TRAIN HITS AUTO IN BRIGHTON, 1 INJURED

A motorist suspected of being drunk was severely injured when a train hit an auto early Sunday in Brighton, police said.

The wreckage was located on tracks between East Longs Peak Street and East Bridge Street and the motorist - a man, age 29 - was located near the vehicle and transported to hospital. "The initial investigation indicates the driver was the sole occupant and that his vehicle was on the tracks when it was struck by a northbound train," police said. "Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in this crash." If you have information, call Brighton police at (303) 655-8740. [Photo: Brighton Fire Department]

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN CRASH THAT KILLED TEEN IN THORNTON

UPDATE

Police arrested a suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed a boy riding a motor bike in Thornton, officials said Sunday.

They also located the black BMW that struck the boy, age 14, from behind on northbound Huron Street near Thornton Parkway on Saturday night. The BMW fled northbound on Huron. "The suspect vehicle identified in the initial investigation has been confirmed as the vehicle involved in this fatal crash," officials said. The vehicle bore Colorado tag FBWX60, based license plate surveillance technology.

BROOMFIELD MURDER SUSPECT FACING INSURANCE FRAUD CHARGE

Gregory Miles, 35, charged in the murder his girlfriend in Broomfield, is now accused of insurance fraud, the Daily Camera reports. The murder occurred Sept. 12, 2024. The fraud case, unrelated to the murder, stems from a purported burglary.

CAR CRASHES INTO BOWLING ALLEY IN WALDEN

A car crashed into the front doors of the 10th Frame bowling alley at 688 Main Street in Walden on Saturday night, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said. No injuries were reported. 

[Photo: Jackson County Sheriff's Office]

MURDER AT PUEBLO HOTEL

A man was fatally at Saturday night at the Days Inn at 4201 North Elizabeth Street in Pueblo, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other information was released.

OVERNIGHT SHOOTING AND STABBING IN DENVER

Denver police reported two violent crimes overnight. A person was shot in the 100-block of North Grove Street and a person was stabbed in the 2000-block of West Exposition Avenue. No other information was released.

FIRE SCORCHES 130 ACRES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

A 130-acre brush fire broke out Saturday at Highway 93 and Highway 72 in Jefferson County, shutting down traffic in all directions, officials said. No buildings were lost. No injuries were reported. The fire may have started along railroad tracks. Fire crews responded from across the region. "With very dry conditions, the fire quickly grew in size while being pushed by strong winds" of 30 to 40 mph, Arvada Fire said. "Firefighters worked for several hours to get containment on the fire, working the flanks to extinguish the fire front and hot spots." A pre-evacuation notice was issued for the Candelas and Plainview areas, officials said. [Photo: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Arvada Fire]

3 HURT IN CRASH AT I-25 AND I-70

Three injured people were transported Saturday from a crash on the ramp from northbound I-25 to westbound I-70 in Denver. Two vehicles were involved in the crash, police said. No other details were released.

FIERY JUGGLING STUNT STUNS COMMERCE CITY

A police drone spotted a rogue circus juggler flipping burning torches atop a unicycle in traffic in Commerce City.

The act "was both quite good and quite illegal (trespassing in the median, impeding traffic by not vacating the crosswalk in time)," police said on social media.

"We don't often get reports like this anymore... well to be fair... we have NEVER gotten a report quite like this one," they added. The recent spectacle occurred at the busy intersection of US 85 and East 60th Avenue.

[Photos: Commerce City police]

SUSPECT ZAPPED BY TASER FIGHTS DEPUTY, INJURES POLICE DOG AS MOB GATHERS

Police zapped a combative drunken driving suspect who fought a deputy sheriff and injured a police dog in front of a mob in Loveland, officials said.

Christopher Rendon, 50, of Greeley, faces variety of charges including assault, animal cruelty and resisting arrest. The incident occurred near West 45th Street and North Grant Avenue after the Larimer County deputy stopped the suspect Thursday night. A fracas ensued when "a large group of people then came outside and began verbally disrupting law enforcement's efforts," officials said. "Additional deputies and Loveland police officers responded to maintain the safety of all involved. "Rendon refused to cooperate with commands, and the deputy used a Taser to gain his compliance," officials said. "The man remained combative, and Loveland police K9 Nazar was deployed. During their interaction, Rendon began assaulting the dog." The deputy sustained minor injuries as did the dog. Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen said: “This was not an easy call, but law enforcement responders worked together, focused on public safety, and resolved this situation professionally."

MONSTER MORTICIAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS: THAT'S THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON

The motive was greed.

A judge sentenced John Hallford, former owner of the Return to Nature mortuary in Penrose, to 40 years in state prison for hiding nearly decaying 200 bodies and delivering fake ashes to families.

Hallford and his former wife spent funds on luxury - including laser body sculpting. 

The judge called Hallford's action "unspeakable and incomprehensible." His ex faces a lengthy prison sentence as well.

Hallford told the court: "My mistakes will echo for a generation."

Separately, a federal court had already sentenced Hallford to 20 years in prison for swindling nearly $900,000 from a government pandemic program for small businesses. 

RED FLAG FIRE WARNING TODAY FOR NORTHEAST COLORADO

Red flag fire warnings are in effect for Northeast Colorado today and bordering counties of Wyoming and Kansas. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph, the National Weather Service says. Humidity could be as low as 13%.

DOGS THREATEN FIREFIGHTERS, BITE DEPUTY IN WELLINGTON

A pack of dogs threatened firefighters battling a house fire Friday in Wellington.

The "aggressive" canines were "in and around" the burning dwelling and a Larimer County deputy was bitten, according to the Wellington Fire Protection District.

Firefighters removed a resident from the home at 7902 Fourth Street. The resident was treated at the scene and released.

RESCUED OWL TAKES FLIGHT AFTER INJURED WING HEALS

A rescued Northern Saw-whet owl has taken flight after six weeks of rehabilitation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Friday. Weighing just 3 ounces, the owl was found Dec. 21 near Crestone in the San Lus Valley with an injured right wing and taken to Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for treatment.

It returned to its old neighborhood this week.

[Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]

ELECTRIC POLE CAT RESCUED AFTER 5 DAYS

A utility crew rescued a cat that sat atop a power pole in Aurora for five days, Fox 31 reports.

The operation took several hours.

Neighbors prodded public utility Xcel. The cat was perched inches from high voltage lines. The fire department declined to intervene, Fox 31 said.

BODY SCAN UNCOVERED FENTANYL STASH

A security scan showed jail inmate Kamber Lawrence, 23, was hiding a deadly dose of fentanyl "in a body cavity," the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said Friday. "Confronted by staff, she attempted to retrieve the drugs and tore open the bag, exposing herself and detention staff to a lethal amount of suspected fentanyl," officials said. No serious injuries were reported. Lawrence was originally locked up on outstanding warrants, weapon and drug charges, and contraband charges were added. She was booked into the jail Jan. 25 and the drugs were discovered two days later. [Photo: Mesa County Sheriff's Office]

HE WENT SOBER AFTER NIGHT IN JAIL IN 1983, THANKS JAILERS

A man who spent a night in the Douglas County jail four decades ago said he has been sober ever since.

The sheriff's office shared a letter of thanks (above) from the former inmate on social media Friday.

Officials said the man "went on to live a long professional life with significant responsibility, and is now 82 years old, retired, and grateful for the direction his life took afterward."

[Image: Douglas County Sheriff's Office]

COLORADO GOVERNOR POLIS WEIGHS IN ON OBAMAS

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said Friday that "it’s shameful to see the Obama’s targeted with racist attacks from the president." Media reports said the president shared a racist video on social media depicting the Obamas as apes. 

The White House blamed a staffer. The Colorado governor said the Obama's "exemplified dignity, leadership, and service to our nation."

ARREST 2 IN FIREBOMB ATTACK ON HOME

Rudolfo Castillo Jr., 37, and Benjamin Alfaro, 34, were arrested on charges of arson and attempted murder in the firebombing of a home in Grand Junction, police said. Investigators determined "two males had broken out windows and thrown incendiary devices inside," police said.

Residents extinguished the flames and the homeowner was evaluated for minor injuries in Wednesday's crime in the 500-block of North 26th Street, police said. The incident occurred at 1:40 a.m.

VAN BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN ADAMS COUNTY

A van burst into flames Thursday night in the vicinity of 52nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, Adams County Fire said. "The cause is a suspected mechanical issue," officials said. No one was injured. [Photo: Adams County Fire]

RUSH HOUR WRECK IN ARVADA

Two autos collided during Friday morning's rush hour at the intersection of West 56th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in Arvada, fire officials said.

[Photo: Arvada Fire]

DENVER COPS WILL FREEZE OUT ICE IF NEED BE, CHIEF TELLS GAZETTE

In an interview with the Denver Gazette, the city's police chief said officers will step in if they witness ICE or other federal agents using "excessive force."

“I think our expectation is to intervene in that situation,” Denver Chief Ron Thomas told the Gazette.

The chief's line-in-the-sand statement follows weeks of aggressive - and deadly - ICE operations in Minneapolis and other cities.

"We do partner with federal law enforcement agencies," Thomas said. "We are part of task forces that engage in investigations related to violent crime, human trafficking, drugs, those kinds of things, and we do want to continue those partnerships.

"But when it relates to federal immigration enforcement, we don’t want to take part in that, and so we don’t do that. We don’t provide any assistance in that matter,” the chief said.

[Photo: City of Denver]

DENVER ZOO'S BOUNCING BABY ... KANGAROO

It's a boy! The Denver Zoo introduced its first Endangered Huon tree kangaroo joey - born in July to first-time parents Pearl and Tristan. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

PAN OF COOKING OIL SCALDS 3; BURNS ARE SERIOUS

A pan of cooking oil overheated and seriously burned three people Thursday in Colorado Springs and injured their puppy, the fire department said.

There was no fire. Damage to the residence was limited.

Officials remind the public: "When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to stop grease splatter" and "Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while cooking." The puppy's burns were minor, the fire department said.

HUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED IN RURAL EL PASO COUNTY POND

UPDATE

Human remains were discovered Thursday in a drainage pond in Pinello Ranch in unincorporated El Paso County, the sheriff's office said. Deputies on horseback searched the area for clues. The site is near Highway 85. A utility worker found the remains, said Cassandra Sebastian, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office. "It's suspicious right now," Sebastian said.

NO ONE ABOARD! BIG JET 'LANDS' ON RAILROAD TRACKS

In Weld County, a pair of BNSF Railway locomotives towed a jetliner airframe Thursday on tracks along I-76 between Keenesburg and Hudson. Destination unknown. No wings. No engines. No complementary beverages.

[Photos: Daily Sketch]

BOEBERT WINS ON RURAL WATER AFTER WHITE HOUSE VETO, POLIS WELCOMES NEWS

UPDATE

U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert helped secure about $15 million for clean water projects across rural Colorado - after the White House nixed a plan unanimously approved by Congress.

Said Boebert: "These investments will make a real difference for thousands of Coloradoans."

The White House veto was a shock for loyal, Republican-leaning rural counties. Boebert is a Republican and long-time supporter of President Trump.

The funding plan covers a variety of water projects from Lamar in the southeast to Castle Rock in the Denver metro area to tiny Ovid in the northeast near Nebraska.

The governor's press secretary, Shelby Wieman, told the Daily Sketch: "Water is an essential resource for our state and Governor Polis is glad to see the federal government giving support for our rural communities. The Arkansas Valley Conduit veto hurt rural Colorado."
Polis is a Democrat.
 
[Photo: U.S. Congress]

FAMILY ESCAPES FIRE IN AURORA HOME; ATTIC INSULATION FALLS ON FIREFIGHTER

UPDATE

A kitchen fire caused "significant damage" Wednesday night to a home in the 400-block of South Lima Circle in Aurora, officials said.

Two adults and two children were displaced. No injuries were reported.

However, a firefighter was struck by attic insulation while extinguishing the flames.
Officials said: "Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior search and fire attack, quickly locating a working kitchen fire with extension to the attic space. "All searches of the home were clear, no injuries occurred and the fire was placed under control just 17 minutes after the initial 911 call." [Photo: Aurora Fire Rescue]

PERSON STRUCK BY AUTO IN DENVER

A person was struck by an auto and seriously injured Wednesday in the 1700-block of West 38th Avenue in Denver. The motorist remained on the scene, police said. No other details were released.

STABBING IN DENVER

A person was stabbed in the 1200-block of North Galapago Street in Denver and transported to hospital, police said early Thursday. No other details were released.

FLAMES ENGULF BUILDING IN LIMON

Flames engulfed a building in Limon on Wednesday, fire officials said. No injuries were reported. Neighboring communities sent mutual aid.

[Photo: Limon Area Fire Protection District]

IT'S MURDER, COPS SAY

Denver police arrested a suspect in the murder of a teenage girl whose shooting death had appeared to be suicide.

Police identified the suspect as Jassir Simmins, 18. He was acquainted with the victim and faces a charge of first-degree murder.

The death occurred Tuesday in the 5500-block of North Tucson Street, police said in a statement issued Wednesday.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 - the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

DEPUTIES SAVE DYING DOG HURT IN FIGHT IN BAILEY

Deputies saved a dog from bleeding to death after a fight with another canine in Bailey, the Park County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
"Deputies knelt beside the injured pup, applying pressure bandages and doing everything possible to stop the bleeding and ease its pain," officials said.

"As animal control worked to secure emergency care with Crow Hill Animal Hospital, deputies continued providing lifesaving care, refusing to give up on the dog," officials said. The incident occurred Tuesday night.

JEFFERSON COUNTY CONFIRMS LION ATTACKS

Authorities in Jefferson County confirmed two mountain lion attacks on pets over the past month. The attacks occurred near South Deer Creek Road and Pleasant Park Road, which are within six miles of each other, the sheriff's office said Wednesday. A third potential attack is under investigation.

DRIVER TRAPPED IN SPORTS CAR IN COMMERCE CITY

Firefighters rescued a driver trapped in the wreckage of a sports car early Wednesday at 88th Avenue and Dahlia Street in Commerce City, South Adams Fire said. The driver was transported to hospital by ambulance. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

FIRE DEPT. PROBES CAUSE OF PRE-DAWN BLAZE IN DENVER

Firefighters are investigating a pre-dawn parking garage fire that sent smoke drifting into an apartment building in South Denver on Wednesday.

No injuries were reported. 

"Smoke from the garage extended into the occupied floors above, and most residents were advised to shelter in place," the fire department said. "Engine 22 quickly deployed a hose line and extinguished the vehicle fire after making an effective stretch into the garage," the department said. "Tower 22 conducted searches and checked for extension in the ceiling area above the fire."
[Photos: Denver Fire Department] 

ALL SAFE AFTER IDAHO SPRINGS MOTEL FIRE BUT KITTEN MISSING

Nine residents of the Idaho Springs Motel were evacuated without injury when fire broke out early Wednesday - but a kitten was missing in the aftermath, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said.

Flames traveled through the old motel's attic, damaging seven rooms, officials said. Residents were assisted with temporary housing.

"Responders arrived and found heavy smoke in the area," officials said.

The motel is located in the 2600-block of Colorado Boulevard in Idaho Springs. The cause is under investigation. [Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office]

RUSH HOUR WRECK NEAR CASTLE ROCK SHUT DOWN I-25; 1 HURT

A pickup truck and semi collided on northbound I-25 in the vicinity of Castle Rock early Wednesday, shutting down the interstate during rush hour.

The pickup truck driver was transported to hospital.

The wreck occurred near milepost 181, south of Castle Rock at about 4:30 a.m., according to the Colorado State Patrol.

POLICE HUNT ESCAPED CONVICT

Authorities across the state are on the lookout for fugitive Richard Capek, 37, wanted by the Colorado Department of Corrections for escape. Capek walked away from a community corrections facility in Pueblo, according to Canon City police. He has ties to the Canon City area. He stands at 6 feet and weighs 197 pounds, prison records show. If you gave information, call your local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers (719) 275-STOP.

[Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections]

'MY KIDS ARE IN THE TRUNK,' DRUNK SUSPECT TELLS COPS IN WESTMINSTER

While being handcuffed, a drunken driving suspect told police: "My kids are in the trunk.” Police rescued the three children stuffed inside. They weren't hurt even though the weather was bitter cold. Several bottles of alcohol were found inside the auto. The bizarre incident occurred in the vicinity of City Center Drive and 93rd Avenue in Westminster on Jan.23. The suspect was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges including DUI and child abuse. The children were reunited with family. [Photo: Westminster police]

ATTENTION WALMART SHOPPERS: BIG DOPE BUST IN PARKING LOT

Police seized cocaine and other illegal drugs - as well as a stolen gun - from an auto parked at the Walmart on 121st Avenue in Broomfield, police said. They also arrested a woman and a man after a Walmart employee called to report suspicious activity inside the auto. The haul included more than 27.85 grams of cocaine, 4.73 grams of ecstasy, 175 fentanyl pills, .56 grams of meth, .11 grams of amphetamines, .92 grams of ketamine, a stolen Glock 19 and $780.50 in cash. The incident occurred Monday at about 4 p.m. [Photo: Broomfield police]

NO INJURIES AS CREWS BATTLE BOULDER BLAZE

Fire hit a home on Orman Drive on Tuesday night, Boulder Fire-Rescue reported. The residents were evacuated. No injuries were reported. [Photo: Boulder Fire-Rescue]

MOTORCYCLE, AUTO COLLIDE IN FORT COLLINS

A motorcyclist was seriously injured Tuesday in a collision with an SUV at South College Avenue and West Lake Street in Fort Collins, police said.

The SUV driver and 2 children riding as passengers weren't hurt.

"To this point, the investigation has revealed that the motorcycle, a 2021 Yamaha was traveling southbound on College Avenue when a 2013 Cadillac Escalade, which was going northbound on College Avenue, made a left-hand-turn to go west on West Lake Street when the collision occurred," police said.

"The collision and exact circumstances that led up to it are still under investigation," police said, adding they are "also investigating if alcohol was a factor in this collision."

If you were a witness or have information, call Officer Matt Brede (970) 419 3273. 

BODY FOUND IN IRRIGATION CANAL IN FORT MORGAN

A body was discovered Tuesday in an irrigation canal in Fort Morgan in rural eastern Colorado, police said. "The identity of the deceased has not been determined," police said. The canal is located between the 100-block of South West Street and Brenda Joy Skate Park. No further details were released. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, too.

BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN LARIMER, LOGAN, WELD COUNTIES

The state Agriculture Department confirmed three new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan Counties and a commercial egg operation in Weld County.

"All premises are currently under quarantine orders and control areas have been set up in Weld and Logan counties," the state reported. The discoveries were made last month. 

Dr. Maggie Baldwin, Colorado State Veterinarian, said: “We urge all flock owners to remain highly vigilant, monitor their birds closely for any signs of illness, and, most critically, to immediately reinforce and practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.”

Separately, police in Northglenn responded in recent days to nearly a dozen suspected cases of Avian Influenza involving wildlife, including geese and a great horned owl.

MYSTERY MURDER IN REMOTE ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A murdered woman was found in a remote part of unincorporated Arapahoe County, the sheriff's office said Tuesday.
"Deputies responded to a welfare check, where they discovered the body of a black female in her 20s" on Jan. 29 at about 8 a.m., officials said. The sheriff's office didn't provide the exact location of the gruesome discovery, saying only it was "east of the Denver metro area." Arapahoe County stretches from Aurora to well into the eastern prairie.

If you have information, call the sheriff's office at (720) 874-8477.

LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE BREAKS OUT ON SOUTH WADSWORTH IN LAKEWOOD

UPDATE

Firefighters extinguished a blaze caused by charging lithium batteries in a third-floor apartment early Tuesday in the 3900-block of South Wadsworth Street in Lakewood. Medics checked two people for smoke inhalation, West Metro Fire said.

[Photo: West Metro Fire] 

NO PACK: DENVER WATER WOES WORSEN

Our region's precious snowpack ended January at near-record lows, according to Denver Water's online TAP newsletter.
Nathan Elder, the public utility's manager of water resources, said: “We’re basically short by about 4-5 feet of snow.”

“The later into the winter season we go without big, regular snowstorms, the more concerning the situation becomes for our water supply heading into the summer,” Elder said.

“We still have three good months ahead of us to get some significant snow, and March and April are usually when we get our best snow, but the chances of fully catching up to ‘normal’ snowpack this year are dwindling,” he said.

[Photo: Denver Water]

DENVER FIRE CREWS FREE VICTIMS OF MANGLED WRECKS

Denver firefighters freed victims from a pair of mangled wrecks over the past 48 hours. An auto collided with a semi-truck in South Denver early Tuesday, officials said. Three vehicles crashed along the border with Lakewood early Sunday. One person died. West Metro Fire also responded to that wreck. . [Photos: Denver Fire Department]

HAITIAN REFUGEES SAFE FOR NOW

A federal judge late Monday blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians in the U.S. from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues, Colorado Newsline reports.

BIRD FLU STRIKES NORTHGLENN; GEESE, OWL INFECTED

Northglenn police responded in recent days to nearly a dozen suspected cases of Avian Influenza involving wildlife, including geese and a great horned owl. Bird flu "is a virus that naturally occurs in wild birds, especially waterfowl like geese and ducks," officials said. "While the risk to people is low, the virus can be dangerous to birds and other animals." "Sick birds may appear lethargic, unable to fly, walking in circles or unusually unafraid of people," officials said. "Keep pets away from sick or dead birds, as animals can become infected through contact." If you see dead multiple birds or wildlife acting strangely in Northglenn, call (303) 280-7821.

LAKEWOOD COP STOPS FELON SPEEDING AT 115 MPH, CARRYING ILLEGAL GUN

A police officer stopped an auto rocketing at 115 mph in Lakewood and discovered the driver was a felon illegally possessing a gun and ammunition, officials disclosed Monday.
The suburban speed demon was traveling in a 65-mph zone on West 6th Avenue near Indiana Street on Jan. 30. His driver's license had been revoked - and he had racked up a record of seven prior suspensions. "While the speed alone was life-threatening, the investigation revealed a much deeper threat to our community's safety," officials said.

[Photo: Lakewood police]

SWAT TEAM MAKES ARREST IN LOVELAND

A SWAT team arrested a suspect in a criminal investigation in Loveland, police said early Tuesday. The operation occurred near the 2600-block of North Monroe Avenue. The nature of the investigation wasn't disclosed. "The subject involved has been safely apprehended. There is no active shelter in place and no threat to the community," police said.

DOWNED IN DENVER: 1 HURT IN HIT & RUN

In what's becoming a regular occurrence this new year, another pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in Denver.

The latest accident occurred at North Colorado Boulevard and Bruce Randolph Avenue, police said early Tuesday. No other information was released.

WATCH IT! HE BITES! BRAZEN PUPPY THIEF SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN PRISON

Dog thief Jonathan Muniz, 33, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for stealing two English Bulldog puppies worth more than $4,200 each from Perfect Pets in Centennial, prosecutors in Arapahoe County said Monday. Only one of the puppies was recovered by a woman who unknowingly purchased that cute canine and returned it. Store employees tried to stop the heartless bandit. “This sentence recognizes the harm caused to the store employees who bravely intervened, as well as the callous nature of stealing defenseless animals," said Erica Saluta, a deputy DA for the 18th Judicial District. The stiff sentence will run consecutive to a 12-year sentence for an assault in Adams County, unrelated to the puppy theft.

[Photos: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, 18th Judicial District]

COP SHOT, SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN COLORADO SPRINGS; SUSPECT IS SHOT, TOO

UPDATE

A police officer was shot and seriously wounded Monday in Colorado Springs, a police spokeswoman said.

A suspect was also shot and seriously wounded in the incident in a residential neighborhood on East Bijou Street between Balfour and Trump avenues. Officers were investigating a report of a suspicious person when the shooting occurred, the spokeswoman said. The call was received at 1:38 p.m. The two incidents apparently weren't related. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said he met with the injured office and "prayed with him, and am grateful to share that he is expected to be released from the hospital soon." Monday's shooting is the second in three days involving Colorado Springs police. Officers wounded a knife-wielding woman who reached for a police shotgun in a patrol car on Saturday night. No officers were injured.

BRIGHTON GUNMAN DIES AFTER HOURS-LONG STANDOFF, COPS SAY

A man who opened fire on officers was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hours-long standoff in Brighton, police said Monday.

The incident, tied to a domestic dispute, started at 8:20 p.m. Sunday in the vicinity of Beldock and Chavez streets. A shelter-in-place order was lifted at 8:50 a.m. Monday. The Commerce City–Brighton Combined SWAT Team and crisis negotiators were on the scene. "While officers were attempting to make contact with him, the suspect fired several shots at officers," police said. "Officers did not return fire. No officers were injured during the incident.

"After repeated attempts over the course of several hours to contact the suspect and have him exit the residence safely, officers entered the home and located the male deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," police said. The man's name wasn't released. He was 48.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 - the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.