ARREST IN FATAL STABBING AT THORNTON MAVERICK

Anthony Valenta, 28, was arrested as a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a woman at a gas station in Thornton, police said Thursday. Wednesday evening's attack occurred at the Maverick station at 237 East 120th Avenue.

"Officers were initially dispatched to a physical disturbance between a man and a woman," police said. "While officers were on the way to the scene, they received information that the man had stabbed the woman." "Valenta fled the scene before police arrived, and witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspect's vehicle," police said. "Officers located Valenta driving the described vehicle in the area and took him into custody without incident." The woman was 40. [Photo: Thornton Police]

SIX COLORADO COMMUNITIES HAD SOCIALIST MAYORS IN EARLY 20th CENTURY

During the Progressive-era of the early 20th Century, voters in six Colorado communities elected socialist mayors - Buena Vista, Edgewater, Grand Junction, Lafayette, Paonia and Victor.

Homer J. Brown was elected mayor in Buena Vista in 1912, Eugene Bootz in the Denver suburb of Edgewater in 1914, S.R. Wood in Lafayette in 1912, Thomas M. Todd in Grand Junction in 1909, J.M. Haley in Paonia in 1912 and Joseph Bitterlry in 1911 in Victor.

The mayors - most of whom served short terms - belonged to the Socialist Party of America, which boasted the nationwide support of miners, populist farmers, social reformers and many others.

A dispatch in the Wray Gazette needled Grand Junction's Todd, saying "conditions must be Utopian" in the city. 

Colorado history blogger Robert Silbernagel said Todd was once considered as a potential running mate for Socialist presidential running mate Eugene Debbs in 1912.

Some even suggested he run for president, according to the Rocky Mountain News on May 5, 1912.

In Victor, every socialist candidate on the ballot won was elected in the town's April 1911 vote, with Bitterly leading the pack, the News said.

In Edgewater, Bootz beat an Anti-Saloon League candidate in a close and controversial vote, according to the Arvada Sun on April 10, 1914.

The Sun reported: "Previous to election day considerable agitation was rife and some parties, fearing that there would be trouble at the polls appealed to Sheriff Dennis for protection. Mr. Dennis sent Deputy E. L. Newcomb to Edgewater as a peace officer, to be on hand in case any trouble did arise. Mr. Newcomb reports that everything passed off peaceably and orderly."

[Image: Wikipedia]

APARTMENT FIRE IN DENVER; MEDICS CHECK RESIDENT

In Denver, firefighters battled a blaze Wednesday on the third floor of an apartment building near South Clarkson Street and East Cedar Avenue. The fire was "contained to the unit of origin with no extension," the fire department said. "One resident was evaluated by EMS." [Photos: Denver Fire]

NO CHARGES IN KILLING ON EAGLE BLVD. IN BRIGHTON

Prosecutors in Adams County decided against filing charges in Sunday's fatal shooting on Eagle Boulevard in Brighton, it was announced Thursday.

Brighton police had reported they identified Jeness Torres, 18, as a potential suspect in the case. Results of their investigation were presented to prosecutors for formal review.

"After a thorough examination of the evidence, our office determined that the facts do not support the filing of criminal charges, as we cannot disprove self-defense or defense of others in this incident," prosecutors said. "As a result, the District Attorney’s Office will not file charges in this matter.

The dead man was 33, police said. The incident occurred in the 3100-block of Eagle Boulevard.

SUSPECT SURRENDERS IN DEADLY HIT & RUN ON THORNTON PARKWAY

Thornton police said Genaro Rubio Barron, 39, turned himself in as a suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed a motorcyclist at Thornton Parkway and Huron Streets. The accident occurred Sept. 11 and the victim died in hospital three days later. "A pickup truck was traveling northbound on Huron Street and turned left to westbound Thornton Parkway in front of a southbound motorcyclist," police said. "After the motorcycle and truck collided, the driver of the truck fled the scene." The next day, Rubio Barron turned himself in to authorities and identified himself as the driver of the of the pickup, police said. He was charged with careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license. He was released on bond. "The truck Rubio Barron was driving was located and had damage consistent with the crash," police said. [Photo: Thornton Police]

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT EATERY AT 8th & COLORADO IN DENVER

A stove fire sent smoke belching from a restaurant in Denver.

Wednesday's blaze broke out at the eatery at East 8th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. "Heavy smoke was showing from the roof on arrival," the fire department said. "Fire extended through the vent system into the roof structure. Crews stopped further spread." Medics treated a worker at the scene. [Photos: Denver Fire]

HERO NEIGHBOR SAVES TRAPPED FIRE VICTIM

An "incredibly brave" neighbor raced to a burning home and rescued a critically injured victim, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said.

The raging blaze broke out Tuesday at 2510 Cather Avenue. The hero neighbor is credited with "risking his own life to save theirs," the fire department said. He was transported to hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation. The fire victim was also transported to hospital. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire]

STATE PATROL AIRCRAFT HELPS COPS CAPTURE CADILLAC THIEF

A state patrol aircraft tracked a stolen Cadillac Escalade that eluded Aurora police on I-70 at speeds topping 100 mph and careened through city streets in the wrong direction.

The aircraft followed the Cadillac to the vicinity of West 48th Avenue and Pecos Street in Denver and state troopers responded to the scene and detained the occupants.

The driver, identified by the patrol as Thomas Martinez, 28, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree motor vehicle theft and vehicular eluding and the passenger was arrested on criminal warrants.

The incident occurred Aug. 22. The state patrol released video of the incident on Sept. 16. The Cadillac was stolen from Denver.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

GUNMAN ROBS POSTAL CARRIER IN DENVER

Authorities are hunting for a brazen gunman who robbed a postal carrier making his rounds in Denver.

Monday's crime occurred near 2326 North Clay Street at about 5:30 p.m., according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Postal inspectors released a blurry image of the crook.

A reward of up to $150,000 is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the gunman, described as a white male wearing a balaclava face covering, jeans and a dark hooded sweatshirt with a logo printed on the front.  

If you have information, contact postal inspectors (877) 876-2455.

[Photo: U.S. Postal Inspection Service]

FIRE HITS HOME IN MEADOWS SECTION OF CASTLE ROCK

An attic fire Tuesday night caused extensive damage to a home in the Meadows neighborhood of Castle Rock. No injuries were reported and the cause of the blaze was under investigation, according to Castle Rock Fire. South Metro, Franktown and Larkspur Fire provided assistance. [Photo: Castle Rock Fire]

WOMAN, 33, PLEADS GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING CENTENNIAL WIDOWER, 90, OF $40,000 IN CANCER CON

Priscilla Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to posing as a cancer victim who recently lost her boyfriend in a car wreck to defraud a lonely 90-year-old Centennial widower out of $40,000 cash.

Johnson approached the man in a supermarket in July 2025 and identified herself as “Elizabeth John.” The pair exchanged phone numbers and met for lunch.

The victim "believed they had romantic feelings for each other," according to the 18th District Attorney's Office.

Johnson told the victim she needed $6,000 to replace stolen property and later asked for $34,000 for cancer treatment.

When she asked for even more cash, victim said he needed to discuss the matter with family - and Johnson ghosted him.

The victim’s son contacted the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and investigators traced her phone number.

The victim identified Johnson in a photo lineup.

As part of the plea agreement, Johnson is required to return the victim’s money, plus interest, and complete 60 hours of public service.

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley said: "Had this case gone to trial, even a conviction and restitution order would not necessarily have meant the victim would immediately recover his money. This plea agreement gives him certainty and most importantly, a positive resolution.”

The DA's Office warned: "Romance scams can take many forms, but they often start with someone building trust and an emotional connection with a victim before asking for money. The request may be tied to a medical emergency, unexpected expense or other urgent situation."

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

'BEAR-PROOF' DUMPSTER FAILS TO STOP BEAR

A determined bear broke into a "bear-proof " dumpster in search of a meal in the town of Dolores in far southwest Colorado.

"When you're a bear with determination, a hungry belly, and a dumpster full of possibilities, apparently you improvise," the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office said of the weekend buffet. The impact of this year's drought on the wilds of Colorado has unleashed an unprecedented number of scavenging bears into towns and cities large and small - even Denver. In the Dolores case, "Yogi discovered that while he couldn’t lift the plastic lid because the security chain was doing exactly what it was supposed to do, he could apparently cave the plastic lid in enough to gain access," the sheriff's office said. He eventually returned to the wild. [Photo: Montezuma County Sheriff]

42 YEARS IN DENVER TEEN SLAYING

Joe Griggs-Sanders was sentenced to 42 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting of a teen in northeast Denver, prosecutors said. The victim, Adrian Ounnar, 15, was shot in a car on East 61st Avenue on Nov. 14, 2024, and died several days later. Griggs-Sanders was also sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary in an unrelated case. He and several other defendants used a stolen car to crash into a small business and steal merchandise. The burglary sentence will run concurrently with the murder sentence.

MOUNTAIN LION CLIMBS TREE IN WESTMINSTER

UPDATE

A mountain lion took up residence in a tree Tuesday in the Denver suburb of Westminster, police said.

Eaton Street was closed between 112th Avenue and 113th Avenue - as the lion lounged on a branch - and authorities suggested residents stay indoors. "Do not approach the mountain lion," police said.
Rangers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife responded to assist and the large feline was tranquilized and moved back to the wild.

[Photo: Westminster Police]

4 ESCAPE HOUSE FIRE ON NORTH ELMIRA STREET IN AURORA

Four people escaped a house fire early Tuesday in the 500-block of North Elmira Street in Aurora. "The fire was accidental and started by an unattended cooking griddle that had been left powered on near combustible material in a bedroom," officials said. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

LIFE PLUS 224 YEARS FOR AURORA KILLER

A judge sentenced cold-blooded Nelson Francisco Miranda-Rivas - convicted of murder, attempted murder and other charges in three shootings in Aurora - to life in prison plus 224 years.

On the night of Feb. 13, 2023, Miranda-Rivas, 29, of Federal Heights, killed a man found in the parking lot of Pitchers Sports Bar in the 1600-block of South Chambers Road.

He also injured a man at Highline Park and fired a gun into a home on Idalia Circle where the victim of the sports bar murder resided. No one was injured on Idalia Circle.

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

PET DIES IN ENGLEWOOD HOUSE FIRE

In Englewood, a pet died in a house fire on South Cherokee Street, according to the Denver Fire Department. Monday evening's blaze started in the kitchen.

[Photo: Denver Police Department]

LOUISVILLE'S FINEST SAVE YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER, 11

Two Louisville police officers saved a youth soccer player, age 11, who collapsed and stopped breathing at Cottonwood Park. "They immediately began CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator," police said. "The officers delivered a shock, ultimately saving the young boy’s life." The incident occurred Sept. 5. In the days following, the officers - identified by police as Merlo and Humphery - visited the hospital and delivered Louisville Police Department swag to the recuperating youth. "We are incredibly proud of these officers for their quick thinking, training, and decisive actions when every second mattered," police said. "We are even happier that they had the opportunity to visit this brave young boy and support him on the road to recovery." [Photo: Louisville Police Department]

TRUE CRIME: LEWIS-JONES GANG KILLED COP IN 1918

The bank-and-train robbing Lewis-Jones gang terrorized a wide swath of the U.S. in 1918 and fatally shot the chief of detectives of Colorado Springs, John W. Rowan.

The lawman died on Sept. 13 of that year.

The gang was led by Frank "Jumbo" Lewis and Dale Jones. One of the gang members was a girl, Margie Dean, 17, a getaway driver. She was married to Jones. 

"The band was in two parts of the state when the trouble started and the group in the Colorado Springs car started for Denver immediately after the murder in Colorado Springs," the Rocky Mountain News said.

That evening in Denver, gang members wounded Denver Police Detectives Harry Lane and Bert Cole at a hideout at East 17th Avenue and Emerson Street, the News said.

The Lewis-Jones bunch were also suspected in the murder of Denver Police Officer Luther McMahill the next day - but the McMahill killing was never solved. He was riding home on his bicycle.

The bandits fled, split up and headed out of Colorado but were eventually killed, captured or perished of natural causes. The Spanish Flu pandemic was sweeping the globe in 1918.

Jones and Dean died in a California shootout after killing Deputy George Van Vliet of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Nov. 19, 1918. 

[Photo: Colorado Springs Police Department, Public Domain]

DEADLY CATTLE TRUCK WRECK SHUTS DOWN I-76 ON PRAIRIE

UPDATE

A cattle truck crashed early Tuesday, killing 10 animals and shutting down I-76 in eastern Colorado, the state patrol said.

Some of the cattle wandered away.

The westbound semi careened into the center median and rolled - spilling the cattle east of the prairie town Brush, about 100 miles northeast of Denver.

Three other semis and a passenger vehicle slammed into the cattle.

"Investigators on scene determined that there were 48 total cattle on the truck pre-crash," the patrol said. "Of the 48 cattle, 10 were found dead, 29 were located alive, and currently 9 are unaccounted for."

The truck driver was transported to hospital.

2 DEAD IN 3-VEHICLE INTERSTATE CRASH

Two teens died when their autos collided on I-70 just east of Rifle, propelling one vehicle into a semi-truck.

One of the autos was traveling in the wrong direction on the highway. The truck driver wasn't hurt in early Sunday's mangled wreck in Garfield County.

The state patrol said:

"The initial investigation shows that a blue 2022 Subaru, driven by a 17-year-old male, was going the wrong way, driving eastbound in the left westbound lane of I-70. A 2026 orange Peterbilt semi hauling a trailer, driven by a 35-year-old male, was traveling westbound in the right lane of westbound I70. A gray 2004 GMC Yukon, driven by an 18-year-old female, was westbound in the left lane of westbound I-70, passing the Peterbilt. 

"The Subaru struck the GMC Yukon head-on in the left westbound lane, and the GMC then struck the trailer being hauled by the Peterbilt."

TEENS ARRESTED IN AURORA SHOPPING CENTER RAMPAGE

UPDATE

Six teens - ages 13 to 17 - face charges ranging from assault to theft and disorderly conduct in connection with a rampage by hundreds of youths at an Aurora shopping center, police announced Monday.

The near-riot occurred Aug. 30 at the shopping center near 6th Avenue and Peoria Street. Police ordered the crowd, which spilled into roadways, to disperse.

"The gathering, which was estimated to be between 500 and 1,000 people, appeared to have been organized through social media around an unpermitted event," police said. "What may have started as a social gathering quickly became a significant public safety issue as the crowd grew."

"As officers attempted to manage the gathering, groups entered nearby businesses, including a restaurant and a grocery store," police said. "While some simply ran through the businesses, others vandalized property and stole merchandise."

More than 70 police personnel responded - draining routine neighborhood patrols and other duties.

"Investigators were assigned to follow up on the case and to identify individuals who vandalized two local businesses, causing several thousand dollars in damage," police said. "They also learned of several fights that had subsequently taken place that required further investigation as well."

Police devoted about 180 hours to the investigation. All the suspects are from the Denver area.

DRIVER KILLED IN FIERY CRASH IN WELD COUNTY

A motorist died in a fiery, head-on crash Sunday on Weld County Road 100, east of Wellington. The other driver was hurt.

The state patrol said an eastbound Subaru Outback drove into the westbound lane of traffic hitting a Jeep Wrangler.

The Subaru burst into flame.

The driver of the Outback was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the Wrangler was to transported hospital with serious injuries. Both are women.

KNOCK, KNOCK: 'POLICE - COME OUT FOR YOUR ILLEGAL FOOD DELIVERY.'

Police officers made two meal deliveries after pulling over the Illegal Pete's food delivery driver for illegal driving in Boulder.

The food was still warm. No tipping.

The private auto "was impounded and the driver was arrested on charges of driving without a valid license, operating an uninsured vehicle and felony criminal impersonation," police said. The temporary license tag was also expired. Police stopped the driver at Broadway and Arapahoe on Sept. 6. Like they say: "To protect and serve." [Photo: Boulder Police]

FIRE HITS AUTO BODY SHOP IN AURORA

 

In Aurora, fire damaged an auto body shop in the 300-block of North Norfolk Street, the fire department said. No injuries were reported in Saturday's fire. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

SUSPECT DETAINED IN BRIGHTON MURDER

UPDATE: Prosecutors in Adams County decided against filing charges in Sunday's fatal shooting on Eagle Boulevard in Brighton, it was announced Thursday. Click for link.

Jeness Torres, 18, was booked into the Adams County Detention Facility on Sunday on charges of 2nd-degree murder in a Brighton slaying, police said.

The homicide occurred near the 3100-block of Eagle Boulevard at 12:30 a.m.

"When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim, a 33-year-old male, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds," according to police. "Officers immediately began lifesaving measures on the victim.

"Shortly after, the victim was transported to an area hospital by medical personnel, where he succumbed to his injuries," police said.

[Photo: Brighton Police]

FLAMES WRECK HOME IN EAST DENVER; 1 PERSON HURT

Fire wrecked a home early Sunday in east Denver. The blaze "started outside and worked its way inside the building," the fire department said. "One person transported to hospital with smoke inhalation." The site is near Dartmouth Avenue and Quebec Street. [Photo: Denver Fire Department]

FIREFIGHTERS RACE 15 MILES TO REMOTE HOUSE FIRE; NO ONE HURT

Firefighters raced 15 miles to reach a house fire Sunday night in a remote area of southeast Colorado.

The blaze occurred north of the town of Kim on Highway 109 in Las Animas County, the local fire department said.

No one was at home or hurt. The home was a total loss. La Junta Fire also responded.

[Photo: Kim Area Volunteer Fire Department]

MAN DIES IN ATV ACCIDENT IN THORNTON

A man died in an ATV accident in Thornton, police said Sunday.

The wreck occurred near the 10600-block of Riverdale Road. "Dispatchers were notified just before 9 a.m. after a passerby noticed an ATV upside down in a ditch west of the roadway," police said. "Investigators are still working to determine the exact time the crash occurred and the circumstances leading up to it. "The preliminary investigation indicates a 42-year-old man was traveling on a path west of Riverdale Road when he lost control of the ATV and crashed into the ditch," police said. "Investigators do not believe any other vehicles or people were involved. The man was wearing a helmet and died at the scene."

ARSON FIRE DAMAGES CATHOLIC CHURCH, BISHOP SAYS; SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE

UPDATE

A weekend arson fire damaged the Christ the King Parish, a Catholic church in Pueblo, Bishop Stephen Berg said.

The blaze occurred at 10:45 p.m. in the church basement at 1708 Horseshoe Drive and involved a "very, very large" area, police Sergeant Antoinette Ramos told the Daily Sketch on Thursday.

There were no injuries. 

Bishop Berg said: "It is unfortunate that we are experiencing these incidents, as are other organizations and faith-based organizations in Pueblo." He didn't elaborate but thanked police and firefighters.

Also Saturday, five masked and hooded vandals smashed three religious statues - St. Mary, St. Anne and St. Michael - outside St. Anne's Catholic Church at 2701 East 12th Street in Pueblo at 1:45 a.m., police disclosed Thursday.

They remained at large. Damage was estimated at $6,000. A flower planter was also damaged.

Ramos said there was no evidence tying the two incidents together. There is also no evidence of hate crimes, she said.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Pueblo was unable to comment due to the ongoing investigation into the two incidents.

In northeast Colorado, meantime, police sought suspects in the vandalism of a holy cross memorial site atop Flirtation Point in the Town of Wray in Yuma County.

[Photo: Facebook]

OUTRAGE AS THUGS SMASH CHURCH STATUES IN PUEBLO

Five masked and hooded thugs smashed religious statues of St. Mary, St. Anne and St. Michael at a Catholic church in Pueblo.

"While this behavior is appalling and unacceptable, there is no indication that this incident meets the criteria for a hate crime under Colorado law," according to police.

The crime occurred Sept. 5 at St. Anne's Church at 2701 East 12th Street. Damage was estimated at $6,000. A flower planter was also damaged in the 1:45 a.m. attack.

If you have information, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers (719) 542-7867.

[Photo: Pueblos Police]