CROSSING CHICKEN CAPTURED

This chicken crossed the road in Grand Junction. It didn't say why. "Case closed," police said on social media.

[Photo: Grand Junction police]    

COPS ASK: 'IS YOUR GOAT MISSING?'

Good Samaritans collared a goat in Bessemer, the Pueblo Police Department said, adding: "If this is your goat; please contact Pueblo Animal Control." A resident posted on Facebook: "That goat's always roaming around."

[Photo: Pueblo Police Department]

ARREST ALAMOSA MAN IN SHOOTING SPREE ALONG COLORADO, KANSAS LINE

Matthew Griffith, of Alamosa, was arrested after a wild Valentine's Day shooting spree along the Colorado-Kansas state line and jailed on an attempted homicide charge, the Prowers County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday. 

No serious injuries were reported though a number of people reported being fired upon in both states. Griffith also faces gun charges.

The bullets started flying in western Kansas and ended in Holly, Colorado. There were conflicting of where the first shots were fired - either Coolidge, Kansas, or Garden City, Kansas.

The Powers County Sheriff's Office said a "deputy rammed the suspect vehicle, in an attempt to get the vehicle stopped, due to the nature of the charges and to prevent the suspect vehicle from getting back into the city limits of Holly.

"Deputies eventually got the vehicle to stop inside the town limits of Holly and the suspect was arrested."

[Photo: Wikipedia]

I-25 DISASTER: AT LEAST 30 VEHICLES CRASH IN DUST STORM, 4 PEOPLE DIE, MANY HURT

UPDATE

At least 30 cars and trucks - including big rigs - piled up in a dust storm on I-25 in Pueblo on Tuesday, killing four people and injuring many others, the Colorado State Patrol said.

The wreck occurred in the southbound lanes of the busy interstate just south of Pueblo Boulevard at about 10:02 a.m. in near zero visibility and violent winds.

The patrol said: "There is a preliminary estimate of at least 30 vehicles involved, including semis and passenger vehicles. Initial reports from troopers at the scene include four confirmed fatalities.

The patrol also said: "There were heavy winds in the area at the time of the crash, blowing dirt, causing 'brown out' conditions. There was low to no visibility for motorists."

The state patrol put the number of injuries at 29 and said 10 people escaped injury.

News 5 said UCHealth Parkview treated at least 12 patients and St. Mary Corwin Hospital treated at least 7 patients.

Fox 21 said the Pueblo Fire Department, Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff's Office responded with state troopers.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol, CDOT]

DENVER'S BRAVEST TALK SHOP WITH OUR FUTURE FIREFIGHTERS

Denver firefighters are visiting schools across the city to discuss their trade - and the kids love it.

Fire prevention and life safety are important topics and the visits provide future first responders a chance to ask questions, climb aboard fire engines and examine emergency gear.

Fire officials said: "These moments build trust, spark curiosity, and maybe even inspire the next generation of firefighters." "Thank you to the schools and families who welcomed us in. We’re proud to serve you — both on and off the rig." [Photos: Denver Fire Department]

CHOPPER CALLED FOR DOWNED BIKER IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

A medical helicopter evacuated an injured motorcycle rider on Highway 105 in Douglas County on Monday, the Larkspur Fire Protection District said. [Photos: Larkspur Fire Protection District]

WIND AND FIRE WARNINGS FROM I-25 CORRDOR TO KANSAS

The National Weather Service is warning of high winds up to 65 mph Tuesday from the I-25 corridor to Kansas as well as severe wildfire risk. In the Rockies, winds could top 65 mph. Fire departments are on alert.

FIRE CHIEF GETTING BOOT IN LOVELAND

The chief of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority is getting the boot and says he has no idea why.

The governing board suspended Chief Tim Sendelbach last month and has been mum why it's in the process of pushing him out.

The Loveland firefighters union offered its "strong support" for Sendelbach.

The chief told the Loveland Reporter-Herald: “Obviously, I am pretty perplexed that we’ve gone this far and I still don’t know — I mean we’re three weeks in and still haven’t gotten the first inkling of what the cause is."

"… But this is their decision, so I’ll go with the process and see how things end up.”

ALERT! HUGE FIRE RISK TUESDAY

The National Weather Service in Boulder is forecasting extreme fire danger Tuesday with wind gusts up 60 mph for the Front Range and northeast Colorado. Fire departments across the region on are high alert. [Images: Southeast Weld Fire, National Weather Service]

ARREST IN MURDER IN LA JUNTA

Anthony Barron Sandoval Jr., 18, has been arrested as a suspect in a murder in La Junta, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Monday.

The victim - a boy, aged 17 - was shot early Saturday at a home on Belleview Avenue. The suspect has been charged with second-degree murder.

Bail was set at $500,000.

TRASH TRUCK TRASHED IN COMMERCE CITY

A twisted trash truck blocked Highway 85 at 56th Avenue in Commerce City on Monday. The driver suffered minor injuries, police said. No other vehicles were involved.

[Photo: Commerce City police]

PERSON KILLED BY RTD 'A' LINE TRAIN IN DENVER

A pedestrian was killed by an RTD train Monday on the A Line between Union Station and the airport, Denver police said.

The accident occurred near Smith Road and Dahlia Street in the Park Hill district. Shuttle buses were pressed into service, RTD said.

No other information was released.

COLD CASE: SHOTGUN WILLIE'S DANCER VANISHED FROM DIA IN 2003

 

Jennifer Lynn Marcum, 25, a dancer at Shotgun Willie's adult club in Glendale, disappeared almost a quarter century from Denver International Airport.

Marcum was last seen Feb. 17, 2003. Her auto was parked at the airport.

She is presumed dead. Murdered by a serial killer.

Marcum's boyfriend, Steven Ennis, was a prison inmate and she was listed as a potential witness in a drug case against him.

Scott Kimball, of Boulder, a former cellmate of Ellis who committed at least three other murders said he killed Marcum, too - but he has never disclosed the whereabouts of her body.

Today, Kimball is locked up in federal prison - and the FBI is still hunting for Marcum and re-issued a "Missing Person" poster for the 23rd anniversary of her disappearance.

If you have information, call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Scott Kimball

[Photos: FBI, U.S. Bureau of Prisons]

GET MEOW OUTTA HERE! - CAT WITH 9 LIVES CLIMBS 3 STORIES

In Colorado Springs, firefighters from Truck Company 8 a rescued a cat atop a three-story apartment building. The feline "quickly realized it’s easier going up," fire officials said. The cat is fine and perhaps a little wiser. [Photos: Colorado Springs Fire Department]

COPS SEARCH GIANT LANDFILL FOR MAN LAST SEEN CLIMBING INTO DUMPSTER

 

Searchers trudged through giant garbage piles for four days looking for grizzly signs of a man last seen climbing into a dumpster in Larimer County.

They didn't find Carl Smith, 57, of Loveland, who was reported missing Jan. 17, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said. "Deputies determined his last known location and obtained security video from the area," the sheriff's office said. "Mr. Smith had entered a dumpster and did not exit. A short time later, a garbage truck arrived, emptied the dumpster contents, and deposited the load at the Larimer County landfill." "The extensive efforts included using hand tools, heavy equipment, cadaver dogs, and drones to search the section where the truck had deposited its contents," the sheriff's office said. "The search area included an estimated 10,000 cubic yards of solid waste." Foul play isn't suspected in the bizarre disappearance and Smith is still classified as a missing person. The county landfill is located in Fort Collins. If you have information, call the Larimer County Sheriff's Office (970) 498-5336. [Photos: Larimer County Sheriff's Office]

MAJOR BLAZE STRIKES CLEAR CREEK COUNTY

Flames destroyed a home Sunday in Silver Plume and spread to nearby brush, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said. No injuries were reported in the blaze on Willis Street, just north of I-70. Traffic slowed on the interstate.

[Photos: Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office]

VALENTINE'S DAY MURDER IN DENVER

UPDATE

A person was shot dead on Valentine's Day in west Denver, police said.

Another person wounded in the leg and transported to hospital from the crime scene in the 1500-block of West Maple Avenue, police said. No other details were released. In another incident, a teenage girl was arrested as a suspect in double-stabbing Sunday in the 1500-block of North Grant Street in Denver and faces charges of second-degree assault, police said. Denver police also reported a stabbing Sunday in the vicinity on East Cedar Avenue and South Broadway Street. A suspect was arrested. The victim is expected to survive.

TODDLER KILLED IN HIT & RUN IN ERIE ON SUNDAY

A toddler was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run accident in Erie.

The tragedy occurred at 4:40 p.m. near Mountain View Blvd and Village Vista Drive, police said. The child was 2.

"Officers and emergency personnel responded immediately," police said. "Despite life-saving efforts, the child succumbed to their injuries.

"There are no words that can ease the pain of such a loss," police said. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and ask the community to surround them with compassion and respect."

If you have information, call Erie police {303) 441-4444. "Even the smallest detail may assist investigators in bringing answers to the family," police said.

There were two other serious crashes in Erie over the weekend.

Earlier Sunday, an auto crashed on Erie Parkway and burst into flames. One person died. Another was seriously injured. "Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Erie Parkway at an extremely high rate of speed, prior to crossing the median into the westbound lanes and striking a bridge guardrail," police said. On Friday night, a youth, age 15, riding a scooter was struck by an auto and seriously injured at Erie Parkway and Briggs Street. Police said: "Not all electrically motorized vehicles are permitted on public roadways. Many of these vehicles can reach significant speeds and may not offer the same protections as passenger vehicles. We encourage families to take time to understand local ordinances and safety requirements before allowing juveniles to operate any motorized vehicle."

3 PEDESTRIANS HURT IN DENVER ACCIDENTS

Three pedestrians were struck and injured in Denver over the weekend.

On Valentine's Day, two were seriously injured by a hit-and-run auto at North Pearl Street and East Colfax Avenue, police said.

Another was seriously injured in the vicinity of East 6th Avenue Parkway and Holly Street. That driver remained on the scene of the accident, police said. No other details were provided.

MOB TOWN: PUEBLO COP BATTLED CORRUPTON

Sergeant John Koncilja Jr. was a tough Pueblo police detective who took on crooked cops and mobsters in the 1970s.

"He wasn't afraid," his son told the Pueblo Chieftain.

Pueblo's police scandal involved rigged promotional exams, a cop-led burglary and fencing ring, ticket fixing, procuring abortions before they were legal and assorted other crime.

A key player was tavern owner Joseph A. “Jo-Jo” Concialdi, who was tried and shipped off to prison. Concialdi operated the Branch Inn in Pueblo for almost 50 years.

Koncilja, who died at age 83 in May 2021, also served as an investigator for the Colorado Organized Crime Strike Force and 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

“Jo-Jo” Concialdi

[Photo: Montgomery & Steward, Find-A-Grave]

TRUE CRIME: HIS LIFE SPARED, COP KILLER JOINED LETHAL 211 CREW

A jury spared cop killer Vernon Wayne Templeman from Colorado's gas chamber but the thankless thug pressed on with his evil ways behind bars.

Templeman, an escaped murderer from Kentucky, robbed a bank in Boulder on Dec. 6, 1982, traveled south - and gunned down a Colorado Springs police officer, Mark Layne Dabling, 30, a few hours later with a sawed-off rifle. He was tried in 1983.

In a Colorado prison, Templeman joined the blood-thirsty 211 Crew, a white supremist gang founded in Denver and accused of conspiracy in the murder of state corrections chief Tom Clements in 2013. 
Templeman was transferred to a prison in West Virgina after Colorado authorities broke up the gang in the wake of the Clements slaying and he is still believed to be imprisoned there.
[Photos: Colorado Springs police, Colorado Department of Corrections]

NO PAJAMAS AT AIRPORTS

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is critical of airline passenger attire. In an interview, he said: “Whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. ... Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas.”

'SHOW ME THE MONEY,' HE TELLS SAFEWAY ATM IN WHEAT RIDGE

Do you know him? This suspect is wanted for identity theft. The money-hungry scavenger used a variety of cash cards at an ATM inside a Safeway supermarket in Wheat Ridge on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, police said.

SECOND ARREST IN FATAL STREET RACE IN AURORA

Police arrested a second suspect in a deadly street racing crash in Aurora. 
Carlos Cruz-Figueroa, 18, was charged with vehicular homicide after police determined he initiated the race, police said Thursday.

The other vehicle, a BWV, crashed and rolled over killing a passenger. The driver of that car was arrested earlier. Another passenger was injured. The accident occurred at Alameda Avenue and Chambers Road last November. Police said: "Street racing is dangerous and it kills. We will not tolerate it. Our dedicated task force will continue working to hold racers accountable and keep our community safe. No matter the timeline."

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE IN TRASH HOUSE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

Firefighters battled a blaze at an abandoned home packed with garbage Friday in Jefferson County, West Metro Fire said. The fire on Rooney Road near West Vassar Place was visible to drivers in the vicinity of C-470. Several called 911. No injuries were reported. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

SKIMMERS SKINNED OFF ATMS, GAS PUMPS ACROSS DENVER AREA

On Jan. 30, authorities across the Denver area located 19 clandestine electronic skimmers that steal ATM and credit card data at cash machines, gas pumps and checkouts, Littleton police announced Friday.

U.S. MARSHALS CAPTURE FUGITIVE IN AURORA

Federal marshals stopped a felon wanted by Lakewood police on assault charges. Anthony Ryan was caught near East Dartmouth Avenue and South Telluride Street in Aurora, the U.S. Marshals Service said Friday. [Photo: U.S. Marshals Service]

MIDNIGHT AIR CRASH ON MOUNTAIN NEAR STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, 4 DIE

A single-engine aircraft crashed into Emerald Mountain near Steamboat Springs early Friday, killing four people, officials said.

The single-engine craft came down shortly after midnight in a very remote area, Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar told Steamboat Radio.

Routt County Search and Rescue personnel trekked to the scene on snowmobiles, track vehicles and by foot, the sheriff said. The four victims were located and taken by the county coroner. 

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was an Epic E1000 registered to a leasing company in Tennessee. It could seat six people. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the Friday the 13th accident.

The aircraft was approaching Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs from the south and crashed into the “south-facing side" of the mountain, the sheriff told the Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper.  

[Photo: Wikipedia] 

$300 SOLICITING ALLEGED AT DENVER SPORTS BAR, CITY SAYS

Owners of a Denver bar have been ordered before the city's licensing agency regarding allegations of harboring sex workers.

The Denver Post and CBS News Colorado identify the venue as La Mecca Sports Bar at 2915 West Mississippi Avenue.

"Whether you're a liquor license business or anything else that's required to have a license in this city, we want to protect health, safety and welfare," Eric Escudero, of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, told CBS.

The Denver Post said court records show a woman approached an undercover police officer's vehicle outside the bar and offered “culear” — Spanish slang for sex - for $300.

The bar's owners didn't return media calls for comment.

[Photo: Facebook]

YOUTH DEAD IN I-76 CRASH IN COMMERCE CITY, DRIVER CHARGED

A youth suffered fatal injuries in a wreck on I-76 in Commerce City, police said Friday.

"The adult male driver is facing a number of charges to include Vehicular Homicide, DUI, Reckless Driving, and Child Abuse Resulting in Death," police said. The single-vehicle accident occurred Thursday. Elsewhere in the state, a woman died in a two-vehicle accident Thursday on Highway 40 east of Steamboat Springs, the state patrol said.

[Photo: Commerce City Police Department]

NO SERIOUS INJURIES AS MAGNESIUM BURNS AT LOVELAND FACTORY

Fire engulfed industrial machinery and a "cache of magnesium chips" Thursday at a factory in Loveland, sending smoke billowing from the building. "Dry chemical extinguishing agent was utilized to control the magnesium fire," Loveland Fire Rescue Authority said. "The machine was extinguished once power was secured." Paramedics assessed several factory workers for smoke inhalation. No one was transported to hospital. The fire occurred in the 4100-block of Saint Cloud Drive in the northeast section of the city. "Crews arrived on scene with smoke coming from the roof of the building," officials said. "Employees reported that a machine was on fire inside the building, firefighters observed a moderate to heavy smoke condition inside the structure." [Photos: Loveland Fire Rescue Authority]

FIREFIGHTER INJURED IN ARSON FIRE IN BOULDER

A firefighter suffered minor injuries Thursday in an arson fire at an apartment building in Boulder.

A resident, Ranita Ezeonu, 37, was arrested as a suspect, Boulder Fire Rescue said. The fire started in her apartment. The building is located in the 3700-block of Canfield Street. An automatic sprinkler system contained the flames. "The investigation indicates that the fire was intentionally set with evidence suggesting multiple items were ignited within the suspect’s apartment unit," official said. "The specific method used to start the fire remains under investigation." [Photo: Boulder Fire Rescue]

BOMB SQUAD MEMBERS INJURED IN BLAST IN PUEBLO

Two members of the Pueblo Bomb Squad suffered serious burns Thursday when an explosive they were disarming detonated.

The blast occurred at the police bomb range. The explosive was seized in a criminal investigation.

"This incident resulted in first- and second-degree burns to one officer and first-, second- and third-degree burns to another," police said. "Both officers were immediately transported for medical care."

"The officer with third-degree burns was transported to a Denver burn unit for treatment and remains hospitalized," police said. "The other officer was treated and released." The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency is assisting police.

JUDGE SAYS NO TO COLORADO SUPERMAX TRANSFERS

The Associated Press reports a judge paused a White House plan to send 20 federal prisoners with commuted death sentences to the Supermax prison in Florence, citing their constitutional rights.

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE 'ICE DOG' FROM POND IN EVERGREEN

Firefighters went to the aid of a lucky dog named "Rosie" stranded in an icy pond in Evergreen - and she kissed one of her rescuers when they reached shore.

"Her owner was smart enough to call 911 versus taking the risk of trying to save Rosie herself," according to Evergreen Fire/Rescue, and "firefighters quickly got on scene with cold water protection gear to safely bring her back to shore." Rosie escaped serious injury after Wednesday's spill. Fire officials said: "Thin ice conditions are prevalent right now, please use extra precaution around ponds, lakes and streams especially with critters and kiddos."

[Photos: Evergreen Fire/Rescue]

MAJOR FIRE ERUPTS AT WESTERN SLOPE INDUSTRIAL PLANT

Fire broke out at an industrial plant Thursday near Grand Junction, authorities said.
Utility crews cut off a gas line feeding the flames and firefighters gained the upper hand at about 11:30 a.m. and extinguished the blaze at Golden Gate Petroleum at 1629 21 Road. No injuries were reported.

Twelve fire apparatus - from the Lower Valley Fire District in Fruita and Grand Junction Fire Department - raced to the plant and shuttled and pumped water to cool the burning unit until the Xcel utility crews closed the gas line. Grand Junction firefighters deployed a drone to monitor the blaze from above. [Photo: Lower Valley Fire District]

DUMB AND DUMBER: COPS STOP AUTO, SUSPECT FLEES ON FOOT; SECOND AUTO HITS COP CARS

Denver police stopped a driver who hit a barrier, fled on foot and tried to swim away in the Platte River. As they arrested him, another motorist struck two cop cars and a private auto. 

Suspect No. 1 surrendered and was arrested for investigation of eluding, driving without a license and obstruction, according to police. Suspect No. 2 was arrested for investigation of careless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and no proof of insurance. No one was hurt in the Feb. 7 double-whammy near northbound I-25 and Park Avenue West. Police called it a "Two for one."

MALSHIPOO PUP KIDNAPPED FROM PET SHOP IN CENTENNIAL

UPDATE

A smiling dog thief walked off with a Malshipoo puppy in her jacket from a pet shop in Centennial, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

The kidnapping of the adorable black and brown pup - valued at $2,200 - occurred at Perfect Pets at 6840 South University Boulevard on Jan. 26 at about 4:40 p.m.

"Surveillance video shows a man and woman entering the store and walking around for about 10 minutes," the sheriff's office said. "The woman is then seen picking up a Maltese/Shih Tuzi/Poodle mix puppy, crouching down, placing the puppy in her jacket, and leaving the store without paying."

The woman is white and appeared to be in her 20s. She wore a black jacket, purple-and-black pants, black shoes, a white beanie, a white scarf and pink glasses. The man is tall, with a thin build and black and also appeared to be in his 20s. He wore a black jacket, army green sweatpants, black Crocs and gray beanie.

The suspects - who face felony theft charges - drove off but there's no description of their vehicle.

If you have information, call the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at (720) 874-8477. 

In an earlier case, 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 February 2o25. Only one of those dogs was returned.

[Photos: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office]

THINNING SNOWPACK POINTS TO WORSENING DROUGHT IN COLORADO

Half of Coloradans - 3.3 million - live in drought zones, according to federal data - and this winter's historically low snowpack points to worsening conditions.  

Denver Water reports mountain snow was off by 4-5 feet in January.