What started as a late-night home invasion call on the 2400 block of South Memphis Way in Aurora on Tuesday ended with a precision takedown on city streets, three people in cuffs, and one suspect allegedly dropping both a shotgun and a handgun while running from officers.
Aurora police say patrol officers were dispatched to the occupied home after a report of an in-progress burglary. A suspect had already kicked in the door and then attempted to re-enter. When the officers arrived, they spotted a vehicle parked outside that matched the description they had been given and initiated a stop.
How Police Brought The Chase To A Halt
"Heck of a way to start a Tuesday," the Aurora Police Department wrote in a social media post that shared video of the pursuit and arrests. According to the Aurora Police Dept, the driver of the car outside the home refused to stop for officers and sped off, leading to a short chase through Aurora streets.
The pursuit ended near East 6th Avenue and Nucla Way, where officers used a PIT maneuver to spin the vehicle out and bring it to a stop. One person gave up at the car, while two others bailed out and ran. Officers quickly caught one passenger and then, after a brief foot chase, the driver.
Investigators say the driver dropped a shotgun and a handgun while trying to get away on foot.
Guns, Body Armor And Three Detentions
Officers reported that the driver was wearing rifle plates as he ran. Police say they recovered both the shotgun and the handgun after the chase and that a total of three people were taken into custody at the scene.
According to the department, one person surrendered at the stopped vehicle, another passenger was captured after running, and the driver was caught following a short foot pursuit. Officers then secured the area and detained all three suspects.
Charges, Identity And Criminal History
Police identified the driver as 33-year-old Anthony Mestas-Herrera. He was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, kidnapping, vehicular eluding, and obstruction, according tothe Aurora Police Dept.
The department also said Mestas-Herrera has prior charges that include first-degree homicide, second-degree assault on a peace officer, drug distribution, and multiple motor vehicle theft counts. Officials did not immediately release information about the other two people detained or whether any new court filings had been made.
What Investigators Are Looking At Next
The department’s public post includes video of the stop, the foot chase, and the arrests, and has been shared openly online. Police say the investigation is active and that they had no additional details to provide about possible victims or further charges at the time of the post.
