DAILY SKETCH
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ARVADA COPS WRANGLE RUNAWAY MABEL THE COW
In Arvada, police wrangled a runaway cow named Mabel near 72nd Avenue and Indiana Street over the weekend. "Mabel can spot rookie cowboys miles away and came along willingly," police said. She was reunited with her owner. [Photo: Arvada Police]
WRONG-WAY DRIVER CAUSES CRASH ON I-25 IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
UPDATE
A wrong-way driver caused a crash early Wednesday on southbound I-25 near Plum Creek Road in Douglas County, the state patrol said.
"When troopers arrived at the scene, they found a Chevrolet pickup and a silver Toyota sedan that had collided head on," the patrol said. "The preliminary investigation shows the Chevrolet was going northbound in the southbound lanes when it hit the Toyota.
"The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries," the patrol said. "The driver of the Toyota was checked on scene by medical personnel but refused to be transported."
The Silverado was driven by a 56-year-old man from Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Camry was driven by a 36-year-old man from Aurora.
40 BATTLE HOUSE FIRE ON EAST CRESTLINE CIRCLE IN ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Four occupants escaped the raging blaze in the 11000-block of East Crestline Circle. One person was treated by paramedics at the scene and released.
"It was determined that one vehicle was a hybrid and crews pulled that vehicle from the garage as a precaution," officials said. Three autos were parked in the garage.
[Photo: South Metro Fire]
IT'S BIGGER THAN A PICNIC BASKET, SAYS YOGI BEAR
ONE PERSON DEAD AS FIVE AUTOS CRASH IN COMMERCE CITY; DUI SUSPECT ARRESTED
UPDATE
A five-vehicle crash claimed a life early Wednesday in Commerce City.
Several people were transported to hospital, according to Commerce City police.
The alleged at-fault driver, age 20, faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, police said.
The accident occurred in the 11900-block of Highway 85 and shut down all lanes of traffic.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
SUSPICIOUS DEATH NEAR LUDLOW MASSACRE MEMORIAL
A body was discovered in an abandoned building near the Ludlow Massacre Memorial and the "circumstances surrounding the death appear to be suspicious," the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.
A visitor discovered the body at the site, which is 15 miles north of Trinidad, on May 17, and authorities identified deceased as James Hedges, 46, of Trinidad. The building is located near Country Road 44 and County Road 61.5.
The memorial honors 20 or so people - men, woman, and children - killed at the site in April 1914 during the Colorado Coalfield War between striking miners, the Colorado National Guard and company security forces in April 1914.
If you have information, contact the CBI or the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office (719) 846-2211, extension 7.
HUNGRY BEARS SEEK FINE DINING IN ARVADA AND WHEAT RIDGE
Bear sightings have been on the rise in Arvada and Wheat Ridge - mostly west of Ward Road - as the drought hurts burly beasts' natural food supply, Arvada police said.
"Take your bird feeders down if there are sightings near you, don't leave your pets outside unsupervised, and make sure your trash cans are secured," police said. Call police to report sightings. [Photo: Arvada Police]
DOUBLE SEMI SKIDS, FLIPS IN GRAND COUNTY
A double semi-truck crashed on Highway 9 Tuesday south of Kremmling, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said. No other information was released. [Photo: Grand County Sheriff]
COPS BUST BIG DOPE RING ON WESTERN SLOPE, ARREST 21 SUSPECTS
A wiretap investigation led to the arrests of 21 suspects believed to be sources of illegal narcotics peddled across Mesa County, officials said Tuesday. The investigation - by local, state and federal agencies - spanned from late 2025 to early 2026. "In total, law enforcement seized more than 10,400 fentanyl pills, approximately 62.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 13.11 pounds of cocaine, and additional illegal substances with an estimated street value of approximately $450,000," the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said. "In addition, other seizures related to this case include approximately $117,000 in U.S. currency and eight vehicles," CBI said. [Photo: CBI]
KIDNAPPED? DOG GOES MISSING FROM TATTERED COVER IN DENVER
A friendly, bandana-wearing Labrador named Ezra vanished from the pedestrian alley outside the popular Tattered Cover bookstore at 2526 East Colfax Avenue in Denver.
He was "hooked up on a leash" while his owner went inside to buy a book, his owner said - and she's "devastated."
Ezra went missing at about noon Saturday. He's age 6 and weighs 65 to 70 pounds - "but looks like a puppy."
AUTO SLAMS INTO HOUSE IN DENVER; AT LEAST 3 HURT
UPDATE
An auto crashed into a house overnight in Denver, police said Tuesday.
The accident occurred in the vicinity of West 10th Avenue and North Perry Street and "at least" were transported to hospital, a police spokesperson said.
No other information was released.
DUCK QUACKS 'CALL 911' FOR TRAPPED DUCKLINGS IN WHEAT RIDGE
Firefighters and police rescued seven ducklings trapped in a storm drain near Wheat Ridge High School after their frantic mother quacked for help. A caller reported hearing "a very determined mother duck quacking" after her brood fell through the grate, fire officials said. "The crew with West Metro Engine 17 responded, removed the grate, and climbed down into the storm drain, carefully lifting the ducklings out one by one," officials said.
Reunited, they waddled off on May 8.
Monday, May 18, 2026
QUAKE RATTLES WALSENBURG; SECOND TO HIT SOUTHERN COLORADO THIS MONTH
No injuries or major damage were reported, according to the Colorado Department of Homeland and Emergency Management.
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]
Sunday, May 17, 2026
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
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
COPS CLOSE I-70 FOR DUCK, DUCKLINGS
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.
[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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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
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]
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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
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.
Monday, May 11, 2026
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.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
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]














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