DEPUTIES HURT IN 9-VEHICLE WRECK ON I-70 IN CLEAR CREEK COUNTY

A nine-vehicle wreck - including three Clear Creek County patrol cars and two big rigs - shut down I-70 near Georgetown on Thursday and caused multiple injuries, the state patrol and the sheriff's office said.

Three deputies were assisting a disabled semi when the pile-up occurred.

"A vehicle struck three deputy patrol vehicles and caused a crash including four additional vehicles and one additional semi," the patrol said.

One motorist was airlifted to hospital and three other were transported by ground, the patrol said. Two of three deputies on the scene were also transported to hospital by ground with minor injuries, the sheriff's office said.

[Photos: Colorado State Patrol]

BIKER KILLED IN WRECK IN LOVELAND

A Ducati Superbike slammed into a GMC Yukon in Loveland, killing the biker.

"Preliminary evidence indicates speed by the motorcyclist contributed to the crash," police said. "Investigators do not currently believe drugs or alcohol contributed to the incident." The crash occurred Monday at the intersection of North Taft Avenue and West 8th Street. "Citizens at the scene immediately began providing life-saving measures for the motorcyclist, followed by arriving first responders," police said. The biker was a 25-year-old Fort Collins man.

ILLEGAL DIRT BIKE LEADS COPS TO ILLEGAL GUN IN DENVER

Denver police stopped an illegal gas-powered dirt bike running without a license tag or lights and discovered the biker was a felon illegally carrying a gun. The bike's serial number was intentionally obscured, too, preventing verification of ownership. "After positively identifying the suspect, officers learned that he had previously been convicted of a felony and had been arrested just months earlier for Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender," police said. "Once again, the suspect was found in possession of a firearm and was arrested for investigation of Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender," police said. The nighttime incident occurred on Oct. 28 at East Colfax Avenue and North Roslyn Street.

'GIMME 5!' WAYLAND THE CAT SAYS

High-fivin' Wayland is up for adoption in Grand County. "His owners never called or came to claim him which is so sad because he's a great cat," the local animal shelter reports. He's 9 and neutered. Call (970) 887-2988. [Photo: Grand County Pet Pals]

POLICE SHOOT, KILL FEMALE ROBBER WITH GUN IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Police shot and killed woman who robbed a convenience store and pointed a gun at officers in Colorado Springs early Thursday.

An employee at the store - located in the 3200-block of Austin Bluffs Parkway - sounded a panic alarm. "Officers were dispatched, and while they were enroute, at 12:43 am, a 911 call came into the communications center from an employee at the same location, reporting they had been robbed at gunpoint." police said. "Officers arrived on scene about 5 minutes later and located a female suspect who was armed," police said. "The suspect pointed the gun at officers, and officers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. "The suspect continued to point the gun at officers. At that time, at least one officer fired at least 1 round, striking the suspect," police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

APPEAL FOR HELP IN CATCHING AURORA'S $22 MILLION ARSONIST

 

Aurora fire investigators are appealing to people acquainted with the arsonist who set a $22 million inferno to "please contact us, even anonymously."
A $60,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction in the blaze that destroyed five buildings at a residential construction site in the 7300-block of South Addison Court on Dec. 14, 2023. "We know in some circumstances, individuals are unknowingly brought into the situation by the person responsible, and they may have concerns about coming forward," Aurora Fire Rescue said. In their appeal, investigators said: "It is possible you may know or have come in contact with someone who was involved or has direct knowledge of this incident. You are in a unique position to have observed behavioral changes in those individuals before and/or after the time of the incident. "You may have noticed one or more of the following changes that were atypical or unexpected: changes in mood, lifestyle patterns, normal routine, such as missing work or school, or appearance; a sudden departure from the area; unreasonable explanations for disposal of clothing, unexplained injuries or burns; displays of anxiety, nervousness, stress, or irritability; changes in consumption of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes; intense attention or avoidance of the news coverage of this case.

"We believe there is information which has yet to be shared, and there are people familiar with the circumstances who remain in our community. For those individuals who have information and have not yet spoken to law enforcement, please contact us, even anonymously." Two days later, on Dec. 16, 2023, Aurora was the scene of another huge blaze that destroyed a construction site at East Colfax Avenue and Peoria Street.

There has been no indication that the fires were related.
If you have information, contact Metro Denver CrimeStoppers at (720) 913-7867 [Photos: Aurora Fire]

STUDENT CRISIS HOTLINE CALLS NEAR RECORD

By Colorado Newsline

The anonymous tip line for Colorado students to report safety concerns received over 29,000 submissions last school year, the second-highest yearly total in its history.

There were 29,302 Safe2Tell reports in the 2025-26 school year, according to new data from the Colorado attorney general’s office. After rising for each of the previous four years, the number of reports was down from a peak of 31,117 in the 2024-25 school year.

“When a student speaks up about a friend who is struggling or a threat to their school, they’re doing something that takes courage and compassion,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement.

“Nearly 30,000 times last school year, someone chose to take that step. Behind those reports are thousands of examples of schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals stepping in to help,” Weiser said.

LINK

[Photo: Colorado Newsline]

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED IN DENVER

A pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway in Denver, police said. The motorist was cited for careless driving. The victim was an adult male.

GRIM DISCOVERY WEST OF CHATFIELD LAKE

Park rangers found "what appeared to be human remains" Wednesday near the west side of Chatfield Lake, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.

"No word on how long it might take to make a positive identification on the remains," the sheriff's office said. "Once investigators have conclusive results, we will update the public." The grim discovery drew a heavy police presence just off C-470 at the Wadsworth exit. [Photo: Jefferson County Sheriff]

HORROR CRASH ON HIGHWAY 6 IN GOLDEN

Golden firefighters rescued victims of a horrendous collision that sent a vehicle careening off Highway 6. "Units arrived to find two vehicles, one down the embankment near Clear Creek with heavy damage," officials said. "Both vehicles required extrication to remove the occupants." The drivers were transported to a trauma center.
Saturday's wreck occurred near Tunnel 1. Rescue 21, Truck 24, Battalion 21, Medic 21 and Medic 41 were dispatched.
[Photos: Golden Fire-Rescue Local 5080] 

HOSTAGE RESCUED, SUSPECT NABBED IN KIDNAPPING ON WESTERN SLOPE

Grand Junction and Palisade police rescued a female hostage and captured a gun-toting, knife-wielding suspect - the brutal outcome of a failed relationship. Monday's incident began at the Mesa Studios at 704 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction - and the hostage and suspect were found at a home in the 100-block of Bacon Court in nearby Palisade, according to Grand Junction police. The suspect - identified as Juan Sanchez, 48 - "entered an apartment and held three individuals, a female and two males, at gunpoint and threatened to kill them if they called the police," police said. "The suspect then robbed, assaulted, and stabbed one of the men, before forcing the female, with whom he had previously been in a relationship, into a vehicle and driving away," police said. "The male who was stabbed was transported to the hospital in a personal vehicle and sustained serious bodily injuries" - and hospital staff alerted 911, police said. Sanchez, who was taken into custody without incident, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges including kidnapping, assault and false imprisonment. Cash bond was set at $250,000, according to jail records.

YOUTH BUSTED FOR POINTING FAKE RIFLE FROM AUTO IN DENVER

Police cited a youth for pointing a replica rifle from an auto in Denver traffic.

"While traveling behind the vehicle, officers observed the front-seat passenger brandishing a rifle out of the window" in the vicinity of East 8th Avenue and North Downing Street, police said.

"Officers maintained surveillance until additional officers arrived to assist with a high-risk traffic stop," police said. The officers - assigned to a special District 6 IMPACT unit - stopped the auto North Kalamath Street and West 6th Avenue.

The youth was cited for cited for flourishment and the driver was cited for reckless driving in the Oct. 18 incident.

FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT IN DURANGO

In Durango, federal, state, and local officials Tuesday assessed flood damage along Junction Creek and near Columbine Drive, city officials said. [Photos: City of Durango]

MAN GETS LIFE FOR PUEBLO HOTEL MURDER; NO PAROLE

A Pueblo County judge sentenced James McKenney, 63, Tuesday to life in prison for a murder at a Pueblo hotel. Joshua Herbert was shot Feb. 7 at the Days Inn at 4201 North Elizabeth Avenue, according to Pueblo police. McKenney was convicted of first-degree murder on Nov. 2 following an 11-day jury trial. He will not be eligible for parole.
[Photo: Pueblo Police]

STATE PATROL ADVICE FOR 'WINTER READY' DRIVING

By Colorado State Patrol

Predictions for Colorado’s winter forecast anticipate a snowier-than-average season for many locations across the state, but we know there are no guarantees.

The mountains look more favorable for bringing residents and visitors “a classic winter wonderland.” Whether commuting on the Front Range or driving up to higher elevations, all Coloradans will likely experience some cold, wet, and icy conditions over the next six months.

“The first few snow and ice events of every season can create some chaos on our roadways, especially if drivers aren’t prepared,” stated Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “November was our peak ‘winter-weather’ month for crashes last year, with troopers responding to over 2,450 crashes. Now is the time for drivers to change their mindset and driving behaviors to match the road conditions.”

Most of the crashes investigated by Colorado State Patrol last November were property damage (85%), causing thousands of drivers’ headaches with the insurance process, costs, parts availability, and repair shop workload.

“This is also the time of the year when we begin seeing more vehicles stuck or stopped on the side of the road unnecessarily,” explained Colonel Packard. “If drivers don’t take care of their vehicles and prepare them for winter, this is when it shows.”

Five Ways to Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready

1. Maintain Your Tires – the quality of your tires is paramount. All vehicles in Colorado must have adequate traction. Colorado defines acceptable tires as those with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch, and which are rated for either “All weather” or “Mud and Snow.” Remember, as the air temperature drops, tire pressure can decrease. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and fill them to reduce the risk of punctures, blowouts and reduced handling.
2. Maintain Your Battery – cold weather can strain your battery, so keep your battery fully charged. When possible, park in a warm or protected location (e.g., garage or sheltered spot), use a battery blanket, and avoid short trips that don’t allow enough time for your battery to charge fully.
3. Check Your Fluids – every fluid in your vehicle will help it perform better during colder months. Change your oil and filters, flush and refill coolant/antifreeze, and refill your windshield wiper fluid.
4. Visibility is Key - don’t wait until the first snowfall to get a snowbrush and scraper for your car. And now is the time to put on a fresh set of windshield wipers.
5. Pack an Emergency Kit – getting caught in a snowstorm doesn’t just happen when traveling in the mountains. Whether you’re sitting in a line due to a crash, waiting because a road is closed due to conditions, or sliding off and getting stuck, your kit may save your life. Be sure to have a first-aid kit, shovel, thermal blanket and snacks.
   
   [Photo: Colorado State Patrol]