1961 JETLINER CRASH LED TO DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT REFORMS

The fiery crash of a United Air Lines DC-8 jetliner at old Stapleton Airport led to reforms in the Denver Fire Department - including modern emergency vehicles, more personnel and a larger airport fire station.

The date was July 11, 1961 - the dawn of the jet age.

"The size and fuels of our airplanes has changed," Denver Fire Chief Allie Feldman said. "Our firefighting equipment has not."

At about 11:35 a.m., Flight 859, inbound from Omaha, spun, scraped and skidded off Runway 26 Left - after a seemingly normal touchdown - and exploded in flames. The four-engine DC-8 also crushed a truck killing its driver.

In all, 18 adults and children died in the mayhem and another 84 people were injured.

"When I went out the door, my hat was on fire," passenger Eva Hershel, 64, of Cedar Rapids, told the Associated Press

Ten minutes before touching down, the pilot reported a minor hydraulic problem and firefighters were placed on "stand-by" at the east end of the runway, standard procedure in such situations.

They chased the skidding DC-8 until it stopped.

Investigators blamed the crash on the failure of two engines to generate reverse thrust upon landing.

Today, the old airport is long gone, and the site of the runway is a pleasant residential neighborhood.

[Photos: Wikipedia]

3 MISSING DURANGO KIDS OK, COPS SAY

Three children who went missing a day ago in Durango were located in good condition early Thursday, police said. A girl, age 8, and two boys. ages 11 and 14, were last seen at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the vicinity of Nedham Drive and Arroyo Drive.

COLD CASE: MISSING WESTMINSTER MOM FOUND DEAD IN CANYON IN JULY 1957

Nora Lois Coursey - missing for three weeks - was found dead beneath a rockpile in Little Deer Creek Canyon in Jefferson County on July 9, 1957.

The murder has never been solved, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Coursey, 30, of 7080 Raritan Street in Westminster, was last seen at Roxy’s Lounge at 3499 South Santa Fe Drive in Denver after attending an afternoon birthday party in Englewood on June 19, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Her car, a 1950 Hudson, was found at East Colfax Avenue and Elm Street in Denver. Her body was buried about a mile west of Phillipsburg off Deer Creek Canyon Road, about 30 miles from Colfax and Elm.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office based its investigation "on the premise that Mrs. Coursey had known her murderer well," according to the News. 

Coursey's husband and former husband were cleared in the case and detectives sought male acquaintances for questioning.

Originally from Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Coursey was the mother of three young children, and was last dressed in a pink blouse with sequins, a pink, gray and white floral skirt, a white high-heeled sandals and a white purse, according to reports.

Her Bulova watch, with a rectangular face, was missing and never recovered. 

[Photos: CBI, Historic Denver, Jefferson County government, Find A Grave]

TEEN DRIVER DIES IN I-70 CRASH IN ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A teen driver died in a crash Wednesday on eastbound I-70 in Arapahoe County, the state patrol said.

The initial investigation indicates the youth was traveling at a high rate of speed, attempted to exit onto Highway 36 at Byers and struck a guardrail.

"The juvenile was wearing a seatbelt but was ejected from the vehicle," the patrol said.

A state trooper and county deputy attempted to revive the victim with CPR however he was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no passengers in the Acura sedan.

CAR FIRE CAUSES BRUSH FIRE ALONG I-25

A car fire caused a half-acre brush fire Wednesday at a rest area along northbound I-25 in Larkspur. "The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames," officials said. "It took 13 firefighters about two hours to put everything out and mop up." No one was hurt. [Photo: Larkspur Fire]

DEPUTIES RESCUE LOST BEAR CUB WITH INJURED PAW

In Custer County, deputies responding to a report of a lost dog on the highway near Airport Road were surprised to find a bear cub that was malnourished, dehydrated and suffering a paw injury. They took it back to their station and turned it over to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for safe keeping, officials said. [Photo: Custer County Sheriff]

FLAMES RIP THROUGH ROOF OF HOME IN DENVER

Flames ripped through the roof of a home in the vicinity of East 51st Avenue and North Netherland Street in Denver. Wednesday's fire started on the back deck and spread into the attic through the eaves, officials said. No one was hurt. [Photos: Denver Fire]

COPS SEEK DRIVER WHO KILLED BIKE RIDER IN AURORA

Shortly after midnight on July 27, this white Subaru Outback killed a bicyclist in Aurora. The car fled - and the bicyclist's body wasn't found until July 28. The tragedy occurred on southbound South Powhaton Road, about a quarter mile north of East Jewell Avenue, and the car was later spotted by traffic cameras southbound on Gun Club Road and East Quincy Avenue at about 12:12 a.m.

"The car will have damage to the front passenger side headlight and hood and may have a missing passenger side fog light," police said Wednesday. "It may possibly also have a cracked driver’s side headlight." The Outback is estimated to be a 2015-2019 model. If you have information, contact Metro Denver CrimeStoppers at (720) 913-7867 regarding Case No. 26-155696.

COLD CASE: KILLER POSED AS GAS STATION ATTENDANT

Homer Abel, 63, a part-time gasoline station attendant, was shot dead on Feb. 27, 1984 - a slaying an investigator called the most cold-blooded he'd ever encountered.

The case has never been solved.

After killing Abel, the suspect posed as a station employee, filled a customer's tank with fuel, took her money - and drove off, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

The suspect was described as a young white man 5-foot-8, standing 150-170 pounds, with dark hair, a dark beard and closely trimmed mustache, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said. He was driving a full-size American-made pickup truck.

Abel worked at the Asamera Gas Station on Highway 6 east of Rifle in Garfield County. He was last seen alive about 15 minutes before customers found his body.

If you have information, contact the Garfield County Sheriff's Office or the cold case unit at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

[Photo: CBI]

TRAPPED SKUNK MAKES NO STINK ABOUT RESCUE

A firefighter rescued a young skunk trapped in a bowl at the Frederick Skatepark on Tuesday. "The skunk wandered off none the worse for wear," officials said. "Not a single firefighter or police officer got sprayed."

[Photo: Frederick Fire]

CREWS BATTLE HOUSE FIRE ON WHEELS ON I-25

Crews battled an RV fire along northbound I-25 in Colorado Springs. No injuries were reported. Tuesday's fire occurred between South Nevada Avenue and Cimarron Street, officials said.
[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire]

NATIONAL GUARD CHOPPER REACHES INJURED CLIMBER

A Colorado National Guard Black Hawk helicopter evacuated a seriously injured mountain climber who plunged 50 feet.

The victim was traversing Little Bear Peak and Blanca Peak in southern Colorado.
Rescuers trekked to the scene and administered medical care, according to Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue. The patient was then airlifted to Alamosa Airport and transferred to a medical helicopter. The National Guard chopper also evacuated the climber's partner, who wasn't injured in Sunday's mishap. "The patient's use of a climbing helmet likely reduced the severity of injuries sustained during the fall," rescue officials said.

[Photo: Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue]

FAKE TEMP TAG LEADS TO DRUGS, STOLEN GUN IN AURORA

Police seized meth, fentanyl and a stolen gun after stopping an auto with a fake temporary license tag early in Aurora. Monday's incident occurred in the vicinity of Mississippi Avenue and South Blackhawk Street. The driver "had two separate warrants for failure to appear and had a revoked driver’s license," police said. He was arrested without incident. [Photo: Aurora Police]

SEMI-TRUCKS CARRYING ACID AND NATURAL GAS COLLIDE IN WELD COUNTY

UPDATE

Two semi-trucks - one carrying hydrochloric acid and the other transporting natural gas - collided early Tuesday in Weld County.

The driver of the acid truck was cited for failing to yield the right of way when proceeding through a stop sign, the Colorado State Patrol.

His vehicle overturned into an irrigation ditch and the acid began leaking.

"Colorado State Patrol HAZMAT units were called to the scene, as well as the Eaton Fire Department for the leak," the patrol said. "It was determined an outer pipe had been split, and units were able to contain the hydrochloric acid."

No one was hurt in the wreck at Weld County Road 66 and Weld County Road 43, northeast of Greeley.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

SPEED DEMON NABBLED IN LINCOLN COUNTY

A deputy stopped a Range Rover Monday cruising at 107 in a 65-mph zone in Lincoln County, the sheriff's office said. 

[Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN COMMERCE CITY

Fire damaged a home early Tuesday in the vicinity of 68th Avenue and Clermont Street in Commerce City, South Adams Fire said. No injuries were reported. The resident escaped. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

ARREST IN ROAD RAGE SHOOTING THAT HURT 2 IN COMMERCE CITY

A suspect was arrested in a road-rage shooting that injured two people inside an auto in Commerce City, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred Saturday night near the Village Crest Apartments in the 6200-block of East 62nd Avenue. "The suspect - riding an e-bike - got into a road rage altercation with the driver of the vehicle," according to police. "The suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the passenger in the head." The suspect was arrested Monday and faces two counts of attempted murder.

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

CURIOUS BABY ORANGUTAN STEALING SHOW AT DENVER ZOO

Rambutan, the Denver Zoo's two-month-old Sumatran orangutan, cuddles with his mother, Hesty. "He's been hitting all his developmental milestones," the zoo said. Little Rambutan is Hesty's first child. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

COPS RESCUE KIDNAPPED PUPPY

Police rescued a puppy kidnapped from a home in Pueblo.

Investigators asked for the public's assistance after the puppy was snatched from 2800-block of Ontario Street on July 26 and issued photos of the suspects and a getaway vehicle. "Thanks to your support, we located the suspects and the puppy is now happily reunited with its owner!" police said Monday. No other information was released. [Photos: Pueblo Police]

WELD COUNTY FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN WYOMING

Fernando Luevano, 44, wanted for attempted murder in Weld County, was arrested Monday on Highway 215 near Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office said. The suspect "was taken into custody without incident after deputies received information he would be traveling through eastern Laramie County," the sheriff's office said. "The increased law enforcement presence in the area was related to this arrest." The Pine Bluffs Police Department provided assistance. [Photo: Laramie County Sheriff]

WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER SUFFERED SEVERE BRAIN INJURY

West Metro firefighter Jarrod Leonard suffered a traumatic brain injury in last week's training accident near Morrison, officials disclosed Monday. Leonard - who fell 50 feet in steep, rocky terrain - "is making small, encouraging improvements, but still faces a long road to recovery," officials said. He remains in serious condition. Leonard has been a member of West Metro for 23 years. He is also a paramedic and technical rescue instructor. The accident occurred Wednesday. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

2-ALARM FIRE RAGES IN AURORA

UPDATE

A two-alarm fire gutted an apartment building Monday at 16203 East Alameda Place in Aurora. One person requested medical attention. Two cats suffered smoke inhalation, officials said. [Photos: Aurora Fire]

AURORA COP INDICTED IN KILLING

An Aurora police officer was indicted in the shooting death of a suspect who dropped a gun during an altercation.

Matthew Neely, 54, is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the killing of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, 37, at Sixth Avenue and Billings Street on the evening of Aug. 30, 2025, prosecutors announced Monday.

Neeley was attempting to stop Belt-Stubblefield for speeding and driving under the influence. Belt-Stubblefield's vehicle crashed and a struggle ensued resulting in the shooting.

3 VEHICLES CRASH, 3 HURT IN BROOMFIELD

In Broomfield, three people were transported to hospital from the scene of a three-vehicle crash at 136th Avenue and Zuni Street, North Metro Fire said. The incident occurred Thursday. [Photo: North Metro Fire]

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE 7 PUPPIES, PET RAT FROM PUEBLO BLAZE

Firefighters saved seven puppies and a pet rat from a house fire in Pueblo on Sunday night, the fire department said.

"Upon arrival fire crews were notified that two adult dogs and a litter of puppies were inside the home," officials said. "The fire was quickly extinguished and search crews managed to save 7 puppies and a pet rat in a cage with some receiving CPR and supplemental oxygen for smoke inhalation," officials said. The adult dogs and one puppy succumbed to the smoke. There were no human casualties. The puppies were placed in the care of the Pikes Peak Humane society. The blaze broke out on the city's northside. [Photos: Pueblo Fire]

FOUR STABBED IN DENVER, SUSPECT ARRESTED

Police arrested a suspect in the stabbings of four people in Denver.

The injuries in Saturday's incident in 5100-block of North Sherman Street were considered "non-life-threatening," police said.

No other information was released.

COUNTY TAKES OVER HARTMAN AS STATE YANKS CHARTER

The Colorado Secretary of State disbanded the troubled municipal government of the tiny town of Hartman in southeast Colorado.

Beset by political bickering and scuffles and allegations of fraud, Hartman, population 50 or less, no longer had a serving board of trustees - they all resigned in January - or a municipal clerk.

The town, in turn, was unable to hold an election.

Prowers County will take charge of the 172-acre town's streets and alleys and assume ownership of Hartman's water system, according to the secretary of state' office.

The move follows a public hearing held earlier this month

[Photo: Wikipedia] 

ACROBATIC BEAR DELIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD

In Fruita, firefighters and state rangers coaxed an acrobatic bear out of a tree near Pabor Avenue and Palo Verde Court on Tuesday. "Our furry friend safely made its way back down to the ground" after rangers administered a tranquilizer, Lower Valley Fire said. [Photo: Lower Valley Fire]

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ROAD RAGE KILLING IN LITTLETON

A man and woman were arrested as suspects in Saturday's deadly road rage shooting in Littleton.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office identified the pair as Steven Simpson, 24, and Corryn Simpson, 25, the driver and passenger of a BMW struck by a Ford truck near West Belleview Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive.

The dead man was identified as Andrew Bott, 23, a passenger in the truck. According to arrest warrant affidavits, Corryn Simpson called Littleton police at 10:28 p.m. to report incident and said the truck fled and they were pursuing it. The dispatcher told them to stop but then heard Steven Simpson make a "threatening statement" - followed by the sound of two gunshots.

At 10:32 p.m., the driver of the truck called Jefferson County 911 to report Bott had been shot in the head. Jefferson County deputies met the truck at Columbine High School. Bott was transported to hospital and pronounced dead.

POKEMON THIEVES SNAG MORE THAN $3,000 IN CARDS IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

Two thieves snagged almost $3,000 in Pokemon card packs from the Highlands Ranch GameStop. The men "headed straight to the back of the store with reusable grocery bags," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. They fled in a black crossover‑style vehicle. The theft occurred last month. If you have information, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867 and reference Case No. 2026-00056412. [Photos: Douglas County Sheriff]

AUTO CAREENS OFF HIGHLANDS RANCH PARKWAY

An auto careened off Highlands Ranch Parkway and down an embankment near South Broadway on Wednesday and the occupant was transported to hospital, South Metro Fire said. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

ROCKSLIDES PUMMEL RED MOUNTAIN PASS

At least eight rockslides blocked Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray. The slides occurred Wednesday night and the cleanup extended into Thursday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The pass is located on U.S. 550. [Photo: CDOT]

LITTLE PIG SAFE AFTER FALLING FROM BIG TRUCK

In Grand Junction, animal wardens rescued a little pig who was injured falling from a large truck. "He's spending some time recovering in foster care and is doing well," officials said. [Photos: Grand Junction Police]

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE IN BRIGHTON SHOOTING

Javid Martinez, 22, was arrested on a charge of attempted first-degree murder in a shooting in Brighton, police said Wednesday.

The victim, also 22, was critically injured in Tuesday night's incident in the 1200-block of East Bridge Street. No other details were released.

If you have information, contact the Brighton Police Department (303) 655-8740 and reference Case No. 12CN26004052.

[Photo: Brighton Police] 

WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER CRITICALLY INJURED IN 50-FOOT PLUNGE

UPDATE

A West Metro firefighter sustained serious injuries during specialized training Wednesday near Morrison.
Jarrod Leonard plunged about 50 feet at the high-angle rescue exercise in steep, rocky terrain west of C-470, officials said. He was admitted to hospital in critical condition. "Jarrod has served the West Metro community for more than 23 years and is one of our technical rescue instructors, helping train firefighters in the specialized skills needed to perform rescues in some of the most challenging environments," officials said.

Leonard is also a paramedic. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

GRIN AND 'BEAR' IT - AND PLEASE STAND BACK

This bear was snapped sniffing around a neighborhood in Lone Tree. "Most bears spotted in residential areas are simply passing through and will move on if they do not find food," city officials said. "Stay calm, keep your distance and allow it an escape route." [Photo: Michelle Benewitz via City of Lone Tree Facebook]

COPS SEEK PUPPY KIDNAPPERS

 

A man and woman kidnapped a puppy from a home in Pueblo and fled in a light-colored vehicle. The bandits struck on July 26 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the 2800-block of Ontario Street, according to police. If you have information, contact the Pueblo Polce Department (719) 553-2502 and reference Case No. CR 26-078123 [Photo: Pueblo Police]