QUAKE RATTLES WALSENBURG; SECOND TO HIT SOUTHERN COLORADO THIS MONTH

A mild earthquake rattled the Walsenburg area on Monday - the second trembler to strike southern Colorado this month.

No injuries or major damage were reported, according to the Colorado Department of Homeland and Emergency Management. 

The quake, which occurred at 6:29 a.m., measured 3.0 and was centered about 2 miles south-southwest of the city, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

There are about 90 "potentially active faults" across the state, according to the Colorado Geological Survey.

Earlier this month, a mild earthquake rattled Trinidad. The 4.0 trembler struck south of the Colorado-New Mexico border on May 7, officials said.

The largest recorded quake in state history struck north-central Colorado on Nov. 7, 1882, and shook Denver, 60 miles from the epicenter.

[Image: USGS]

PUPPIES FOUND BENEATH FLOORBOARDS NEAR EVANS

Three puppies and two adult dogs were discovered living in the ruins of a vacant, burned-out home near Evans.

An animal control officer "heard puppy squeaks coming from under the floorboards," according to the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
The rescue occurred in late April after a neighbor reported the two adults wandering the area. The property owner said the dogs weren't his and gave the animal control officer permission to enter the dwelling.

The canines were transported to an animal shelter - "another doggone great rescue in the books," the sheriff's office said.

PRAIRIE FIRE CRASHES ACROSS OKLAHOMA BORDER INTO BACA COUNTY

A monster prairie fire crashed into southeastern Colorado from the Oklahoma panhandle Sunday, engulfing more than 28,000 acres, Springfield Fire said.

The small town of Campo was evacuated. Campo is located in Baca County. Surrounding communities sent mutual aid while aerial tankers took to the sky.

"The fire line is currently holding around Campo," Baca County Emergency Management said. The blaze started in Cimarron County, Oklahoma.

No injuries were reported.

[Photo: Springfield Fire Department]

PARENTS DOTE ON NEW ARRIVAL AT DENVER ZOO

At the Denver Zoo, Rain, an 18-year-old Cape buffalo, and her mate, Boots, welcomed their new child, a healthy male calf. Rain gave birth May 11. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

TRAIN KILLS PEDESTRIAN IN DENVER

A pedestrian died after being struck by a light train in the vicinity of North Quebec Street and Smith Road, police said early Monday. No other information was released.

GUNMAN DEAD ON WEASEL WAY IN FRANKTOWN

A gunman died Sunday at a home on Weasel Way in Franktown after a confrontation with a deputy, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. "A child inside the home called 911 to report an adult male was assaulting their grandmother, with another child also inside the residence," the sheriff's office said.

"When deputies arrived, one child was exiting the front door," the sheriff's office said. "While the door was open, a deputy observed the adult suspect inside holding a handgun pointed at the deputy, and one deputy fired shots. "The children and grandmother were safely removed from the home," the sheriff's office said. "The suspect was later found deceased inside the residence." A law enforcement vehicle responding to the call hydroplaned in heavy rain and crashed. [Photo: Douglas County Sheriff]

ONE DEAD IN CRASH ON I-25 IN DENVER

UPDATE

A motorist died Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on I-25 in Denver.

They were pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck in the northbound HOV lane of the interstate at 20th Street, according to police. Another person was transported to hospital with serious injuries, police said. In a separate incident, a scooter rider was seriously injured in a collision with an auto Saturday at 13th Avenue and Holly Street in Denver.

STATUE STOLEN FROM GREELEY PARK FOUND AT SCRAP YARD

A life-sized bronze statue cut from its base at Greeley's Glenmere Park was recovered at a scrap yard, police said Sunday.

The Prize Catch was cut at the ankles Tuesday and sold to the yard later that day. "Detectives have since recovered the artwork and returned it to the Parks Department," police said. "While the statue is home, the investigation is ongoing." If you have any information, contact Detective Labracke at lisa.labracke@greeleypd.com [Photos: Greeley Police]

YOUTH ARRESTED IN STABBING IN DENVER

A youth was arrested as a suspect in the stabbing of another youth in northeast Denver, police said Sunday.

The stabbing occurred overnight in the 5300-block of North Elkhart Street and the victim was transported to the hospital, police said. The suspect faces charges first-degree assault, police said.

LARGE FIGHT BREAKS OUT AT GRADUATION PARTY NEAR LA SALLE

A man and woman were arrested after a disturbance at a graduation party Saturday night on Weld County Road 394 near La Salle, the sheriff's office said.

911 calls indicated "10-20 people were actively fighting" and the first deputies on the scene called for backup after they encountered "a large, intoxicated crowd," officials said. One deputy was assaulted but not seriously injured while trying to make an arrest. Blanca Marquez-Nino, 40, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault on a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer, officials said. Carlos Renteria, 26, was arrested on suspicion of "weapon-prohibited use-drunk with a gun" and reckless endangerment. Renteria "had allegedly gone to a location south of where the party was taking place and fired off several rounds with a pistol," officials said. "This angered the homeowners and they allegedly disarmed Renteria, cleared the gun, and kicked Renteria off their property. "Renteria allegedly reentered the homeowner’s property and instigated a physical fight. Renteria then left the residence on foot" but was located by a drone." officials said.

COPS CLOSE I-70 FOR DUCK, DUCKLINGS

 

A Colorado state trooper and Clear County sheriff's deputy closed busy I-70 westbound near Downieville on Thursday to help a wayward duck and her ducklings cross to safety from the express lane.

Travelers called to report the family's plight - and all are well.

"I-70 is a great way for cars to cross the state, but not so great for ducks to cross the street," the sheriff's office said.
[Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff] 

STABBING ON HIGH STREET IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Thursday in the 1500-block of North High Street in Denver, police said. They were transported to hospital. Police were seeking a suspect. No other information was released.

112 YEARS IN PRISON FOR LITTLETON KIDNAPPER

Rye Austin Lee Schaben, 41, convicted of kidnapping and assaulting a woman he met online, was sentenced to 112 years in prison by an Arapahoe County judge.

The woman managed to flee the attack in a Littleton park and ran to a home on West Briarwood Avenue for help early on the morning of May 14, 2024.

Assistant prosecutor Michael Gannon said the attack inflicted "terror and trauma" on the woman.

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

COPS SAY DOG ABANDONED, TIED TO POLE IN COMMERCE CITY

Commerce City police went to the aid of an abandoned dog that a Good Samaritan found tied to a utility pole.

The dog was placed in an animal shelter "where she’s bound to find a forever family who won’t mistreat her again," police said.  The dog is described as a "Mastiff mix."

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

STUDENT WITH GUN TACKLED AT OVERLAND HIGH SCHOOL IN AURORA

A student packing a loaded gun was chased, tackled and arrested Wednesday at Overland High School in Aurora. No shots were fired. No injuries were reported. The student faces weapons charges. At about 8:40 a.m., the student, age 16, "was spotted with a gun while in the hallways of the high school," police said. "Someone noticed the weapon, shouted out to alert staff members who then chased after the teen and tackled him to the ground."

A school resource officer detained the youth and recovered the "loaded weapon," and the school on East Jewell Avenue was locked down, police said.

TRUCK FIRE SPREADS ALONG HIGHWAY 50 IN FREMONT COUNTY

In Fremont County, a truck fire spread into brush along Highway 50 on Wednesday evening, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported. [Photo: Fremont County Sheriff]

ARREST AFTER SECOND FIRE AT BAR AND GRILL IN CASTLE ROCK

Police made an arrest after fire broke out early Wednesday at The Hideaway Bar and Grill in Castle Rock - the second blaze at the establishment in two days. The fire broke out at the rear of the restaurant at 600 Jerry Street and threatened a neighboring building, which sustained minor damage. The alarm came in at 3:51 a.m. and the fire was declared under control at 5:15 a.m. "An individual was taken into custody on other charges and is currently considered a person of interest," Castle Rock Fire said. Co-owner Robert Stroh told Denver 7: "It's kind of unbelievable, back-to-back. I've been in the business for 40 years. My wife has too. And, you know, we thought getting through COVID was a tough thing, but this is going to be even more interesting,"

No injuries were reported. South Metro Fire and Franktown Fire also responded.

VIEW ALONG HIGHWAY 125 IN THE ROCKIES

Majestic scene along Highway 125 north on Granby on Tuesday.

[Photo: Sam Del Giudice]

FIRE ROARS ON EAST HAMPDEN AVE. IN DENVER

A 2-alarm fire broke out Wednesday at an apartment building in southeast Denver. Crews reported heavy fire "throughout the building" at 8525 East Hampden Avenue, the fire department said.

One person was injured and transported to hospital. [Photo: Denver Fire Department]

SHELTER DOG GIVES BIRTH TO 4 PUPS AFTER EMERGENCY SURGERY

Razzle, a dog surrendered to a vet, delivered four puppies after an emergency caesarian section, the Denver Animal Shelter said.

All five have found new families.

Razzle was "struggling to give birth" and the surgery saved her life and the lives of her puppies, the shelter said. "Razzle and her family came to the shelter, where they got the care they needed and a chance to heal in a loving foster home," the shelter said. Razzle was adopted by her foster family.
[Photo: Denver Animal Shelter]

TESLA CRASHES INTO SCHOOL, BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN LONE TREE, 1 HURT

UPDATE

A Tesla electric vehicle crashed into a school and burst into flames Wednesday in Lone Tree.

The Primrose School at 9200 Teddy Lane was evacuated and one person was transported to hospital, South Metro Fire said.

A Hazmat team wrapped a protective cover over the Tesla after the fire was out due to risky battery material.

"There were a total of 100 occupants, 78 minors and 22 adults, that safely evacuated from the building," South Metro said. "We want to commend the staff for their quick, efficient actions."
[Photos: South Metro Fire]

WILD TURKEY HITCHES RIDE ON NORTH METRO FIRE ENGINE

A wild turkey landed Tuesday night on North Metro Engine 67 in Broomfield dutifully waiting for the next alarm.

[Photo: North Metro Fire]

BROKEN ANKLES: BRONZE STATUE CUT FROM BASE IN GREELEY PARK

A life-sized bronze statue was cut at the ankles and stolen from Glenmere Park in Greeley - in broad daylight. The Prize Catch was carried off at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday - the latest in a string of high-profile metal thefts, including the taking of two statues from outside a church in downtown Denver. "A white box truck was spotted in the immediate area at the time of the theft and is believed to be involved," Greeley police said. "We are asking local metal recyclers to keep a sharp eye out for bronze material that appears to be part of a statue," police said. If you have information or surveillance video, call Greeley police (970) 350-9605. [Photos: Greeley Police]

BEAR BROWSING BROOMFIELD

A bear visited the Anthem Ranch neighborhood in north Broomfield on Tuesday. It was spotted near Highway 7 and Lowell Boulevard - and on Bierstadt Loop, police said. [Photo: Broomfield Police]

PERSON SENT TO HOSPITAL FROM AURORA FIRE

In Aurora, fire broke out Tuesday at a home in the 13900-block of East Linvale Place. "The incident was under control within 20 minutes," Aurora Fire said. "One adult was transported to the hospital for evaluation." [Photo: Aurora Fire]

CORONER REPORTS ON RUNWAY DEATH

The runway trespasser killed at Denver International Airport stepped into the path of the jetliner. Medical Examiner Sterling McLaren said: "We determined the manner of death to be suicide.”  The pilot aborted takeoff; 12 people on the jet were hurt Friday.

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE TRAPPED KITTENS

In Colorado Springs, firefighters cut through drywall to a rescue pair of kittens trapped for three days in an attic. The kittens are alive and well. 
[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire Department]

TEEN ARRESTED IN SHOOTING THAT INJURED WOMAN, 86, IN COMMERCE CITY

Jeremiah Tyrae Herrera, 19, was arrested as a suspect in a shooting that critically injured an 86-year-old woman caught in crossfire in Commerce City, police said Tuesday. The woman was sitting in a car at 60th Avenue and Monaco Street on Monday afternoon and is expected to survive. Herrera, who was located after a search of the neighborhood, "is accused of firing shots at two individuals across the street and inadvertently striking the victim," police said. The teen faces charges of attempted murder as well possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. [Photo: Commerce City Police]

MOTORCYCLE, BUS COLLIDE IN DENVER

One person was injured when a motorcycle and bus collided Monday in the vicinity of South Federal Boulevard and West Iliff Avenue in Denver, police said. No other information was released.

TWO WOUNDED IN WEST COLFAX SHOOTING

Two people were wounded in an overnight shooting near the 3200-block of West Colfax Avenue in Denver, police said Tuesday. They were transported to hospital. Officers are conducting an investigation. No other information was released.

INNOCENT BYSTANDER: WOMAN, 86, SHOT IN CAR IN COMMERCE CITY

UPDATE

An 86-year-old woman believed to be an "innocent bystander" was shot Monday in Commerce City, police said. A suspect was arrested. The crime occurred at 60th Avenue and Monaco Street.

"The victim was in her car at the intersection when shots were fired, and she was transported to the hospital for treatment," police said.

HERO COPS RUSH INTO BURNING HOME, SAVE DOG IN WESTMINSTER

 

Brave Westminster police officers raced into a house fire and carried a trapped dog to safety before firefighters arrived.

The homeowner and another dog had already escaped. "Our officers rushed into the burning home, rescued the frightened dog, and reunited her with her owner," police said.
Bodycams documented the rescue at 4:24 a.m. on May 3. There were no injuries. The Westminster Fire Department extinguished the blaze.

[Photos: Westminster Police]

REFINERY BELCHES FLAMES IN COMMERCE CITY

A giant tower at a petroleum refinery in Commerce City belched fire and smoke after a power outage on Monday.

Police responded to the scene for traffic control. No injuries were reported.
"No action by the public is required," Suncor Energy Inc. said. Such "venting" is common after a mechanical shutdown. The facility at 5801 Brighton Boulevard, near the Denver border, is the largest refinery in the Rocky Mountain region and processes 98,000 barrels a day.

"Flaring, steam venting, and fire training are part of normal, day-to-day operations as well as maintenance activities," according to Suncor's website.

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

I DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' CUP, SKUNK TELLS PARKER COP

A brave cop went to the aid of a befuddled skunk with a discarded paper cup wrapped around its head in Parker.

"After a few careful attempts with a catchpole, the officer made a bold call, rolled the dice and removed the cup by hand," police said.

Mission accomplished, the skunk went on in its merry way without making a stink.

"You're free," the cop can be heard saying in the bodycam video of the April 27 incident. Don't litter, police added.

[Photo: Parker Police]

FLAMES WRECK HOUSE IN ARVADA

Fire wrecked a home in the 17000-block of West 64th Drive in Arvada. 911 callers reported flames at 1:39 p.m. Sunday, Arvada Fire said. No one was hurt. [Photo: Arvada Fire]

COPS SHOOT RIFLEMAN IN MONTROSE

Two police officers shot and wounded a man armed with a rifle in Montrose, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said.

The incident occurred Saturday on Spruce Drive and the man underwent surgery at a local hospital. No one else was injured.

"Body-worn cameras for both involved officers were activated and will be reviewed by investigators," CBI said.

LOST LUGGAGE? LOADED GUN MAGAZINE FOUND ABOARD AIRLINER AT DIA

UPDATE

A loaded gun magazine was discovered aboard a jetliner preparing to depart Denver International Airport.

Fox 31 reported the magazine was apparently left behind by a law enforcement officer taking an earlier flight.

Sunday night's troubling incident occurred on Frontier Airlines Flight 4765, which was bound for Phoenix. Passengers exited the aircraft and were checked again by security personnel. The aircraft was searched, too.

The flight was ultimately cancelled because the crew had exceeded their permitted hours on duty.

MAN DIES IN POSSIBLE VIGILANTE SHOOTING IN THORNTON

A theft suspect was shot dead early Sunday in Thornton and police arrested a possible vigilante. The dead man, age 34, had apparently been breaking into autos and attempted to flee in a truck but crashed into parked cars in the 9700-block of Ogden Court. The alleged gunman, age 23, "was arrested and later released pending charges and further investigation," police said.
"Officers were dispatched to the area after a caller reported that someone was attempting to break into their vehicle and that shots had been fired," police said.

STABBING NEAR 29TH STREET & GLENARM IN DENVER

A person was stabbed overnight near 29th Avenue and Glenarm Place in Denver, police said Monday. The victim was transported to hospital. No other information was released.

HIT & RUN INJURES PERSON IN DENVER

A hit-and-run driver injured a pedestrian Sunday in the 4600-block of West Tennessee Avenue in Denver, police said. No other information was released.

DELIVERY DRIVER STOPS AT WRONG HOME IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

A car crashed into a home Sunday in Highlands Ranch. "The driver reported falling asleep behind the wheel while delivering packages but was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. No one was hurt in the crash in the 9800-block of Wedgewood Drive. [Photo: Douglas County Sheriff]

TRUCK HURTS MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN AURORA

Two people riding a motorcycle were seriously injured Sunday by a tree-trimming truck that was making an "illegal" right turn in Aurora, police said. The accident occurred at Parker Road and Temple Drive. [Photo: Aurora Police]

'LIMBS ON THE RUNWAY': VIDEO SHOWS DIA TRESPASSER INGESTED INTO JET ENGINE

UPDATE

Ghostly security video shows the trespasser killed at Denver International Airport was crossing Runway 17L seconds before being butchered by a jetliner.

The victim - to the left of the video image - was partially ingested into the flaming right engine of Frontier Flight 4345 to Los Angeles about two minutes after jumping the perimeter fence, according to reports. A radio transmission from the accident scene said: "I do have, uh, I do have, uh, limbs on the runway.” The Airbus A-321 aborted takeoff and the crew and passengers exited via emergency chutes as smoke from the burning engine filled the cabin late Friday. Twelve people aboard the aircraft were injured. Five were transported to hospital.

Runway 17L is located due east of the main terminal and points south.

The perimeter fencing is about 10-feet tall and topped by barbed wire. An inspection found no damage. The airport encompasses more than 33,000 acres, making it the largest civilian airfield in North America.

[Photo: DIA]

224 YEARS FOR KILLER OF COLLEGE PROFESSOR

The killer of Haleh Abghari, a professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, was sentenced Wednesday to 224 years in prison, prosecutors said. Ceasar Wilson, 54, stabbed Abghari during a burglary at her home in August 2024. The killer entered the dwelling through an open garage door and stole her car. Wilson, who has a criminal record dating back more than three decades, was convicted by an El Paso County jury in February. He was arrested seven months after the murder living under an alias. Abghari was 54. [Photo: Colorado Springs Police]

COLORADO STATE PATROL LEADING 'CANYON SPIRIT' TRAIN WRECK INVESTIGATION

UPDATE

The state patrol is leading the investigation into the collision of a Canyon Spirit passenger train and a tanker truck carrying hot asphalt tar in western Colorado.

None of the 300 people aboard the scenic excursion were seriously injured when the locomotive plowed into the truck along Highway 6 between Rifle and Silt on Wednesday, authorities said.

"The driver of the tanker truck sustained minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance for medical evaluation," Lief Sackett, chief of Colorado River Fire Rescue said. "No additional patients required transport."

The wreck disrupted Amtrak and freight traffic between Denver and Grand Junction while workers cleared and repaired the tracks. The state patrol said six passenger cars and two locomotives derailed. The crash site is in Garfield County.

Passengers were transported to their destinations by bus. The Canyon Sprit line runs between Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab and Salt Lake City.

[Photos: Castle River Fire]

CASTLE ROCK POLICE 'BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL'

In Castle Rock, police recovered $2,300 in merchandise stolen from nine stores. "We especially want to thank our retail partners for their collaboration," police said. "By providing valuable and timely information, our officers were able to quickly respond." [Photo: Castle Rock Police]

HERO POLICE K9 CREDITED WITH SAVING COP REMEMBERED

A police K9 died in the line of duty on Chipeta Avenue in Grand Junction when a gunman leaned out of a window and opened fire on May 6, 2004. Barking and lunging toward the gunman, K9 "Gero" took one of the 11 rounds fired. His handler returned fire and killed the gunman. "I’m alive today because he is not,” retired Officer Geraldine Earthman recalled last year in an interview with KJCT television.

Officers were attempting to serve a warrant when the gunfire erupted. "To be honest, when I got him, I didn’t like him and he didn’t like me,” Earthman recalled. “I had him about a week, and I got him out to go to the bathroom, and he decided to bite me, and we were rolling around in the parking lot of the police department, deciding who was alpha of the team. I won.”
They became inseparable. “No matter what happened, I could count on him, and I did. I had to, and he was there for me even that day,” Earthman said.

[Photo: Grand Junction Police]

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE LARGE BARN IN LINCOLN COUNTY

Firefighters from Genoa and Hugo stopped a raging building blaze from engulfing an adjacent barn in eastern Colorado on Wednesday.

"Upon arrival, Lincoln County deputies advised that an outbuilding was fully engulfed, with the fire spreading to a nearby barn," Genoa Fire said. "Crews were able to contain the fire before it spread further."

No injuries were reported. "We are thankful for the mutual aid assistance and the teamwork between responding agencies," Genoa Fire said. Limon Fire also responded.

[Photos: Genoa Fire]

SCOOTER AND AUTO COLLIDE IN DENVER

A scooter and auto collided Wednesday at East Green Valley Ranch Boulevard and North Flanders Way in Denver, police said. The scooter rider was transported to hospital with serious injuries. No other information was released by police.

STABBING ON ELIOT STREET IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Wednesday in the 2800-block of North Eliot Street in Denver and transported to hospital, police said. No other information was released.

COLORADO ASSAULT WEAPON BATTLE EXPANDS

The Trump administration sued Colorado over its law restricting large-capacity magazines for rifles a day after it sued Denver over its assault weapons ban, Colorado Newsline reports.

The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday, says the state’s restrictions on magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds violate the Second Amendment rights of Coloradans. 

Ian Escalante, executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, said Colorado “has shown nothing but disdain for our God-given rights for the last decade.” 

Colorado has restricted the sale and possession of magazines carrying more than 15 rounds since 2013, when the Colorado Legislature passed a law following the deadly 2012 mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat who is running for governor, said the lawsuit against the state is a “dangerous overreach” by the Department of Justice and “turns the mission of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division on its head.”

CLIFTON FIREFIGHTERS STOP FAST-MOVING RV BLAZE

On the Western Slope, Clifton firefighters stopped flames that jumped from a burning RV to a fence and shed - "preventing further spread to nearby structures," officials said. No one was hurt in Tuesday's blaze in the 400-block of Smallwood Drive.

[Photo: Clifton Fire]

PASSENGER TRAIN SLAMS INTO TANKER, DERAILS IN RIFLE; NO SERIOUS INJURIES

UPDATE

A passenger train slammed into a tanker truck Wednesday along Highway 6 in Rifle and derailed. No serious injuries were reported.

A passenger said in a social media post that the train carried "300 plus passengers" and "everyone is fine."
The collision occurred near Mile Pond Road, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office said. The train is operated by the Canyon Sprit line, which runs between Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab and Salt Lake City.

"The semi-tanker was split open due to the crash, spilling an estimated 6,000 gallons of road oil onto the ground." the state patrol said. "The driver of the semi-tanker was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries. 

"Six passenger cars and two locomotives were derailed as a result of the crash, with the rail being damaged, split in areas," the patrol said. "It is unknown at this time how many passengers were on the train; however, it is reported that no passengers suffered any injuries."

Buses were called he transport the train passengers.

[Photos: R&R Travel on Facebook, Carbondale Fire, Colorado State Patrol]