Law enforcement has announced that an arrest has been made in a 2025 case that involved what was described as a violent assault at a park in west Aurora.

Local police responded to the report of a serious assault at Expo Park at about 6:30 a.m. on May 8. At the scene, police spoke with a woman who recounted that while she was walking along the stretch of High Line Canal Trail that travels through the park (Trail Segment 19), an unknown male attacked her from behind. She was fortunately able to fight off the attacker, then going on to warn other women in the area about the encounter.

The Aurora Police Department Sex Crimes Unit responded immediately to start their investigation, with security footage that was believed to have captured the suspect being a piece key of evidence that was discovered.

Months went by without a break in the case until a recent community tip pointed to 21-year-old Jack Khaidav of Aurora as a potential suspect. Khaidav was arrested on Tuesday night on charges of sexual assault. At last report, he was reportedly being held at the Arapahoe County Jail without bond, pending his first court appearance.

“Technology and community collaboration made the difference in this case,” said Lt. Seth Robertson, who leads the Aurora Police Department’s Special Victims Section. “Without third-party security video, this suspect may have gone undetected. Information from the community allowed investigators to identify the suspect and make Tuesday night’s arrest.”

All suspects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any charges mentioned are merely accusations.

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