2-ALARM FIRE NEAR WINDSOR LAKE IN DENVER

Firefighters battled a two-alarm residential fire near Windsor Lake in Denver on Wednesday. No injuries were reported. 

[Photo: Denver Fire]

COLD BLOOD: ROYBAL-SMITH SENTENCED IN 4TH SLAYING

Cold-blooded Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith - convicted of murdering three men in June 2025 - was sentenced to an additional 30 years in prison in the cold case killing of a woman in Englewood.

Margaret “Meg” Eberhart died in hospital on June 24, 2022, two days after an attack near Englewood Civic Center. She was a passenger in a rideshare and stopped to use a portable lavatory at about 3 a.m. on June 22. The rideshare driver heard her scream and called for help.

A police officer "encountered Roybal-Smith walking away from the area where Eberhart was found," however, "Roybal-Smith told the officer he had not done anything wrong and continued walking," prosecutors said.

"Based on the limited evidence at the time, officers did not have probable cause to arrest Roybal-Smith for murder," prosecutors said.

Surveillance video later showed him following - but not attacking - the woman. Last year, Roybal-Smith, 39, was tied to the Eberhart killing through DNA evidence. 

Earlier this year, Roybal-Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the strangling of his cellmate at the Denver Jail, hours after Roybal-Smith killed two homeless men on East Colfax Avenue in Aurora last June. 

He is already serving concurrent terms of 56 years in the jail murder and 80 years in the East Colfax killings and imprisoned at the Centennial Correctional Facility in Canon City. 

Eberhart’s murder presented a challenge for investigators.

"The medical examiner identified multiple injuries, including hemorrhaging and abrasions and contusions, but ultimately determined that the cause and manner of death were undetermined." prosecutors said. "The medical examiner also clarified that an undetermined finding did not rule out criminality or Roybal-Smith being responsible for Eberhart’s death. No charges were filed after the initial investigation."

Royal-Smith was on parole at the time Eberhart slaying and - in another twist in a complicated set of circumstances - convicted in crimes committed "the day before Eberhart’s death," prosecutors said. He was paroled again in 2025 - and killed again.

[Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections]

BEAR REGRETS CLIMBING POWER POLE

Rangers and deputies safely relocated a bear perched atop a power pole in Custer County on Wednesday with the assistance of a Sangre De Cristo Electric Association crew, the sheriff's office said.
[Photo: Custer County Sheriff]

INJURED FIREFIGHTER MAKING PROGRESS

West Metro Firefighter Jarrod Leonard, who suffered a severe brain injury in a 50-foot fall during training, has been transferred from a hospital to a transitional care facility.

"Jarrod still has a long road ahead, but this move marks another step forward," West Metro officials said. The next goal is to move Leonard to a neurological rehabilitation facility. The training accident occurred in rocky terrain near Morrison on July 29. "We continue to be grateful for the support and well wishes from our community, as well as our fire and law enforcement partners who have supported Jarrod, his family and West Metro throughout this difficult time," officials said. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

TODAY IS 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOP COP'S BIZZARE DEATH

On Aug. 12, 1906, Pueblo Mounted Police Officer William Shellman, 45, died at St. Mary’s Hospital - a week after surviving a lightning strike atop his horse. Shellman was patrolling his beat in the Bessemer district during an electrical storm when he was struck, knocking him off his four-legged partner. "He complained of feeling unwell all week and on Saturday night called police headquarters to advise them that he was on his way to the hospital," according to police history. "He died there several hours later, early Sunday morning."
Shellman immigrated from Doderhult, Kalmar, Sweden in 1875, and joined the Pueblo Police Department in May 1905. He was survived by his wife and six children, Bertha, 20, Pearl, 14, Winnie, 12, Frances, 11, Myron, 8, and Allida, 3. 

The man was a no-nonsense cop, the Colorado Daily Chieftain reported on June 25, 1905.

"Shellman has been establishing a good record for the last few weeks in making several arrests as well as looking after stray cattle. When he finds a victim Shellman does not walk him along by the arm to the call box, but sits his horse and drives his man in front of him," the Chieftain said.

MESSY FIRE IN AURORA ILLUSTRATES COMMUNITY HAZARD

Firefighters doused and raked a garbage truck's dumped, smelly, smoldering cargo on an Aurora street on a hot summer day.

The driver spotted flames on the vehicle’s video feed as it was making rounds in the 16500-block of East Brown Drive on Tuesday.

"Acting quickly, he positioned the truck in the middle of the residential street, away from homes, vehicles and vegetation, and dumped the burning contents onto the roadway," fire officials reported. "It took approximately 30 minutes to fully extinguish the burning pile." The cause is unknown. No one was hurt.

"Lithium-ion batteries - including those found in electronics, power tools and mobility devices - should never be placed in household trash," officials cautioned the public. "Aerosol cans, oils and flammable liquids can also create a serious fire hazard."

[Photo: Aurora Fire]

GRAND JUNCTION MOURNS 5 TEENS KILLED IN WRECK

Grand Junction is mourning the deaths of five teenage boys killed in a weekend auto crash.

The wreckage was discovered Sunday morning. The accident apparently occurred Saturday night when the vehicle veered off a cliff along Lookout Lane.

"We grieve alongside our community and stand together to support one another," Grand Junction police said.

All the boys were 17. Three wore seat belts, including the driver and front-seat passenger. Speed may have been a factor.

[Photo: Grand Junction Police]

MICROBURST BLAMED FOR DEADLY FIRE IN GREELEY

A power line downed by a microburst ignited a fatal brush fire in Greeley, the city fire department said Tuesday.
The blaze broke out at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, killing a woman and a dog and critically injuring a man in a homeless encampment. A fire department statement said: "Investigators determined that the fire began in an area of dry vegetation located beneath a high‑voltage electrical transmission corridor.

"A localized dry microburst produced extreme wind gusts estimated between 85 and 100 mph. These winds displaced multiple wooden transmission-support structures, creating abnormal mechanical stress on the electrical system. "This stress caused an energized conductor to fail at a compression connector, releasing electrical energy that ignited the vegetation below. Strong winds rapidly pushed the fire across approximately 22 acres of highway property and nearby rights‑of‑way. "The fire extended into a nearby encampment, resulting in one civilian fatality, one canine fatality, and critical burn injuries to a second civilian. The investigation found no evidence that the fire originated within the encampment or that it was intentionally set."

WHOA! TIRE BLOWOUT LEADS TO FIRE ON I-25 IN LONE TREE

A tire blowout led to an auto fire Tuesday on I-25 in Lone Tree.

No one was injured in the mishap involving an electric auto in the southbound lanes near the Lincoln Avenue ramp.

The driver reported "a blown tire and was attempting to exit the interstate when the front storage compartment caught fire," South Metro Fire said. "No lithium-ion batteries were affected by the fire." The ramp was closed for an extended time. [Photos: South Metro Fire]

COP KILLS GUNMAN HOLDING HOSTAGE IN LONGMONT

A police officer shot and killed an armed suspect holding a hostage in Longmont, city officials said.

Monday afternoon's incident stemmed from a domestic dispute at a home near the intersection of Creekside Drive and Eagle View Circle.

"The suspect stated several times that he had a gun and refused to comply with multiple commands," officials said. "Following those commands and the suspect's refusal to cooperate, an officer fired his weapon."

The man, age 20, was pronounced dead at hospital. He was believed to be "a defendant in a pending case in Boulder County, involving the same victim," officials said.

BURGLARY SUSPECTS FLEE ON PADDLE BOARDS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

A pair of teen burglary suspects were arrested after fleeing into the middle of a lake on paddle boards, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.

"With help from the City of Lakewood Park Rangers, deputies boarded a patrol boat, contacted the juvenile suspects and safely brought them back to shore," officials said. They were charged with burglary and criminal trespass for breaking into the lodge at Soda Lakes last week. One of the teens was reported to be "yelling and smashing walls and windows with two-by-fours" inside the lodge, officials said.

PARTY TIME FOR DENVER ZOO'S LITTLE LIONS

The Denver Zoo will host a birthday party on Aug. 13 for lion cubs Guion, Alpine Lily, Poppy and Olive who are turning one. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

LIFE IN STATE PRISON FOR WESTMINSTER KILLER

An Adams County judge sentenced Jesse Gladney, 38, to life in prison without parole for murdering a woman during a during a domestic violence incident on June 8, 2024.

The incident began at the Super 8 Motel located at 12055 North Melody Drive in Westminster where Glaney forced a woman into an auto.

The victim, Valarie Garcia, 36, died at Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton, from a single bullet wound to her chest, according to prosecutors.

[Photo: Westminster Police]

RESCUERS SENT TO WRONG LOCATION - 40 MILES AWAY

Fire and rescue crews in Wray, Colorado, were erroneously dispatched to a report of a person struck by a freight train on Sunday night - only to discover that the accident occurred 40 miles to the east near Benkelman, Nebraska.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office and Colorado State Patrol sent drones to scour the tracks during search in and around Wray, which is located in northeast Colorado.

"After an exhaustive search and further communication with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, it was discovered that this accident had been reported in error to Wray," according to the Wray Police Department.
Rescuers in Nebraska located the victim 2.5 miles east of Benkelman on old Highway 34. She was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, said Sheriff K.C. Bang of Dundy County.

Authorities provided no reason for the miscommunication. 

[Photo: Wikipedia file photo]

BLAZE DAMAGES 2 HOMES IN AURORA

Fire damaged two homes Monday night in Aurora.

No injuries were reported in the blaze in the 11500-block of East Alaska Avenue, according to Aurora Fire. Seven people were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross with temporary housing. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

36 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTING TO RUN DOWN DEPUTY

Steven Hudson was sentenced to 36 years in prison for attempting to run down a sheriff’s deputy during an undercover fentanyl bust in Limon, prosectors said.

Hudson, 32, of Crowley County, who has a lengthy criminal record, also pointed a handgun at Lincoln County deputies during the May 2025 crime.

"Hudson slammed into two vehicles before steering directly at an officer, narrowly missing him," prosectors said. "As officers entered the vehicle to arrest him, Hudson grabbed a handgun and pointed it at them.

"Officers quickly disarmed him and took him into custody after multiple Taser deployments," prosecutors said.

[Photo: 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office]

FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN PARKER; NO INJURIES

Firefighters extinguished a blaze Monday at a home at 23385 Mill Valley Place in Parker, South Metro Fire said. No injuries were reported. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

5 DIE WHEN AUTO VEERS OFF CLIFF; SPEED MAY BE FACTOR

UPDATE

An auto carrying five people veered off a cliff, killing all aboard, the Grand Junction Police Department said Sunday.

"Speed is being looked at as a factor" in the crash in the 2000-block of Lookout Lane, police said.

Preliminary evidence indicates "the vehicle was traveling southbound on Lookout Lane when it veered off the roadway and down the steep incline of the hillside," police said.

A caller reported the wreck to 911 at about 7:45 a.m. Sunday.

"Five individuals were found deceased, suspected to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash," police said.

In a separate accident in Grand Junction, a motorcyclist died Saturday in a collision with a truck at Highway 6 and 50 and G Road, police said. 

[Photos: Grand Junction Police]

3 BEARS SKIP GOLDILOCKS, PORRIDGE; GO FOR SWIM IN PALMER LAKE

These three bears - a sow and two cubs - opted for a dip in Palmer Lake near a shaded bank rather than meeting up with Goldilocks and eating porridge. The cubs found the water "just right." [Photos: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, courtesy of Ron Hazeloop]

BLAZE STRIKES AUTO PARTS STORE IN LAKEWOOD

Fire damaged an auto parts store early Saturday on West Colfax Avenue near Chase Street in Lakewood, West Metro Fire said. The alarm was received when the building’s sprinkler system activated at about 12:30 a.m. The fire started inside an interior wall. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

4 INJURED IN HEAD-ON CRASH IN THORNTON

Four people were injured Sunday in a head-on crash in Thornton.

One person required extrication and paramedics "administered whole blood to critically injured patients before they were transported for further medical care," Thornton Fire said. North Metro Fire, South Adams Fire and Adams County Fire also responded to the accident at 100th Avenue and Riverdale Road. [Photos: Thornton Fire]

SUSPECT FACES HOMICIDE CHARGE IN 'DELIBERATE' HIT & CRASH IN DENVER

Nathan Eastman, 40, was arrested as a suspect in a deliberate hit-and-run crash that killed a woman riding a motorcycle in Denver, police said Sunday. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Sheridan Boulevard and Hampton Street on Saturday night - and the vehicle was discovered abandoned shortly after the crash, police said. "Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the vehicle intentionally struck the victim’s motorcycle causing the crash," police said. Eastman faces a charge of vehicular homicide, police said. The woman was pronounced dead at hospital.

AURORA COPS IDENTIFY HIT & RUN AUTO IN FATAL CRASH

UPDATE

Investigators positively identified an auto that killed a bicyclist in a hit-and-run crash in Aurora, police said Thursday. They had been looking for a 2015-2019 white Subaru Outback. The accident occurred July 27 on South Powhaton Road near East Jewell Avenue and the bicyclist's body was found on July 28. Police provided no other information.

PLEASE BEAR WITH US LITTLE BUDDY

A mother bear and her cub were captured Thursday inside the Fruita city limits and safely returned to the wild, police said.

[Photo: Fruita Police] 

2 INJURED ESCAPING HOUSE FIRE

Two people were injured escaping a raging house fire early Thursday near the intersection of Larimer County Roads 29 and 18E, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority said. [Photo: Loveland Fire]

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]