60 or more Aurora cops rushed to canceled APS Friday night football game after melee broke out

AURORA | As many as 60 police officers rushed to an Aurora high-school football game Friday night when fights broke out among spectators, prompting school officials to end the game, ending in two arrests, police said Aug. 29

One unidentified juvenile had a handgun, police said, and was arrested. An adult was also arrested and accused of obstruction and disorderly conduct, police said.

Police said no serious injuries were reported from the melee at APS Stadium at a game between Vista PEAK Prep and Rangeview high schools.

“This situation is indicative of the challenges our community is facing,” interim Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a statement Tuesday. “Kids don’t have respect for authority or each other. This is a chance for parents to talk to their kids, learn what their kids are doing outside of the home and educate them on right and wrong. There is nothing good to be gained by sticking around for a fight.” 

With just minutes left in the third quarter of the game, a series of fights broke out in or behind the stands, witnesses said.

“When crowds would not disperse, additional officers were called to the scene to clear the area,” police said.

“We were disappointed and troubled to see multiple spectators engage in fights during Friday night’s football game,” APS spokesperson Corey Christiansen said in a statement. “We are grateful that no one was seriously injured. The safety of our students, staff and families is our top priority. In the interest of safety, we canceled the rest of the football game. We do not condone or allow any violent behavior at our sporting events.”

Vista PEAK Prep was leading Rangeview 31-0 when the game was called, according to Sentinel Sports Editor Courtney Oakes, who was covering the game.

The stadium is adjacent to Hinkley High School, which was not involved in the game.

The unidentified juvenile faces charges of possession of a handgun by a juvenile, third-degree assault and possession of a large-capacity ammunition, police spokesperson Sydney Edwards said in a statement.

“Luckily, the young man that had a handgun did not get a chance to use it but we’ve seen too many times where that’s not the case,” Acevedo said. “Parents need to pay attention to what their kids are doing.”

The adult was arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction. He was identified as 31 year old Raukeen Horton, 31, was arrested and faces charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction, police said.

“We want to acknowledge the quick action and response from our APS Security Team and the Aurora Police Department,” Christiansen said. “We are reviewing our game management protocols to ensure all future events can be enjoyed by district patrons. We ask for our community’s support in preventing future disruptions to our games.”