BLAZING SADDLES! COWBOY CATCHES FIRE

Flames erupted in a sign featuring a faded, waving cowboy at the Wranglers Motel & RV Ranch in Cimarron Hills, fire officials said. The cowboy survived Monday's emergency.

[Photo: Cimarron Hills Fire]

AUTO TAKES FLIGHT, HITS CHURCH IN EL PASO COUNTY

An auto rounding a bend took flight and slammed into the second story of a church in El Paso County, injuring the driver and a passenger, the Colorado State Patrol said.

The crash occurred on Main Street, south of Norman Drive, in Security-Widefield and the church suffered severe structural damage.

The doomed vehicle failed to navigate a right turn, went off the roadway, struck a landscape boulder and left the ground - taking out part of the church wall and a window and damaging the roof.

It landed on the church grounds on Saturday night. The driver is 18. The passenger is 14. Both are males from Colorado Springs.

[Photos: Security Fire]

FUEL TRUCK ERUPTS IN FLAMES IN LITTLETON

A fuel truck erupted in flames early Monday, shutting down busy South Santa Fe Drive near Chenango Avenue in Littleton.

The blaze, near a U-Haul lot, was contained to the wreckage and firefighters let the fuel burn off, officials said. No injuries were reported. Santa Fe was closed for hours.

South Metro Fire and Denver Fire responded as did the South Metro Hazmat Team. The alarm came in at 5:23 a.m. Littleton and Englewood police were also on the scene.
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[Photo: South Metro Fire, Littleton Police]

DC SHOOTING RECALLS TRAGEDY AT STATE CAPITOL

Saturday's shooting during the White House Correspondents' Dinner recalls a tragic episode at the Colorado Capitol Building.

A state trooper shot and killed a gunman dressed in a rented tuxedo yelling "I am the emperor and I'm here to take over state government" outside Governor Bill Ritter's office on July 16, 2007.

The gunman's name was Aaron Snyder. He was armed with a loaded .357. Snyder was 32. 

He had been under a psychiatrist's care for delusional thinking, the Denver Post reported.  No one else was hurt. Snyder, of Thornton, told a woman at the tuxedo shop it was "the day of the emperor’s reign,” the Post said. 

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

MAN DIES IN SHOOTING IN KIOWA

A man was shot to death at a home on Shasta Court in Kiowa, the Elbert County Sheriff's Office said. A suspect was arrested at the scene. The shooting occurred Friday. There were six people inside the home, the sheriff's office said.

DENVER POLICE MAKE ARREST IN BROADWAY KILLING

Rayzjuan Curry, 28, was arrested as a suspect in a killing on South Broadway near West Maple Avenue in Denver, police said. 

The victim, Torin Fluker, 25, suffered an apparent gunshot wound and died at hospital.

Curry, who faces a charge of first-degree murder, was arrested Thursday by the Denver police special operations team and the fugitive unit.

The suspect was arrested through interviews and surveillance video, police said.

COPS SEEK MAN IN MURDER IN THORNTON

Police sought Joshua Pittman, 35, as a "person of interest" in a homicide in Thornton. "Investigators believe Pittman and the victim were known to each other, and that this does not appear to be a random act," police said. The killing occurred Friday. 
 If seen, contact police immediately. [Photos: Thornton Police]

GUNMAN DIES IN SHOOTOUT WITH DENVER POLICE

A gunman died in an exchange of bullets with Denver police, Chief Ron Thomas said.

Officers confronted the man after responding to a report of a possible "carjacking situation" - and he fired a round at police, Thomas said in an online briefing.

They returned fire, including one officer armed with a rifle who fired a number of rounds, Thomas said.

None of the officers were hurt. The suspect was pronounced dead at hospital.

The incident occurred early Saturday at an apartment complex at 4363 South Quebec Street, Thomas said. [Photo: Denver Police]

YOUNG AT HEART? BURGLARY SUSPECT, 78, ARRESTED

Tom Piantes, 78, of Utah, accused of burglary in Moffat County, was arrested after driving into Wyoming and taking refuge in an abandoned house, the Moffat County Sheriff's Office said. He was jailed Wednesday in Carbon County, Wyoming.

BUC-EE'S BACK?

After scrapping plans for a travel center in Palmer Lake, a company with ties to Buc-ee's has purchased about 50 acres near I-25 and County Line Road in El Paso County for $10 million, Fox 21 in Colorado Springs reports. Buc-ee's first Colorado store is along I-25 at Johnstown.

COLD CASE: 'AMERICAN ELM' MURDERS IN DENVER

On April 24, 2023, as they were preparing for the lunch-hour crowd, two restaurant workers were gunned down in the West Highlands district of Denver.

Ignacio "Nacho" Morales, 58, a cook, and Emerall Vaughn-Dahler, 34, general manager, died instantly.

The motive for the murders at The American Elm is a mystery.   

Robbery was eventually discounted by Denver homicide detectives in the bloody, late morning crime in the 4100-block of West 38th Avenue.

On the third anniversary, Vaughn-Dahler's sister, Danica Woolard, told 9News: "We probably will never know why whoever did this did what they did, but we would at least be able to sleep better, knowing that they're not living their life while Emerall and Ignacio can't."

Autopsies, according to media reports, showed Morales was shot once and Vaughn‑Dahler suffered multiple bullet wounds.

If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867.

TRAGEDY ON I-76 IN ADAMS COUNTY

A garbage truck struck and killed a pedestrian on a major highway in Adams County early Friday, the state patrol said. 

"Preliminary investigation information shows that a Peterbilt trash truck was westbound on Interstate 76 when it struck a pedestrian walking on the Interstate," the patrol said.

The accident occurred south of Thornton and shut down westbound lanes during morning rush hour. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol said.

BODYCAM SHOWS BRAVE DEPUTY'S RACE INTO BURNING HOME IN CENTENNIAL

Bodycam video shows a deputy kicking open the front door of a burning home in Centennial, searching as flames lapped at a window - and then lifting a backyard trampoline to help rescue a frightened dog.

A woman can be heard telling him: "I've been banging on that door and can't get whoever is in that house out." A man says: "That thing won't open." Arapahoe County Deputy Ligon is a school resource officer and was the first deputy to pull up on the huge blaze.
The images show wood flying as he kicked open the door.

The flames engulfed two neighboring dwellings on East Radcliff Place in Centennial on Monday. There were no injuries, the sheriff's office said. South Metro firefighters extinguished the two-alarm inferno.

[Photos: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

RED FLAG! BRUSH FIRES BREAKING OUT ACROSS COLORADO

It's been a busy week for wildland firefighting across Colorado.

Red flag warnings are flying.

Here's a view of a blaze on the edge of Fort Collins, courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority. The fire broke out in the 1200-block of Catalpa Place on Thursday. Firefighters stopped it. Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Larimer County Emergency Services and Wellington Fire Protection District provided mutual aid. [Photo: Poudre Fire Authority]

UNEXPLODED ARMY SHELLS DISCOVERED IN EVERGREEN

U.S. Army bomb specialists removed two unexploded shells discovered in Evergreen, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. "The ordnances were in the possession of a homeowner," the sheriff's office said. "The Army said 'Don't touch them.'" Members of the Jefferson County bomb squad responded with X-ray equipment. The incident occurred on Diamond Drive on Tuesday. No one was hurt.

[Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff]

2-ALARM BLAZE HITS BIRCH APARTMENTS IN GLENDALE

UPDATE

A two-alarm fire caused severe damage Thursday to the Birch Apartments in Glendale.

No serious injuries were reported, the Denver Fire Department said. People were reported to be trapped on the roof.

More than 20 engines, ladder trucks and other units responded to the blaze in the 1100-block of South Birch Street.

[Photos: Denver Fire, Glendale Police]

ARREST IN ARSON FIRE THAT DAMAGED ESTES PARK HOTEL

Paul Todd Howarth, 72, was arrested this week as a suspect in an arson fire at the Expedition Lodge in Estes Park. Investigators found a propane tank in the room he occupied, police said. The fire broke out Feb 27. No one was hurt. [Photo: Estes Park Police, Loveland Fire]

FIRE HITS RAILS

Near the eastern Colorado town of Flagler, firefighters, road crews and farmers on tractors stopped a blaze that raced along railroad tracks, over a railroad bridge and across a rural road on Wednesday. The bridge is burned out, officials said.

MOM SAFE

Police arrested a man accused of taking his elderly mother from her home in Clear Creek County, the sheriff's office said. They were located in Wyoming. The woman is safe. Her son faces exploitation charges. Police considered him armed and dangerous.

POLICE REUNITE HONORARY K-9 COP WITH FAMILY IN PARKER

A tough little dog who strayed from home went on patrol in a Parker police cruiser Wednesday and was reunited with family the same day, officials said. 

[Photo: Parker Police]

ADIOS DENVER: 'BIG AS TEXAS' MAHALI SET FOR MOVE TO LONE STAR STATE

Mahali, a hippo residing at the Denver Zoo, will be moving to a natural wildlife preserve in Texas in mid-May, officials said. The zoo delayed his transit to the Lone Star State because it's taken time for him to get used to his mobile home - a jumbo transportation crate. He's almost - as the old saying goes - "Big as Texas." "Moving an animal as large as Mahali takes time, and his wellbeing was the top priority every step of the way," zoo officials said. "By following his lead and moving at his pace, he’s made incredible progress and is now comfortable and confident in his crate." [Photo: Denver Zoo]

SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR FORT LUPTON FIREFIGHTERS

In Fort Lupton, a garage truck dumped a load of burning trash Wednesday in a parking lot for firefighters to sort through and extinguish. "The driver did an excellent job of safely dumping the burning load," Fort Luton Fire said. No injuries were reported. [Photos: Fort Lupton Fire]

NEIGHBORING HOMES BURN IN CASTLE ROCK; CAT RESCUED

Fire struck two neighboring homes Wednesday in Castle Rock and authorities evacuated nearby dwellings as a precaution.

No one was hurt in the blaze near the intersection of Lantern Trail and Hampstead Avenue in the Founders neighborhood, according to Castle Rock Fire. Crews rescued a cat from one of the homes. South Metro Fire, Franktown Fire and Larkspur Fire provided assistance and coverage. [Photo: Castle Rock Fire]

PELICAN CRASH IN BOULDER COUNTY. THAT'S RIGHT - PELICAN

A pelican survived a collision with a power line in Boulder County. Animal wardens rescued the wire-entangled aviator and transported it to Birds of Prey for veterinary care and rehabilitation. American White Pelicans are native to Colorado. They travel in "squadrons." The incident occurred Monday. [Photo: Boulder County Sheriff]

ALL SAFE AFTER LEARJET TROUBLE AT CENTENNIAL AIRPORT

A Learjet with four people aboard apparently veered off a runway Wednesday at Centennial Airport and "came to a stop, upright" on a taxiway connector, airport officials said. No injuries were reported. South Metro Fire responded to the incident at 3:21 p.m. [Image: South Metro Fire]

HIKER FALLS 50 FEET, LANDS ON LEDGE, LIVES

A woman fell more than 50 feet during a mountain hike and landed on a ledge in Larimer County, officials said Wednesday. A rescue team climbed to the ledge and lowered her from the perch after administering first aid. "She fought through pain and nausea and still managed to hike out," according to Larimer County Search and Rescue. The incident occurred at Greyrock Mountain.

[Photo: Larimer County Search and Rescue]

MAN SUFFERING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DIES, WESTMINSTER POLICE SAY

A man suffering a psychiatric crisis died early Wednesday after he was taken into custody at a home in south Westminster, police said.

The man's family called 911.  He "had access to harmful substances" and made "attempts to harm himself," police said. "Officers took immediate action, placing him in protective custody, to prevent further harm," police said.
The man was pronounced dead at hospital. He was 23. Two officers were placed on administrative leave, which police said is standard practice in such incidents. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 - the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

AURORA COP STABBED IN HEAD FIGHTS FOR LIFE, MAKING 'SOME PROGRESS'

An Aurora K9 officer stabbed in the head with a large kitchen knife is fighting to stay alive, police said Tuesday. The officer, Mark Moore, managed to shoot and kill his attacker who was suffering a violent psychiatric episode earlier this month. “While his road to recovery remains uncertain, we are grateful he has made some progress," Chief Todd Chamberlain said. Moore’s K9 partner, Cyrus, was also stabbed and is expected to make a full recovery. On April 9, Moore and others responded to a 911 call from Aurora Mental Health clinicians who reported Amare Garlington, 23, was threatening to harm himself and others in an apartment in the 14000-block of East Stanford Circle. The Aurora Police Crisis Response Team pairs officers with a mental health clinician. "Society has pushed law enforcement to become a default, catch-all when other systems fall short or are nonexistent in delivering critical long-term care," Chamberlain said. Moore is a 13-year member of the police force. [Photo: Aurora Police]

MOTORCYCLE RIDER HURT IN HIT & RUN ON COLORADO BLVD. IN DENVER

A hit-and-run driver injured a motorcyclist Tuesday at East 9th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver.

The motorcyclist was transported to hospital with serious injuries, according to the police department.

No other information was released. 

ARREST MADE IN COLD CASE DEATH OF BICYCLIST IN LARIMER COUNTY

A suspect has been arrested in the hit-and-run death of bicyclist Luis "Darnell" Loma almost five years ago, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday.

Loma, 29, was found in the 2200-block of North Shields Street, near Fort Collins, on Oct. 7, 2021, and evidence at the accident scene indicated he was killed by a Toyota Rav4 or a similar-style SUV. Detectives "continued working the case over the next several years, using a variety of tools and technology to identify people who may have been involved," officials said. "From there, they systematically eliminated potential suspects, a resource-intensive process requiring extensive manual research," officials said. Authorities identified Nicholas Sierra, 20, of Loveland, as the primary suspect late last year and he was arrested Saturday and jailed. "Leaving a devastated family to grieve without closure for years is absolutely unthinkable,” Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen said. The Colorado State Patrol participated in the investigation. [Photo: Loma Family]

BOULDER COUNTY 'PIPE BOMBS' ARE DUDS

Suspected bombs discovered in unincorporated Boulder County are duds, it was revealed Tuesday.

The sheriff's office said: "The devices had the structure and components commonly used to assemble pipe bombs, such as a sealed container and related hardware; however, they did not contain any explosive material." 

"Without that key element, the devices were not capable of detonating."

The look-alikes were discovered Sunday on Ponderosa Way, forcing residents to shelter in place for several hours.

DRUNKEN DRIVER CLOCKED AT 113 MPH IN FREDERICK

In Frederick, a police officer stopped a drunken driving suspect flying at 113 mph on Highway 52. The driver was arrested for DUI, reckless driving, speeding and no proof of insurance - and jailed. [Photo: Frederick Police]

COPS SHOOT STABBING SUSPECT AFTER HUNT IN ADAMS COUNTY

Deputies shot a suspect in a reported stabbing early Tuesday in the vicinity of 70th Avenue and Dexter Street in Adams County. The sheriff's office provided this account: "Deputies were searching the backyard of a residence in the 6900-block of Dexter Street when, during announcements, a 32-year-old male exited the residence holding a firearm. Deputies gave commands to the man, and two deputies discharged their weapons, striking him."

No deputies were injured. A K9 unit assisted. "A handgun was recovered at the scene. At this time, it is unclear whether the man fired his weapon," the sheriff's office said. The suspect was transported to hospital. No information was released on the original stabbing call that led to the shooting.

MARMOT IN LOT OF TROUBLE IN ENGLEWOOD

In Englewood, code compliance officers rescued from a curious yellow-bellied marmot from an auto's engine compartment. "The marmot was removed without a scratch to the animal or the car," officials said of last week's drama. [Photos: City of Englewood]

SEEING RED: BOHDI THE ELEPHANT YEAR OLDER, YEAR BOLDER AT DENVER ZOO

Bohdi the Elephant turned 22 this month "with some Taylor Swift-themed enrichment," the Denver Zoo said. He's the tallest and second-oldest elephant in the zoo's herd.

[Photos: Denver Zoo]

CAMERA SNAPS 'PINK-HANDED' SUSPECT IN LONGMONT

A bicyclist tagged a camera in downtown Longmont with a can of pink spray paint - and the camera dutifully snapped a photo.

Police asked businesses to "to check trash receptacles for the pink spray paint can and cameras for video." The incident occurred on Monday at 3:15 a.m. The pink-handed suspect was wearing a full-face helmet.

If you have information, call Longmont Police (303) 774-4860 and reference report #26-4852.

[Photo: Longmont Police]

SENTENCED TO 48 YEARS FOR SHOOTING THAT CLAIMED 3 LIVES IN DENVER

Luis Rivas-Newcomb was sentenced Monday to 48 years in prison for a shooting that claimed three lives in Denver, the DA's Office said. Rivas-Newcomb, 20, who was a minor at the time of the crime, fired into a vehicle at an overpass at 38th Avenue and Peoria Street on April 8, 2022, setting off a deadly chain of events. "The shots killed both the driver and the passenger, who were juveniles at the time," the DA's Office said. "The victims’ vehicle then went airborne and crashed into a vehicle in oncoming traffic, killing the driver of that car." Rivas-Newcomb pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December.

ALL SAFE AS HOUSE FIRE SPREADS TO NEIGHBOR'S HOME IN CENTENNIAL

UPDATE

A raging house fire spread to a neighbor's home in Centennial on Monday - devouring both dwellings.

The fierce, two-alarm blaze broke out at about 9:10 a.m. in the 19700-block of East Radcliff Place, according to South Metro Fire. No injuries were reported. The flames apparently erupted in a garage and jumped to the roof and attic of the neighboring dwelling. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said five deputies "arrived seconds before firefighters and began evacuations. One home was empty, but six people and a dog were inside the second home - all were safely evacuated." [Photos: South Metro Fire, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office]