K-9 'CHIEF' DISCOVERS METH IN ELBERT DRUG BUST

Sheriff's K9 "Chief" and his handler discovered 19 grams of meth, a scale, pipes and paraphernalia during a drug bust in Elbert County, the sheriff's office said Wednesday. [Photo: Elbert County Sheriff]

FIRE HITS TOWNHOME IN ARVADA; NO INJURIES

Fire broke out Tuesday in a townhome in the 9400-block of West 47th Avenue in Arvada. No one was home. Firefighters from Engine Company 51 "encountered heavy black smoke on the first floor," Arvada Fire said. West Metro Fire also responded. [Photo: Arvada Fire]

COLD CASE: INFANT FOUND CLUTCHING MURDERED MOM IN WELD COUNTY

Marjorie Sue Fithian and her 18-month-old son, Dylan, were due to catch a bus from Denver to Greeley on June 24, 1975. They never made it home. Fithian, 23, was found dead on a desolate gravel road in Weld County. She had been shot in the head. "Her young son, uninjured, but sitting amidst broken glass, was found clutching her hand by ranch hand Terry Furnish," the Weld County Sheriff's Office said. The case has never been solved. Her son has no memory of the murder. "Theories have ranged from serial killers to drug conspiracies," the sheriff's office said. "Investigators also considered the possibility of her hitchhiking or being targeted by an unknown assailant." If you have information, contact the Weld County Sheriff’s Office (970) 350-9600, the tip line (970) 304-6464 or email Crimetips@weld.gov. [Photo: Weld County Sheriff]

FIREFIGHTER PEDDLES PATIENT'S BIKE TO FIREHOUSE

 

In Adams County, a firefighter rode a patient's electric bicycle to the firehouse for safe keeping while medics transported the patient to the hospital. "The bike didn't work, so the firefighter had to pedal 10 blocks back," Adams County Fire said.

[Photo: Adams County Fire]

OVERNIGHT SHOOTING IN MONTBELLO

A person was shot overnight in the Montbello section of Denver, police said. The incident occurred in the 15000-block of East Olmstead Place near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Reserve. The victim was transported to hospital. Detectives were seeking to identify a suspect in the shooting. No other information was released.

COPS SEEK SUSPECT IN EAST COLFAX ROBBERY

Who is he? Police are seeking a suspect in a robbery in the 700-block of East Colfax Avenue in Denver on June 18.

MISSY WOODS PLEADS GUILTY IN CRIME LAB SCANDAL

In a plea agreement, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, 65, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation crime lab scientist, admitted guilt Tuesday to mishandling DNA evidence in more than 1,000 criminal cases - to speed up test results.

Woods - who worked for the agency for almost 30 years - faces up to 16 years in prison when she is sentenced by a Jefferson County judge in September. 

Criminal investigations and convictions across the state have been called into question in the aftermath of the shocking revelations.

Woods' actions "constituted intentional criminal fraud," a CBI statement said, noting that the agency has "undertaken reforms that go beyond routine compliance and reflect a commitment to national best practices in forensic science."

“This moment is not about moving on, for CBI it’s about moving forward,” CBI Director Armando Saldate said. “Today’s guilty plea is an important moment of accountability.”

[Photo: First Judicial District]

CHA-CHING! CASH DRAWER BURGLARY SUSPECT INDICTED - ON 82 COUNTS

Show me the money!

Adrian Grigg, 36, has been indicted on 82 counts of burglary and theft for break-ins at small businesses along 120th Avenue, 136th Avenue, and 144th Avenue in Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, Thornton and nearby communities.

"He allegedly entered multiple small businesses by breaking windows or doors or by accessing lock boxes, then stole cash from safes or registers," the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday. "These incidents typically occurred during overnight or closed-business hours." 

The cash-to-go scheme occurred between February and November 2024.

Police from Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton, Erie, Arvada, Northglenn, Lafayette and Brighton participated in the investigation.

[Photo: 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office] 

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SUSPECTED IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS FIRE

A discarded lithium-ion battery is suspected of causing a fire at the Apex Twin Enviro landfill in Steamboat Springs. "Incidents like this are becoming more common and many people don't realize that everyday items like batteries and vape pens can become serious fire hazards when thrown in the trash," fire officials said. There were no injuries [Photo: Steamboat Springs Fire]

COLD CASE FILE: MOM OF THREE MISSING SINCE JULY 1967

On the evening of July 24, 1967, Elaine Fauver, 38, left her home on Corona Street in Denver to visit a friend, who later told police she departed his residence in the company of another man.

Fauver has been missing ever since. 

Her son located his mother's Chevrolet days later parked on East 17th Avenue, between Emerson and Ogden streets, as well as her purse and keys.

The divorced mother of three was employed by the Mountain States Telephone Company, according to a missing person database, the Charley Project.

Fauver was 5-foot-3, with brown eyes and hair and weighed 125 pounds, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. She was born on April 9, 1929.

[Photo: CBI]

Originally published July 1, 2025

5 DUCKLINGS RESCUED IN FORT COLLINS

Firefighters rescued five ducklings from a storm drain in Fort Collins.
The crew of Engine 1 "found mother duck desperately trying to reach her babies," Poudre Fire Authority said. They were "able to remove the drain covers and successfully rescue all ducklings and reunite them with their mother."  

The incident occurred on the corner of Olive Street and South College Avenue on June 19. [Photo: Poudre Fire]

FIRE AUTHORITY SAYS 'THIS IS ONLY A TEST'

Smyrna Ready Mix donated a concrete truck to Poudre Fire Authority for a training exercise set for July 10-11. It will provide firefighters with "a realistic opportunity to practice stabilization, lifting, access, and rescue techniques involving heavy commercial vehicles," the fire authority said. "It may have arrived on wheels, but there is no guarantee it will leave that way." [Photo: Poudre Fire Authority]

LAST STOP LOVELAND: BUS RIDE ENDS IN FLAMES

A charter bus burst into flames Monday on I-25 in Loveland due to a mechanical problem.

"All passengers safely exited the bus, and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire," Loveland Fire said. "Passengers were transferred to another bus and continued on their way to their destination." No injuries were reported.
[Photo: Loveland Fire]

COPS ARREST TORTOISE KIDNAP SUSPECT

Police arrested Justin Edwards, 37, accused of kidnapping a tortoise named "Howard" from a pet shop in Colorado Springs. Edwards was tracked down and busted at a hotel - but there was no sign of the tortoise. "Detectives continued their investigation, conducted additional interviews, and developed information that led them to Howard's whereabouts," police said. The tortoise is safe and back at the shop - but perhaps a little shell-shocked after last week's drama. [Photo: Colorado Springs Police]

ARREST IN AURORA ALLEY MURDER

Police arrested Carlos Zarco, 50, as a suspect in a fatal shooting in an alley between Dallas and Clinton streets in Aurora. "Investigators learned that a group of people were outside in the alley when an argument ensued," police said. "The suspect ran from the scene before our officers arrived." The victim, a man, was 25. The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder. The crime occurred early on June 7. [Photo: Aurora Police]

ARREST IN DENVER HOMICIDE

Joseph York, 35, was arrested as a suspect in a fatal shooting in the vicinity of East Colfax Avenue and North Dahlia Street in Denver, police said.

The victim, Elijah Barr, 25, died at hospital. The men "were engaged in a verbal altercation," police said. The shooting occurred early on June 7.

The suspect faces a charge of first-degree murder.

MAJOR METH BUSTS IN LINCOLN COUNTY

In rural Lincoln County, a deputy discovered about 56 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop - days after authorities seized a significant quantity of the drug during the execution of a search warrant, the sheriff's office said. [Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

WEEKEND STABBINGS IN DENVER

Police investigated a pair of weekend stabbings in Denver.

The crimes occurred in the vicinity of East 45th Ave and North Broadway, and North Colorado Boulevard and East Bruce Randolph Avenue. No details were provided. Police also investigated a shooting in the 800-block of South Federal Boulevard in Denver. No other information was released.

1 PERSON DIES IN AURORA HOUSE FIRE

A person died in a house fire in Aurora on Sunday night.

The blaze broke out in the 18600-block of East Bates Circle.
"One adult victim was located during fire suppression operations and determined to be deceased," Aurora Fire said. "One dog was rescued and transported to an animal hospital." Another person was displaced. The cause of the fire was under investigation. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

DENVER POLICE MUSTANG 'MAVERICK' RETIRING

Denver police horse Maverick - once a wild mustang - is retiring at age 16. The 16‑hand Sorrel gelding joined the police department in 2019 and "has served Denver with the steady, gentle presence only a mustang can offer," police said. He will be grazing in Gillette, Wyoming. [Photos: Denver Police]

WILDFIRE WRECKS HOMES IN PUEBLO COUNTY

UPDATE

A wind-driven wildfire wrecked homes and buildings Sunday in Applewood Estates, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.

Firefighters worked into the night.

The fire started along southbound I-25 - and the winds swept the flames to the west, officials said. No injuries were reported.

An evacuation shelter was set up at a recreation center on Cooper Place and a shelter for large animals and livestock was established on the grounds of the Colorado State Fair. Applewood Estates is located in Colorado City, south of the city of Pueblo. Evacuation orders were lifted Monday morning. [Photos: Pueblo County Sheriff]

JUST ANOTHER DAY ON I-25 AS RESCUERS AID TIPSY HORSE

In Weld County, rescuers propped up a horse that flopped its side inside a mobile stall traveling on I-25 on Saturday, Mountain View Fire said. The horse showed no signs of injury. Frederick Firestone Fire provided assistance. [Photos: Mountain View Fire]

2-ALARM FIRE BREAKS OUT IN WESTMINSTER

 

A two-alarm fire struck a commercial building early Sunday near 88th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard in Westminster.

"The building's sprinkler system had activated, limiting the overall spread of the fire," the fire department said. No injuries were reported. Adams County Fire and North Metro Fire also responded to the blaze. [Photos: Westminster Fire Department]

TRUCK HITS 3 AUTOS, CAREENS OFF I-270 INTO COMMERCE CITY HOME; DUI SUSPECTED

A pickup truck piloted by a man accused of being drunk struck three vehicles on I-270, careened off the highway - and plowed into a home in Commerce City.

The driver suffered minor injuries, police said early Saturday. No one else was hurt in the fiasco. The house is located in the 6300-block of East 54th Avenue. The driver faces a multitude of charges, including DUI police said. [Photos: Commerce City Police]

SLIPPERY RIDE NEAR TELLURIDE INJURES DRIVER

An SUV rolled off a switchback on Imogene Pass near Telluride on Thursday, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office said.

The driver and sole occupant was transported to Telluride Regional Medical Center. The man, age 58, from Phoenix, reached the pass from Ouray County. He is expected to survive. Officials said: "Imogene Pass has not yet opened for the season on the San Miguel County side, though it is open in Ouray County ... There was no signage indicating the pass status in San Miguel County." The elevation of Imogene Pass is about 13,000 feet. [Photo: San Miguel County Sheriff]

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE IN GREELEY

Breann Zabel, 27, was charged with attempted first-degree murder in a life-threatening stabbing in Greeley, police said Thursday. The victim, age 28, suffered a severe stab wound and officers "applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding before he was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment," police said. The incident, classified as a domestic disturbance, occurred early Wednesday in the 8200-Block of 20th Street. The suspected weapon was recovered.

BURN BARREL BLAZE JUMPS TO HOUSE, SHED NEAR CORTEZ

Amid drought conditions, flames in a burn barrel hopped to a house and a shed near Cortez in southwest Colorado.

No injuries were reported in Wednesday's blaze. The property was a total loss.

The Lewis-Arriola Volunteer Fire Department said: "It is extremely dry this year, please use caution when using a burn barrel and insure it has a proper screen on the top." [Photos: Lewis-Arriola Fire]

STABBING NEAR COLFAX AND WINONA IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Wednesday in the vicinity of West Colfax Avenue and Winona Court in Denver. Detectives were "developing suspect information," police said. No other information was released.

GARBAGE DUMP FIRE ENGULFS 11 AUTOS, SHED

UPDATE

Flames from a blazing garbage pile engulfed 11 autos and a shed Wednesday at C&C Disposal in Pueblo County, the sheriff's office said. "Multiple fire agencies worked on the fire for more than 7 hours in hot temperatures and with winds gusting up to 40 mph at times," officials said. No injuries were reported. The shed was unoccupied. There were no evacuations. The business is located at 1401 Quartz Street. The blaze was reported at about 6.p.m. The cause was undetermined. The blaze started in the garbage pile. [Photos: Pueblo County Sheriff]

COP STOPS 'SPEEDSTER' IN LAKEWOOD

In Lakewood, a police agent stopped a young motorist to discuss traffic rules. No summons was issued. He drove home for a nap. The cop, meantime, drove to a donut shop. 

[Photo: Lakewood Police]

DENVER COPS SEEK TEEN IN SLAYING ON FEDERAL BOULEVARD

 

 
Police are hunting for Jorge Perez, 17, a suspect in a homicide that occurred in the 500-block of South Federal Boulevard in Denver on June 7. No other details were released.

COPS MAKE ARREST IN DENVER STABBING

Tevin Reinstein, 33, was arrested as suspect in a stabbing early Wednesday in the 1400-block of North Oneida Street in Denver, police said. He faces charges of second-degree assault. The victim was transported to hospital.

BEAR CLIMBS FENCE, INSPECTS COP CARS IN CASTLE ROCK

 

A bear visited the Castle Rocky Police Department over the weekend, climbed a fence and inspected a fleet of patrol cars. 

[Photos: Castle Rock Police]

 

RUNAWAY TORTOISE APPREHENDED

Missing anything? The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office is caring for a runaway tortoise. It was apprehended at Aspen Springs Unit 2. If it's yours, call the sheriff's office (970) 731-2160.   

[Photos: Archuleta County Sheriff] 

FIREFIGHTING CHOPPER MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING

A firefighting helicopter made a safe emergency landing Tuesday in a field in the community of Rye in Pueblo County, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control said.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported a small electrical fire in the cockpit of the Bell 205 chopper after making a water drop over the Hidden Creek Fire, officials said.

There were no injuries. The pilot was able to employ standard emergency procedures to make the landing. 

COPS CAPTURE NEW MEXICO JAIL ESCAPEES

Police in New Mexico said Chauncey Cachucha, 31, and Zyron Castillo Jr., 38, who escaped Monday from the Jicarilla Apache Correctional Facility near the Colorado state line, have been captured. No details were released. They were arrested Tuesday.

EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE IN DENVER

Fire broke out early Wednesday at a house undergoing renovation near Bear Valley Park in Denver. The dwelling was vacant. No injuries were reported, the fire department said.

[Photo: Denver Fire]

PUEBLO JAIL ESCAPEE ARRESTED

Pueblo County Jail inmate Jimmy Candelaria, 43, was captured Tuesday hours after walking away from a prisoner work gang on East 4th Street, the sheriff's office said.

BOMB SCARE ARREST IN BOULDER

Police arrested a suspect accused of placing a fake bomb at Boulder's main library on Tuesday. A bomb squad determined there was no threat to the public, police said. No injuries were reported. The fire department also responded.

BLAZE INJURES DEPUTY IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

A sheriff's deputy sustained minor injuries Tuesday when fire gutted an RV parked at a home on West Elmhurst Place near Hoyt Court in Jefferson County. Flames also "burned part of a fence, damaged two sheds in the yard, the wood deck, and melted the vinyl siding on the house," West Metro Fire said.
"Several neighbors saw smoke and flames and called 911," officials said. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

CPR SAVES DOG TRAPPED IN WESTMINSTER HOUSE FIRE

Using CPR, firefighters revived a dog trapped Tuesday in a house fire in Westminster.
911 callers reported the blaze near 112th Avenue and Federal Boulevard at 1 p.m.

The fire department said on social media: "One dog was rescued and received CPR and oxygen assistance from FD personnel on scene before being transported to a veterinarian - she is expected to make a full recovery!" The homeowners were away when the fire started on the outside of the dwelling and spread inside, officials said. North Metro Fire and Thornton Fire also responded to the blaze. [Photo: Westminster Fire]

DEATH MYSTERY AT BRONCOS TRAINING SITE

The body of a construction worker was discovered in a "confined ceiling area" of the new Denver Broncos training facility in Arapahoe County, the sheriff's office said Tuesday.

South Metro firefighters "used tools to gain access to the worker" on Monday night, however, "despite rescue efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene," officials said. The case is under investigation. The training center is located 13409 East Broncos Parkway.

FBI SAYS AURORA BANK SUSPECT BUSTED

Andrew Scott, 45, was arrested as a suspect in a burglary at the Wells Fargo Bank branch on East Prospect Avenue in Aurora, the FBI said Tuesday. The robbery occurred May 29. No other information was released.

1 INJURED AT FIRE IN FORT LUPTON

One person was transported to hospital after fire broke out Monday at an apartment building in the 1000-block of Mountain View Avenue in Fort Lupton, officials said. [Photo: Fort Lupton Fire]

ALL SAFE AFTER NATURAL GAS LEAK IN AURORA

UPDATE

A leak from a ruptured six-inch natural gas main forced the evacuation of 11 homes in Aurora on Tuesday.

The incident occurred just north of East 51st Drive and North Quemoy Court during the late morning. Utility crews clamped the pipeline at 12:36 p.m. "Due to the small area involved firefighters made door to door contact with all of the involved residents," Aurora Fire said. "Firefighters monitored environmental conditions and stood ready with a hose line in case the gas ignited." No one was injured. Residents of a 12th home sheltered in-place. [Photo: Aurora Fire]