Former Aurora police officer files motion to dismiss criminal charge against her

AURORA, Colo. — A former Aurora police officer wants a criminal charge against her to be dismissed. She’s accused of failing to intervene when another officer pistol-whipped a man they were serving a warrant on.

Francine Martinez’s attorneys are now arguing this charge against her is unconstitutional.

In July 2020, Martinez and officer John Haubert responded to a trespassing call in the 3100 block of South Parker Road. While responding to that call, the officers encountered Kyle Vinson, who had an active warrant out for his arrest.

Chief Vanessa Wilson at the time said she believed Vinson was unaware of the warrant when the officers approached him and attempted to take him into custody.

According to Wilson, Haubert pistol-whipped Vinson more than a dozen times. Martinez was fired, and Haubert resigned after the incident.