TOY STORY: MODEL F-18 JET CRASHES IN FLAMES IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

A zooming model jet fighter crashed Monday in a field in Douglas County, igniting a half-acre blaze, South Metro Fire said.

No injuries were reported in the unusual toy story along Norh Roxborough Park Road. No homes were threatened. Park rangers contained the flames until fire crews arrived. Fire officials identified the craft as an HSD Turbine F-18 gas-powered model jet. The 12-channel, radio-controlled airplanes have a wingspan of about 44 inches and sell online for more than $3,000, according to an Internet search. South Metro Fire said: "Based on initial reports of the fire’s rate of spread and its proximity to nearby homes, incident command upgraded the response to a wildland-urban interface fire, bringing additional resources to the scene. "The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Helitack crew launched and provided aerial assistance to firefighters by helping identify the fire’s location and access points. No water drops were necessary." Authorities did not identify the owners and operators of the model jet or if they were minors. [Photos: South Metro Fire, HSD]

MAN MURDERED ON FEDERAL BLVD. IN DENVER

A man was murdered and a woman was wounded in a shooting Monday in Denver, police said.

The crime occurred in the 1700-block of North Federal Boulevard and the assailant fled.

"This incident is being investigated as a homicide," police said. "It appears to have started out of a verbal argument that escalated to a shooting." The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was taken to hospital and expected to survive, police said. If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867.

LOOKS LIKE THERE COULD BE WAYMO TROUBLE FOR WAYMO'S ROBOT TAXIS

The Denver Gazette reports a federal agency is warning that robot cars - like Waymo taxis serving Denver - pose a danger to police cars, fire engines and ambulances racing to emergencies.

In letter to autonomous vehicle developers, Jonathan Morrison, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the agency identified “a clear pattern" of robot cars failing to respond to flashing lights as well as driving onto emergency scenes, the Gazette reports.

“This is unacceptable,” Morrison said. “To state it bluntly: an AV that cannot safely interact with first responders is a danger to the general public."

Without directly addressing the letter, Waymo told the Gazette: "Waymo works proactively with first responders in every community where we operate, including in Denver.”

[Photo: Wikipedia]

COPS SEIZE COPPER STOLEN FROM CELL TOWER

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, deputies seized a truck and trailer loaded with copper cables scavenged from a cell tower in rural Lincoln County. They also made an arrest. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said: "If you see something suspicious, call it in. What may seem minor or out of place could ultimately help deputies prevent or solve a crime."

[Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

CRASHES KILL PEDESTRIAN, BIKER IN DENVER

Police investigated a pair of fatal traffic accidents in Denver.

An auto and motorcycle collided Saturday in the 4400-block of North Chambers Road and the biker died at hospital, according to police. Meantime, a pedestrian was fatally injured by an auto Friday at East 40th Avenue and Kittridge Street. The victim was pronounced dead at hospital.

HOARDER HOUSE BURNS ON RACINE STREET IN AURORA

In Aurora, a hoarder house burned Saturday in the 1000-block North Racine Street. "Firefighters could barely move around within the structure," Aurora Fire said. No one was injured. The blaze apparently started in the kitchen. [Photos: Aurora Fire]

'LOOKS LIKE WE'LL BE HERE AWHILE, FOLKS'

In Pueblo, firefighters encountered a blazing pile of railroad ties over the weekend in the Midtown district. No injuries were reported. No buildings were threatened.

[Photos: Pueblo Fire]

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE HOME IN GARFIELD COUNTY

Firefighters saved a home from flames that erupted early Sunday in an outdoor barbecue grill in Garfield County. The occupants and their cat safely evacuated the premises at 1184 Heritage Drive, according to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District. "Crews had water on the fire in less than three minutes of arriving on scene and quickly extinguished the fire, then completed overhaul operations to confirm the fire had not extended into the residence," officials said. [Photo: Carbondale Fire]

COPS KILL BABY KIDNAPPER IN PUEBLO; INFANT SURVIVES

Police shot and killed an armed man who kidnapped a baby from its mother in Pueblo.
Saturday night's incident - stemming from a domestic disturbance - started at a home in the 400-block of West 9th Street, according to police. The baby and its mother survived and are safe. A restraining order was in place against the man whose identity was withheld by police. "Responding officers were advised that the male suspect was armed with a handgun and was threatening to use it against the female inside the residence, as well as making additional threats to shoot anyone who approached," police said. "The suspect exited the residence and fled from officers while carrying the infant (kidnapping)," police said. "He stopped in a parking lot at West 10th Street and Grand Avenue, where he began reaching into his backpack." "The suspect placed the infant in a stroller located nearby but continued reaching into his backpack," police said. "A police officer then discharged their department issued firearm, striking the suspect."

FEDS ZAP CRAZED FUGITIVE WEARING WIG IN DENVER

A taser zap took down a wig-wearing fugitive parolee who bolted from a Denver home "screaming hysterically," the U.S. Marshals Service said. A special federal task force including local law enforcement made the arrest last week near Federal Boulevard and Louisiana Avenue. Joseph Barrios, 46, was wanted for aggravated robbery, auto theft and larceny as well as a warrant from the Colorado Department of Corrections. [Photo: U.S. Marshals Service, Colorado Department of Corrections]

WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER MAKING PROGRESS

Jarrod Leonard, the West Metro firefighter critically injured during a training mishap, was transferred Thursday to a neurological rehabilitation facility, accompanied by his wife, Monica. "Jarrod will continue receiving specialized care and therapy as he works toward the next milestones in his recovery," West Metro said. "Jarrod still has a long road ahead, but we’re glad to share that he has reached this next step."

Leonard and his wife were accompanied by the crews of West Metro's Medic 16 and Truck 14. He had been recovering at a transitional care facility The mishap, during technical rescue training in rough terrain near Morrison, occurred on July 29. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

ONE HURT AS BLAZING VAN EXPLODES

A person suffered minor burns Thursday morning when a van erupted in flames and exploded at 124 West Rockrimmon Boulevard in Colorado Springs, officials said. [Photos: Colorado Springs Fire]

SUSPECTS SOUGHT IN $700,000 GOLD SWINDLE

Boulder police are searching for suspects who used false identities to swindle people out of a total of $700,000 in gold. 

Wielding fake documents and employing ruses, the suspects convinced the individuals to liquidate their savings and purchase gold bars in May and June.

"These scams are sophisticated, and the suspects work hard to create a sense of urgency and fear," police said. "They convince victims that their money or assets are in immediate danger and that transferring those assets is the only way to protect themselves."

The suspects posed as representatives of the Federal Trade Commission, the Internal Revenue Service and private firms.

Police described one of the suspects as an Asian male, about 25 to 35 years in age, standing between 5-foor-8 and 5-foot-9 tall with a slight build, thick and wavy black hair that stood up straight, approximately two to three inches long.

He was driving a gray, or possibly blue-gray, Hyundai - and drove off with the gold.

"The suspects used multiple tactics to make the scheme appear legitimate, including passwords, fraudulent letters, and detailed instructions," police said. "They also told the victim not to discuss the situation with family members, bank employees, or others."

There were two victims in separate cases.

If you have information, contact Boulder Police Investigation Specialist Alex Graber at grabera@bouldercolorado.gov or Detective Sharon Ramos at ramoss@bouldercolorado.gov 

[Photo: Boulder Police]

SUSPECT FLEES COPS, HIDES IN WINDOW WELL

In Westminster, a suspect ran from police and hid in a window well. Officers found him and he faces charges of obstruction, trespassing and driving with a suspended license. [Photo: Westminster Police]

2-ALARM BLAZE DESTROYS HOME IN GREELEY

UPDATE

A 2-alarm fire destroyed a home Wednesday in the 1400-block of 102nd Avenue in Greeley. "There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries," the fire department said. "Firefighters safely removed one cat from the residence." [Photo: Greeley Police]

ARREST IN ROAD RAGE SHOOTING STEMMING FROM E-MOTO CRASH IN AURORA

Following a road rage shooting involving an E-Moto bike, Titus Patterson, 30, was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder and attempted first-degree assault, Aurora police announced Wednesday. The shooting stemmed from a hit-and-run crash near Dayton Street and East 13th Avenue on Monday evening involving a gray SUV and the E-Moto electric bicycle, which are not permitted on Aurora's streets or sidewalks. The E-Moto rider was seriously injured in the crash with the SUV. There were no shooting victims. Police provided this account of the complex incident: "After the crash, a second E-Moto rider, later identified as Patterson, pursued the SUV while armed with a handgun. Patterson fired several rounds at the driver of the SUV near East 6th Avenue and Fulton Street. The driver was not struck by gunfire. "After the shooting, Patterson continued west on East 6th Avenue and crashed near East Lowry Boulevard and Yosemite Street in Denver. Patterson ran from the scene of the crash. "During the on-scene investigations, patrol officers developed information Patterson was the shooter and that he resided in the 1300-block of Dayton Street, near the scene of the initial hit-and-run crash. Officers responded to Patterson’s home, where he was taken into custody. "Aurora patrol officers searching the area later found the gray SUV near East 7th Avenue and Alton Street in Denver and contacted the driver. The circumstances of the initial crash remain under investigation." [Photo: E-Moto Company]

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND NEAR LIBERTY POINT

Human remains were found on the edge of Lake Pueblo State Park property near Liberty Point, authorities said Wednesday. "Due to the condition of the remains, additional forensic testing will be required to determine the identity," according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.

A 911 caller reported finding the remains Tuesday night.

ALL SAFE AFTER BLAZE GUTS DENVER APARTMENT

Flames gutted a residence near South Fairmount Drive and South Valentia Street in Denver, the fire department said. The "first-floor apartment fire extended to the second floor, prompting an aggressive, coordinated offensive attack by Engine 18, Engine 19 and Truck 19," officials said. No one was hurt. The weekend blaze displaced three people. [Photo: Denver Fire]

DUMPSTER-DIVING BEAR SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE

Surveillance video released by the Breckenridge Police Department shows a scavenging bear maneuvering a trash bin into an alley. 

[Photo: Breckenridge Police]

COPS ARREST YOUTH, 14, IN SHOOTING IN AURORA PARK

Aurora police arrested a 14-year-old suspect in a shooting and grappled a fleeing pickup truck involved in the crime.

Officers saved the shooting victim, a man, from bleeding to death early Saturday at Sand Creek Park, police said.

The youth, a male, is a resident of Denver.

"Investigators determined shots were fired from a red pickup toward a group in the park," police said. "Using license plate readers and surveillance cameras, officers located the truck about two hours later and recovered a firearm. "Several minutes after the truck was stopped, the 14-year-old approached an officer at the original scene and admitted to the shooting," police said. The youth is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a handgun by a juvenile, police said. If you have information, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.

[Photo: Aurora Police]

1 DEAD, 2 HURT IN DENVER PARK HILL SHOOTING

UPDATE

One person was killed and two others were wounded Wednesday in a shooting in Denver's Park Hill district, police said.

The wounded were hospitalized and expected to survive.
"It appears the shooting was a family-related incident," police said. "Investigators are actively working to identify and locate a suspect."
The morning shooting occurred in the 2000-block North Onedia Street, which is in the vicinity of the Denver School of Arts.

If you have information, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.

WAKE UP MOM AND DAD! AURORA COPS APPEAL TO PARENTS AFTER 500 TEENS INVADE SHOPPING CENTER

Police are appealing to parents and guardians to "know where your children are" after 500 rampaging teens ransacked a shopping center in Aurora. Authorities pledged to hold the youths accountable and are combing through social media and security video footage in scenes somewhat reminiscent of the Jan 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. "When hundreds of young people suddenly gather and behavior begins to escalate, the consequences can become serious very quickly," Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said. "A crowd can create a false sense of anonymity." The invasion occurred Sunday afternoon when the mob of teens - mainly from ages 14 to 17 - occupied the shopping center, apparently organized "through social media around an unpermitted sporting event," outraged officials said. More than 70 police officers raced to the shopping center, draining the number of patrol personnel to respond to other calls in the city. The Hoffman Heights shopping center is located North Peoria Streer and East Sixth Avenue.

"This crossed the line from a gathering of young people into a police matter because of the behavior and criminal conduct of some of those involved,” Chamberlain said. "We will not tolerate groups taking over roadways, disrupting businesses, damaging property or stealing under the belief that being part of a large crowd provides anonymity. It does not.”

“We also need parents and guardians to understand the role they play,” Chamberlain said. “Know where your children are, who they are with and what they are being invited to through social media. When hundreds of young people suddenly gather and behavior begins to escalate, the consequences can become serious very quickly. "Police officers should not have to be pulled away from other community emergencies to manage behavior that could have been prevented," the chief said.

[Photo: Social media]

TRAPPED FAWN RUNS TO MOM AFTER RESCUE IN MORRISON

 

In Morrison, animal control officers rescued a fawn trapped in a deck railing. "After the officers gently freed it, the little one ran off and was soon reunited with its mother, where it was seen safely nursing," the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. [Photos: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office]

TRUCKS ERUPT IN FLAMES IN COMMERCE CITY

In Commerce City, fire in a compressed natural gas-powered trash truck spread to three semi-trucks and threatened a box truck at 50th Avenue & Oneida Street. No injuries were reported in Monday's blaze, South Adams Fire said.

[Photos: South Adams Fire]

SPEEDING SUBUARU LANDS ATOP PARKED CARS IN BOULDER

A speeding Subaru Outback plowed into a grassy median, apparently went airborne and landed atop about a dozen parked cars in Boulder early Tuesday, police said.

The driver, a man aged 34, was seriously injured in the accident at the Williams Village parking lot at the University of Colorado.

The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound 34th Street at about 4 a.m., police said.
 
Between 10 and 12 cars were damaged. None were occupied. Investigators were attempting to determine if the driver was impaired.

[Photo: Boulder Police and Fire]

BIKER DEAD IN ADAMS COUNTY HIT & RUN; STRIKING VEHICLE ABANDONED

A hit-and-run Ford F-150 pickup truck slammed a motorcycle Monday night in Adams County, killing the biker and injuring his passenger, the state patrol said.

The crash occurred at Federal Boulevard and West 66th Avenue and the truck was abandoned near Decatur Street, just south of West 67th Place. It was damaged in the crash.

State troopers identified a person of interest. 

The dead biker was 38. His passenger, also a man, is 46. His injuries were considered serious and he was transported to hospital, according to the patrol.

SUSPECTED GUNMAN ARRESTED IN DENVER AUTO CHASE MURDER

Lino Sandoval, 23, was arrested as a suspect in the shooting death of a passenger in an auto that was being chased by a gunman in an SUV in Denver, police said Monday.

The killing occurred in the vicinity of West 17th Avenue and North Federal Boulevard on the night of Aug. 21. The chase began at East 6th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.

The victim, a man, died Aug. 25 at a Denver hospital. Sandoval was arrested Aug. 28. He faces first-degree murder charges, according to police. 

Investigators used video to trace the auto chase and shooting, which police initially believed to have been in Lakewood.

CRAZED DRIVER HIGH ON DRUGS KILLS 2 IN GREELEY CRASH; SUSPECT IS FROM DENVER

A crazed SUV driver high on drugs ran a red light and broadsided a car on Highway 34 in Greeley, killing a man and woman.

The suspect, identified as Jesse Andersen, 35, of Denver, barricaded himself inside his vehicle until officers "secured him for transport" to hospital, police said. The crash occurred at about 5:05 p.m. Sunday. "An eastbound Toyota RAV4 was driving erratically on Highway 34 and passing vehicles on the shoulder," police said. "Upon approaching a red traffic light at Weld County Road 17, the driver used the right shoulder to bypass stopped traffic and entered the intersection at a high rate of speed, running the red light" and "broadsided a northbound Toyota Corolla."

The male driver and female passenger of the Toyota were pronounced dead on the scene. The suspect was booked into the Weld County Jail on two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

ARREST MADE AFTER AUTO PULLS WHEELIES, WRECKING HIGH SCHOOL LAWN

Police tracked down a suspect after an auto pulled wheelies on the lawn of Northridge High School in Greeley, causing$15,000 damage. Fabian Gomez-Torres, 18, of Eaton, was arrested after investigators reviewed school video and Flock license plate readers, police said. The suspect was booked into the Weld County Jail on charges of felony criminal mischief and reckless driving. The vandalism occurred at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 26.

SWAT TEAM ARRESTS KNIFEMAN ON WEST 51st AVE. IN ARVADA

UPDATE

A SWAT team arrested a man reported to have been banging on his neighbors' apartment doors with a metal bar in Arvada on Monday, police said. The suspect, who as armed with knives, was barricaded inside an apartment when patrol officers arrived. The officers called for the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team. "After hours of commands and the eventual deployment of chemical agents, officers entered the apartment and arrested the suspect at 8:45 p.m.," police said. The incident occurred at 7975 West 51st Avenue. Neighboring apartments were evacuated during the standoff.

MAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TO RUN DOWN COPS WITH STOLEN AUTO

xxx In Pueblo, Brandon Brown, 35, was arrested after allegedly threatening to run down police officers with a stolen Jeep Cherokee. "Officers were able to take Brown safely into custody," police said. The incident occurred Saturday.

PERSON SHOT DEAD IN GLENDALE

A person was shot dead early Monday in the small Denver suburb of Glendale.

Several people were detained in the aftermath of the incident in the 5000-block of East Mississippi Avenue, according to police.

The chain of events leading to the shooting were under investigation. No other details were released by police.

ARVADA HOUSE CAT 'SMOKEY' TAKES REFUGE IN AUTO'S COZY WHEEL WELL

In Arvada, police and firefighters netted a house cat named "Smokey" who took up residence in the cozy wheel well of his owner's auto. The 9-year-old domestic longhair is fine - and back indoors where he belongs. [Photos: Arvada Police]

'FILL 'ER UP FOR YA, COPPER?' CRITTER ASKS

A deputy sheriff fueling their patrol car encountered a racoon scavenging for a snack - or perhaps a discarded winning lottery ticket - in Douglas County.

[Photo: Douglas County Sheriff]

COPS SEIZE KID'S LASER AIMED AT PLANE LANDING AT CENTENNIAL AIRPORT

Authorities seized a child's laser light that momentarily blinded the flight crew of a state patrol aircraft - forcing the plane to abort landing at Centennial Airport to avoid a potential crash.

Evidence suggests the youth - in the company of an adult - pointed the high-intensity green light, interfering with the pilot’s ability to control the aircraft. Lasers can also blind a flight crew.

A state trooper aboard the endangered aircraft said: "A laser strike is not a harmless prank."

No one was hurt.

In the Aug. 19 incident, "the cockpit was illuminated by a green laser coming from the left side of the aircraft," the patrol said. "The flight crew aborted the landing and began circling the area to locate the source." 

"While circling, the laser struck the aircraft a second time" and "the aircraft’s onboard camera system, identified the source and location as a second-story balcony at a nearby apartment complex," the patrol said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the close call.

"Parents and guardians should talk with children about the dangers of lasers and ensure laser devices are stored and used responsibly," the patrol said. "Anyone who sees a person pointing a laser at an aircraft should immediately contact local law enforcement."

Such abuse can be considered a felony.

[Photos: Colorado State Patrol]

STATE TROOPER HURT RAMMING WRONG-WAY AUTO ON I-76

A state trooper stopped a wrong-way driver by ramming her auto with his patrol car on I-76 near Fort Morgan, the state patrol said Monday.

The trooper "activated his emergency lights and used his patrol vehicle to stop the Honda by colliding with it front-first to avoid it from colliding with any other vehicles," the patrol said.

The incident occurred early Sunday and the state trooper suffered minor injuries. He was treated at hospital and released.

The wrong-way driver, Claudia Z. Rodriguez, of Sterling, was charged with DUI and other violations. She was treated at hospital and booked into the Morgan County Jail. Her auto was traveling west in the eastbound lane of I-76. 

WOUNDED STATE TROOPER IS BACK HOME

State Trooper Skylar Hoehn, seriously wounded in last Monday's shooting in Teller County, was released from hospital and is "recovering well at home," the state patrol said.

2 YOUTHS ARRESTED IN DENVER SHOOTING

Two youths were arrested as suspects in a shooting in the 460o-block of North Cornish Way in Denver, police announced Sunday. One person was injured and transported to hospital. The shooting occurred Friday. No other details were released by police.

BRAIN SURGEON INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTING TO KILL FEDERAL AGENTS IN SHOOTOUT

Fugitive Colorado brain surgeon Thomas Earl Steffens was indicted by a federal grand jury of attempting to murder five deputy U.S. marshals during a gun battle in Vero Beach, Florida.

Steffens, 72, of Grand Junction, was wanted for drugging a woman and assaulting her.

"As the Deputy U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force moved to arrest him, Steffens allegedly opened fire, striking one deputy in the chest and leg," according to federal prosectors in Florida.

The marshals returned fire and wounded Steffens, who was driving an auto. He was hit four times. The shootout occurred in March. The crime occurred in January.

Steffens fled Colorado on a bus. His Colorado medical license is currently listed as active but restricted.

Upon arrest, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said: "He was still defiant. He was still raising his middle finger at our deputies."

[Photos: Martin County Sheriff, Indian River County Sheriff]