bar.
Officers arrived, and the suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment. The officers confirmed the suspect was armed with knives
The Jefferson County Regional SWAT team arrived, and negotiators tried to encourage the suspect to exit peacefully. After hours of commands and the eventual deployment of chemical agents, officers entered the apartment and arrested the suspect at 8:45 pm.
Occupants of the surrounding apartments were displaced during this incident.
The suspect refused medical treatment on scene.
No community members or officers were injured.
Apartment occupants in the area were displaced during this time.
The suspect faces burglary charges, among others, as the investigation continues.
ALT Arvada Police Graphic reading "Arvada Police Community Notification, Police Line Do Not Cross." Police tape is over the blurred emergency lights and a police badge is in the upper left corner.
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Traffic Alert. W. 72ND Ave is closed at Ward Rd for a traffic crash investigation involving serious injuries. Please use W. 64 Ave or W. 80 Ave to drive west of Ward Rd.
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WELCOME BACK, ARVADA!
The backpacks are packed, the school zones are busy again, and our Arvada Police School Resource Officers are back where they belong, in our schools with our students.
To our students: Have a great first day! Say hello when you see your SRO in the hallway. They’re there to keep you safe, answer questions, help solve problems, and, most importantly, be someone you can trust.
To our parents: Your kids are in good hands. Our SROs work every day alongside teachers, administrators, and school staff to help create safe, welcoming places for students to learn and grow.
As everyone settles back into the routine, a few quick safety reminders:
Drivers: Slow down in school zones, watch crosswalks closely, and expect more pedestrians, bicycles, and buses. Put the phone away; a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences.
School buses: Be alert for flashing lights and students entering or crossing the roadway. Know when you must stop, and never try to rush past a bus.
Students: Use designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and stay aware of traffic. If you're walking or biking, keep the headphones low enough to hear what's happening around you.
Phones can wait: Whether you're driving, walking, or biking, keep your eyes up and stay aware of your surroundings.
From all of us at the Arvada Police Department, welcome back! We hope our students, families, teachers, and staff have a safe, successful, and fantastic school year.
And to our SROs, have a great first day back. We know you'll be busy making the rounds!
Have a great school year, Arvada!
ALT Arvada Police officer takes a smiling selfie with two students wearing purple during a back-to-school event at an Arvada school.
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Traffic crash at 80th Ave. at Wadsworth. Crash occurred just after 6 am, and is in the clean up stages. Two cars, minor injuries so far. Alternate routes Sheridan and Kipling. One vehicle was overturned.
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What makes National Night Out special?
It's not the police cars or the giveaways; it's the neighbors!
A huge thank you to the 10 Arvada neighborhoods that planned and hosted true grassroots National Night Out events across our city!
The heart of National Night Out is simple: step outside, meet your neighbors, and build relationships that make communities stronger and safer. When neighbors know one another, they look out for each other.
Some of our favorite gatherings weren't the biggest; they were the most personal. Potluck dinners, backyard BBQs, ice cream socials, yard games, and neighbors pitching in to make the evening their own. That's what community is all about.
The Arvada Police Department was proud to join in the fun, handing out yard games, swag, and security cameras, while our friends from Arvada Fire spent the evening connecting with residents as well.
Thank you to everyone who opened your streets, shared a meal, and welcomed us into your neighborhood. Your efforts are what make National Night Out a success.
We hope to see even more neighborhood-organized events next year... and hopefully we'll get an invitation to your block!
ALT Police Officer and his K9. The K9 appears to be hugging the officer. The photo is in a park with a multi-colored jumpy castle in the background
ALT This is a photo of Commander Jason Ammon with four members of the Target stores team. They are standing behind a Target table that was supporting the National Night Out event.
ALT This is a photo of Deputy Chief Melanie Thornton, Arvada City Council Member Randy Moorman talking with a community member in a park at a national night out event.
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Traffic crash investigation. APD is on scene of a serious injury crash at Wadsworth Blvd and W. 84th Ave. Wadsworth is down to one lane of travel in each direction. Alternate routes are Kipling Pkwy and Sheridan Blvd.
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How do Drone First Responder safety systems work? Here's a real-world example.
One of our Drone First Responder aircraft recently had an unexpected encounter with one of Colorado's most common birds of prey, a red-tailed hawk.
The hawk swooped in and knocked the drone out of the sky, but the drone did exactly what it was designed to do. Its emergency parachute deployed automatically, allowing it to drift safely into a nearby tree. The hawk flew away unharmed, and after a little help from @ArvadaFire retrieving the drone, it only needed a new parachute and a couple of propellers before returning to service.
With thousands of red-tailed hawks in Colorado and millions across the United States, occasional encounters like this are simply part of operating outdoors. Fortunately, this one ended well for everyone involved, including the hawk. Huge thanks to Arvada Fire for helping us retrieve it from the top of a very tall tree!
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Rattlesnakes: Awareness, Not Alarm
As temperatures stay warm, you may see more rattlesnakes along Arvada's open spaces, trails, and rocky areas. While it's always important to give them plenty of room, rattlesnakes play a valuable role in keeping our environment healthy.
Rattlesnakes help control rodent populations, including mice and other small animals that can damage property and spread disease. They are a natural part of Colorado's ecosystem and generally want to avoid people whenever possible.
If you encounter a rattlesnake:
-Keep a safe distance and never try to handle or move it.
-Keep dogs on a leash and stay on designated trails.
-Give the snake an escape route; it will usually move away.
-Teach children to leave all wildlife alone.
If you need help, please call the Arvada Animal Management team at 303-980-7300 or 911 for emergency help.
Remember, most snake bites happen when people attempt to approach, capture, or kill a snake.
By respecting wildlife and staying aware of your surroundings, we can safely share our open spaces with these important native animals.
Have you spotted a rattlesnake while enjoying Arvada's trails this summer? Let us know where you've seen wildlife (from a safe distance!) in the comments.
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When your truck decides it's done for the day, right in the middle of Wadsworth.
There really isn't a good time or place for a vehicle breakdown, but Friday evening at 6:15 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Wadsworth at 66th Avenue is definitely high on the list.
Thankfully, Officers Clymer and Cedillo were nearby and jumped in to help. Since the truck and our push bumpers weren't exactly a perfect match, Officer Clymer put a little gravity (and a small downhill slope) to good use while Officer Cedillo safely stopped traffic.
In just a few minutes, the truck—and one very relieved passenger—were safely out of traffic and into a nearby parking lot.
Sometimes, police work is not all about crime. Sometimes it's giving stranded motorists a push in the right direction.
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The @SpecOlympicsCO Unified Raffle powered by Ford is back with a new grand prize: a new, fully loaded, Ford Expedition Tremor OR $40,000 cash! Every ticket sold supports Special Olympics Colorado and their mission of empowerment through sports. Get your tickets here: specialolympicsco.org/unifie…
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