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]

ALL SAFE AFTER BLAZE IN COMMERCE CITY

Firefighters battled a blaze early Thursday in a building at 104th Avenue and Florence Street in Commerce City, South Adams Fire said. No one was hurt. Thornton Fire, Brighton Fire, and Platte Valley Ambulance also responded. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

AUTO ROLLS INTO POND IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

An auto rolled into a pond in Highlands Ranch, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said. No one was hurt. "Divers entered the water, accessed the vehicle, and confirmed it was unoccupied," South Metro Fire said. Tuesday's mishap occurred near Broadway and Plaza Drive in Highlands Ranch and the auto was pulled out of the water by Westside Towing, officials said. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

MIRACLE GIRL FOUND ALIVE 30 HOURS AFTER FATAL WRECK

State troopers found a 5-year-old miracle girl alive and alone 30 hours after a crash killed her two adult companions in the wilderness of southwest Colorado.

Their doomed vehicle veered off the shoulder of Highway 160 near Bayfield early Friday and "came to rest on its roof after rolling an unknown number of times," the Colorado State Patrol revealed Tuesday.

It was located at midday Saturday next to a tree, out of plain sight.

A passerby wrote on social media that she saw a firefighter "climbing up the embankment, carrying a small child in his arms." The girl was admitted to a hospital and released. "Impairment and excessive speed are not being investigated," the patrol said. The adults were identified as residents of New Mexico. 

Bayfield is located in La Plata County.

[Images: Colorado State Patrol, Wikipedia]

Location of La Plata County

COPS ZAP SUSPECT ARMED WITH KNIFE IN COMMERCE CITY

 

Officers fired "less-lethal" weapons to subdue a domestic assault suspect armed with a knife in Commerce City, police said Tuesday.

"Officers used what's called a 40-millimeter launcher to subdue him, then also deployed a taser," police said. "Without any lethal force, we were able to cuff him." The suspect is facing charges of Felony Menacing, Aggravated 2nd Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault - Strangulation, Domestic Violence, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction charges, police said. "He had allegedly beaten, suffocated, and threatened to 'gut' his victim with a knife, which he had in his hand inside a pocket when we confronted him," police said.

The incident occurred May 1.

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

DRIVER CITED IN CRASH WITH BIKER IN WHEAT RIDGE, COPS SAY

A motorist was cited for failure to yield in a crash with a motorcycle in Wheat Ridge, police said Tuesday.

The biker was seriously injured in the accident on Youngfield Street near Applewood Center Drive on Monday.
"Our investigation indicates the driver of the car was attempting to turn left onto Youngfield Street and didn’t see the motorcyclist going northbound," police said.  

COPS SWEEP UP SUSPECT IN VACUUM THEFTS IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

Deputies arrested a suspect after a months-long spree of vacuum cleaner thefts from a Target store in Highlands Ranch. "The suspect was observed removing security devices from merchandise," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday. "Deputies were called immediately and made the arrest on-site. Looks like this scheme lost suction." The arrest occurred April 27. The stolen vacuums are valued at more than $1,200, the sheriff's office said.

MOTORCYCLE AND AUTO COLLIDE IN DENVER

A motorcycle rider was injured in a collision with an auto Monday in the 1400-block of North Elizabeth Street in Denver, police said. No other information was released.

BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED RIDING STOLEN BIKE, WEARING STOLEN CLOTHING

Obvious evidence led officers to Isiah Wait, 29, of Salida, a suspect in break-ins at four businesses and an auto in Buena Vista on Sunday morning, police said. 

Officers were alerted to broken glass at a business on East Main Street, leading to the discovery of break-ins at Sundog Colorado, Black Burro Bikes, Builders First Source and Once Upon a Trapeze. "An employee from Black Burro Bikes observed a man riding in the area on a bicycle allegedly stolen from that business, and it was later determined by the owner of Sundog Colorado that the man was also allegedly wearing an article of clothing from that business," according to a statement issued Monday by Dean Morgan, police chief at Buena Vista. The suspect was stopped on Highway 24 near a Subway restaurant. [Photo: Buena Vista Police]

BICYCLIST INJURED IN DENVER CRASH

A bicyclist was seriously injured Monday in a collision with an auto in the vicinity of South Logan Street and East Tennessee Avenue in Denver, police said. No other information was released.

FEDERAL FIREFIGHTING FUNDS AT RISK

A new effort to force states to affirm the Trump administration’s views on DEI, transgender athletes and immigration when signing contracts with the U.S. Forest Service is threatening millions of dollars in wildfire grant funding and fire reduction projects on federal lands, Colorado Newsline reports.

GO-KART CRASH KILLS TWO IN DENVER

Two people suffered fatal injuries when a go-kart and auto collided in Denver, police said Monday. The accident occurred at Federal Boulevard and Evans Avenue on Saturday. No other information was released.

I-76 MAYHEM: COPS ARREST WILD TEEN DRIVER AFTER CHASE, CRASH

Deputies arrested a teenage driver who was rocketing at 112 mph on I-76 in Morgan County early Monday and careened off the highway, the sheriff's office said.

The youth, age 16, from Lafayette, led authorities on a chase and crashed the vehicle into a construction zone and a service station lot where it stuck a dumpster, fence and a trailer.

He crawled out of the wreck and deputies "detected the odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage," the sheriff's office said.

The youth said he was headed to Nebraska "and intentionally crashed the vehicle after seeing law enforcement," the sheriff's office said. He sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to hospital.

"We are thankful this reckless decision did not result in injuries to innocent motorists or responding emergency personnel," the sheriff's office said.

[Photo: Morgan County Sheriff's Office] 

TRAIN HITS PICKUP TRUCK IN ADAMS COUNTY

A Denver Rock Island Railroad locomotive struck a pickup truck at a crossing near 64th Avenue and Downing Street, Adams County Fire said.

There is no railroad crossing gate at the location. 
No one was injured in Friday evening's accident. The Chevrolet Silverado pickup was driven by a man, age 32, from Denver, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Denver Rock Island is a small freight railroad serving the Denver area. [Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

DARING CHOPPER RESCUE IN RAMPART WILDERNESS

An AirLife chopper landed Sunday in the "wilderness in Rampart" to evacuate an injured dirt biker rescued by Douglas County Search and Rescue, officials said. Jackson 105 Fire, Larkspur Fire and the Doulas County Sheriff's Office responded.

[Photos: Douglas County Search and Rescue]

FLAMES SWEEP MOBILE HOME IN DACONO

In the Weld County of community if Dacono, fire ripped through a mobile home and outbuildings Sunday on MacMurry Court. "The residents of the home were able to make it out safely," Mountain View Fire said. "Two dogs have been accounted for. One cat is currently missing but may have seen escaping the home." [Photos: Mountain View Fire]

WEEKEND STABBINGS IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Sunday in the vicinity of Irving Street and Mexico Avenue in Denver and transported to hospital, police said. On Saturday, a person was stabbed in the vicinity of Park Avenue and Lawrence streets. No other information was provided.

POLICE SHOOT GUNMAN ON 16TH STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL IN DENVER

Police shot a gunman who wounded a person on the popular 16th Street pedestrian mall in downtown Denver.

Two officers opened fire and hit the suspect "numerous" times with bullets after he fled into an apartment building vestibule, police Chief Ron Thomas said.

He had refused to drop his gun.

The victim was in stable condition. Both were transported to hospital. The incident occurred in the vicinity of 16th between California and Stout streets early Sunday.

FIRE KILLS PERSON IN JEFFCO HOME JAMMED WITH JUNK

Fire killed a person trapped in a home jammed with stacks of cardboard boxes and junk in Jefferson County.
"Conditions made access extremely challenging, with large amounts of personal belongings and household items in every room," West Metro Fire said. "Crews had to clear paths as they worked their way deeper into the structure," West Metro said. Firefighters located the victim on the main floor of the deplapadated dwelling. A neighbor called 911 to report the fire after spotting smoke in the 1100-block of South Owens Court on Sunday morning. Hoarding behaviors can turn a home "into an uninhabitable mess," the Colorado Hoarding Task Force said. The all-volunteer organization said it "can resolve complicated cases in a compassionate, professional manner."

For help for your family or neighbor, contact the task force (720) 571-7561 or via the web. Click link Colorado Hoarding Task Force.

[Photo: West Metro Fire]

TRANSIENT ARRESTED IN BURGLARY SPREE NEAR CARTER LAKE

Jason Rood, 54, a transient, has been arrested as a suspect in a burglary spree near Carter Lake in Larimer County, the sheriff's office announced Friday.

Rood faces 18 charges in the string of crimes between April 20 and April 24.

"Using drone technology, deputies found the suspect at a remote campsite on April 25," the sheriff's office said.

Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer said: “Our deputies and reserves spent days looking for this suspect. Thanks to their search efforts and great use of technology, residents can rest easier."

[Photo: Larimer County Sheriff's Office]

I-76 MISHAP: CAR CRASHES INTO CLEAR CREEK

An auto veered off westbound I-76 in Adams County and landed in Clear Creek.

Firefighters "extricated the patient and then used the bucket to lift the patient using a stokes basket," Adams County Fire said. The accident occurred east of Sheridan Boulevard on Thursday night. [Photo: Adams County Fire]

DENVER COPS ARREST WOMAN AS SUSPECT IN TENNYSON STABBING

Christina Baca, 20, was arrested as a suspect in a stabbing in the 1800-block of South Tennyson Street in Denver, police said Friday. Baca was held for investigation of assault with a with a deadly weapon in Thursday's incident. In a separate case, Kevin Yellow Hawk, 36, was arrested as a suspect in a Wednesday stabbing in the 4700-block of North St. Paul Street, police said. He was also held for investigation of assault with a with a deadly weapon. Police did not disclose motives.

FLAMES DEVOUR MOBILE HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Fire destroyed a mobile home early Friday at 21 Swope Avenue in Colorado Springs, the fire department said. No injuries were reported.

[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire]

COPS SEEK CREEPY VANDALS IN GOGGLES IN PARKER HOME ATTACK

Two ghostly-looking vandals wearing ski goggles attacked a home in Parker with chemicals, police said.

The bizarre incident occurred in the 11000-block of Endeavor Way on April 24 - and it was recorded by a camera. "The first suspect in the surveillance video sprays a substance on the camera and the door," police said. "The second suspect pours what appears to be motor oil on the concrete sidewalk, steps and porch. "The first suspect was wearing light-colored sweatpants and a sweatshirt, and ski goggles to obscure his face. The second suspect was wearing a dark sweatshirt with light pants and ski goggles." If you have information, contact Officer Gherbaz at Sgherbaz@parkerco.gov. [Photo: Parker Police]

LOVELAND MAN ARRESTED AFTER EVICTION STANDOFF

A tenant being evicted from his apartment locked the door and refused to surrender to deputies in Loveland on Thursday.

"Crisis negotiators tried to gain the man’s cooperation, but he refused to exit the apartment," the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said.
The tenant was arrested after a K9 team stormed the apartment. A SWAT team also made verbal commands, fired pepper balls, chemical irritants and flash bangs.

The man - who made "threatening statements" to deputies - was charged with burglary, trespassing, failure to vacate the premises, obstruction, and criminal mischief.
The standoff occurred near the 100-block of Juniper Place, according to Loveland police. Residents were ordered to shelter in place. The man was treated by medics.

The sheriff's office said: "The eviction process is lengthy, involves multiple notices and court hearings, and gives people ample opportunity to resolve the situation without law enforcement involvement."
[Photo: Larimer County Sheriff]

STABBING IN DOWNTOWN DENVER OVERNIGHT

A person was stabbed overnight in downtown Denver, police said.

The incident occurred in the 1900-block of Arapahoe Street, which is near the site of the old Greyhound bus terminal. The victim was transported to hospital. Detectives were attempting to identify a suspect. No other information was provided.

HIT & RUN DRIVER INJURES 2 ON BROADWAY IN DENVER

Two people were stuck and injured by a hit-and-run driver Thursday night in downtown Denver, police said.

The accident occurred in the 1000-block of North Broadway, which is near the historic Sports Castle building.

No other details were released.

HONORING GOOD SAMARITAN DEPUTY 'BUCK DAVIS' OF EAGLE COUNTY

The name of a Good Samaritan lawman - Deputy Charles "Buck" Davis of Eagle County - is being added to the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial in Golden. October 1972 was, in some ways, a simpler time. In a gesture of kindness, Davis bought a meal at a cafe for a fugitive who had been in hiding in the Basalt area. "Shortly after, the suspect fled on foot, and Deputy Davis continued searching for several hours before taking him back into custody," the sheriff's office said. Davis went into cardiac arrest on the drive to the Pitkin County jail and died at Aspen Hospital on Oct. 7, 1972. His passing will now be formally recognized as a line of duty death at a ceremony on May 1. [Photo: Eagle County Sheriff's Office]

KNOCK-KNOCK: MOOSE DROPS BY FOR COFFEE

Rangers relocated a 700-pound cow moose that visited a residential neighborhood in Colorado Springs.

"After the moose was immobilized, our staff loaded it onto a special stretcher called a 'litter' and carried it to a waiting trailer," Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. "The moose was released west of town, in proper moose habitat."
Officials noted: "While seeing wildlife like deer around town isn’t terribly rare, seeing a moose in the middle of a neighborhood is." [Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]  

INJURED AURORA COP RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Mark Moore, the Aurora K9 police officer stabbed in the head April 9, was released from hospital Wednesday after multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. His K9 partner, Cyrus, was also injured and is recovering. Moore "continues to have a long road to recovery," police said.

[Photo: Aurora Police]

WOMAN DEAD IN SMOKY HILL ROAD CRASH IN ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A woman died in a collision at the intersection of East Smoky Hill Road and South Telluride Street, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

The accident occurred just before midnight and "it involved two vehicles, with one car T-boning the other," the sheriff's office said. No other injuries were reported.

ARAPAHOE DEPUTIES ARREST AUTO THEFT SUSPECT, SEIZE GUNS

Johnathan Quintero, 41, was arrested as a suspect in an auto theft and also faces illegal weapons charges, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said.

A Flock traffic camera alert led a special squad of deputies to the vehicle in the parking lot of a King Soopers store on South Havana Street on Tuesday.

"Deputies recovered an AK-47 and a MAC-10 with a suppressor, both with defaced serial numbers, along with a large amount of ammunition," the sheriff's office said. [Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

EAGLE TAKES FLIGHT AFTER SHOOTING IN NORTHGLENN

A Bald eagle wounded by a ball bearing, in an apparent shooting, took flight after more than 100 days of rehabilitation.

Released near Northglenn on Wednesday, the eagle was treated for its wing injury by Birds of Prey Foundation and "it took time, patience and expertise to provide the proper care," Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. Rangers and animal wardens found the eagle at Croke Reservoir in Northglenn on Jan. 12. "Following surgery to remove the object, the eagle slowly regained its appetite and eventually regained use of its wing," officials said. "After undergoing flight training and evaluations, it was determined to be strong enough to make it in the wild again." State officials are seeking a possible assailant. Tips can be reported anonymously to Operation Game Thief (877) 265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us [Photos: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]

NEITHER RAIN NOR HAIL STOP FIRE CREWS IN NORTHEAST COLORADO

Enduring rain and hail, firefighters contained racing flames in a yard in Logan County in northeast Colorado. 

Sterling Fire said 911 callers reported "fire spreading to nearby campers and a boat. On-scene units found an outbuilding with heavy fire throughout and fire spread to multiple exposures. Through the rain and even some hail crews deployed attack lines and worked to extinguish the fire." No injuries were reported in Wednesday's blaze in the community of Iliff. Firefighters from Sterling, Peetz, Crook and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control answered the alarm. [Photos: Sterling Fire]

STABBING ON TENNYSON STREET IN DENVER

UPDATE

Police early Thursday investigated a stabbing in the 1800-block of South Tennyson Street in Denver. "One victim self-transported to the hospital with unknown extent of injuries," police said on social media. " Investigators are working to develop suspect information." No other information was released. In a separate incident, a person was stabbed Wednesday in the 4700-block of North St. Paul Street and transported to hospital, police said.

COPS ARREST 3 IN ARMED ROBBERY IN COMMERCE CITY

Police arrested three suspects in the armed robbery of a convenience store on East 56th Avenue in Commerce City overnight. "Using our Flock cameras, we located their getaway vehicle and tracked it to a nearby apartment complex," police said. Two firearms were confiscated, one of which was used in the robbery, police said.

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE BEAR FROM TREE

In Colorado Springs overnight, the firefighters of Truck Company 8 helped state park rangers rescue a little bear from a tree on Crooked Arrow Lane. The bear is fine.

[Photos: Colorado Springs Fire]

FIRE ENGINE TAKEN ON JOYRIDE IN BOULDER, DAMAGED DURING CHASE

UPDATE

A thief - who, perhaps, had a blazing desire to be a firefighter - commandeered a Boulder fire engine and took it for a joyride early Wednesday.

Rescue Engine 143 was recovered at 1st Street and South Main Street in downtown in Longmont after a chase - and a suspect was taken into custody, Boulder police said. Police identified the suspect as Richmond Takashi Johnson, 35.

The engine crew was at the Boulder County Jail on a medical call when the suspect, who was just released from custody, hopped in the big red machine and drove off.

"The suspect was spotted at 34th Street and Valmont Road but refused to stop for law enforcement," police said. "He then drove south on Foothills Parkway before turning east on Arapahoe and then driving north on Highway 287.

"Longmont Police officers deployed stop sticks in multiple locations along Highway 287," deflating the engine's tires, police said.

A Boulder County sheriff's deputy suffered a minor injury during a foot pursuit. The engine sustained significant damage. Engine 143 is powered by electric batteries. Two sheriff's vehicles also sustained significant damage.

[Photos: Boulder Police]

COPS SEIZE DRUGS HIDDEN IN AUTO IN NORTHGLENN

In Northglenn, police earlier this month seized fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine hidden behind an auto's dashboard along with cash and a 9mm handgun loaded with a 10-round magazine. A police K9 from Broomfield detected the contraband. Two people were arrested. [Photos: Northglenn Police]

COPS RESCUE BEAVER FROM MIDDLE OF I-25 IN CASTLE ROCK

Police rescued an injured beaver from the middle of I-25 in Castle Rock and "he’s now safe and receiving the care he so desperately needed," according to Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance, which is based in Sedalia. [Photo: Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance]