John Cutlip, 63, of Bennett, was arrested as a suspect in a violent home invasion robbery in Aurora, police said Tuesday. Several valuables, including firearms, were reported to have been taken in early Saturday's robbery from the dwelling in the 900-block of Ouray Street. "The victim told officers he was entertaining friends," police said. "At 5:20 a.m., shortly after his friends left, an adult male armed with a handgun entered the residence, ordered the victim to lay down, and bound his wrists behind his back." Police said they contacted Cutlip near his home in the 300-block of East Colfax Avenue in Bennett. He was jailed in Aurora facing charges of aggravated robbery, first-degree burglary and menacing.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
THORNTON FELINE FINDS PURRRRR-FECT SHOULDER TO LEAN ON
A kitten cuddled with a police officer who rescued it near 88th Avenue and Washington Street in Thornton. It's "surprisingly quick, showing off some impressive speed and evasive maneuvers before finally being rescued," police said. "It didn’t take long for her to realize she was in good hands." [Photos: Thornton Police]
KITTENS SAVED FROM LANDFILL; REUNITED WITH MOMMA CAT
In a very close call, four lucky kittens - each obviously "born with nine lives" - were discovered under the cushions of an old sofa that was hauled to the Chaffee County landfill.
"We are happy to report that they are safe, all healthy, and back in the care of their mother," the sheriff's office said. Officials advised residents to " inspect your trash before dumping at the landfill." [Photo: Chafee County Sheriff]
BLACKHAWK CHOPPER DOWN IN GILPIN COUNTY
UPDATE
The Gilpin County Sheriff's Office Tuesday reported a "military helicopter incident on the east side of Thorodin Mountain involving a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with four individuals on board."
"No injuries have been reported," officials said. "There is no reported fuel leak or fire associated with the incident. ... There is no known threat to the surrounding community."
TV images showed the disabled chopper standing upright in a wooded area. 9News reported the helicopter crew is based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
A Facebook user posted: "They flew so low in front of my house the pilot and I waved at each other! We heard the engine shut off!"
MAN SITTING IN ROAD DRAGGED TO HIS DEATH IN HIT & RUN
A man sitting in a highway died after being dragged 130 feet by a hit-and-run auto in Mesa County.
The crash occurred on Highway 139 south of Loma early Monday and the hit-and-run vehicle is believed to be a light-colored SUV-type auto. The state patrol said: "Preliminary reports indicate a 35-year-old male was seated in the middle of the northbound lane of Highway 139 at milepost 1." He was pronounced dead at hospital. If you have information, call the Colorado State Patrol (970) 249-4392 and reference case number VC260298.
[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]
CITYWIDE DRUG SWEEP YIELDS 34 ARRESTS IN DENVER
Amid scores of fentanyl deaths, Denver police and federal agents arrested 34 suspected drug peddlers in a citywide sweep that's expected to last eight weeks.
"Operation Overdose Intercept" was launched last Thursday - and has so far yielded: • 2 kilograms of suspected fentanyl - or roughly 4.4 pounds • 88 grams of suspected meth • 25 grams of suspected cocaine • 2 firearms - one modified to be fully automatic • 1 stolen vehicle
"Investigators’ largest single seizure of the day was approximately 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills," police said.
City health department data show:
• 137 deaths confirmed to involve fentanyl over the first five months of 2026
• 1,246 documented non-fatal suspected opioid overdose emergency room visits for the year through Aug. 16.
• 563 drug-related deaths last year
[Photos: Denver Police]
2 TROOPERS WOUNDED IN AMBUSH NEAR WOODLAND PARK; GUNMAN SHOT DEAD IN HAIL OF BULLETS
UPDATE
A blood-thirsty gunman was killed after ambushing two Colorado state troopers Tuesday morning during an attempted traffic stop on Highway 24 near Woodland Park, officials said.
"One trooper has serious wounds, and the second trooper has minor wounds," the state patrol said.
The Teller County Sheriff's Office said that the gunman fled toward Westwood Lakes and Woodland West after shooting the state troopers. Residents were ordered to shelter in place as law enforcement scoured the area. The gunman was shot and killed in a hail of bullets after ambushing deputies about two hours after the troopers were ambushed. No deputies were hit. His identity wasn't released. He was pronounced dead at hospital. He was believed to be a construction worker in the area. The state troopers drove themselves to hospital and "by the grace of God will be OK," said Colonel Matthew Packard, state patrol chief. The gunman was described as white, tall with brown shoulder-length hair wearing blue jeans and a terracotta-colored shirt. He was driving a blue Subaru hatchback. The first trooper was shot at 7:15 a.m. in the vicinity of Highway 24 and Piney Point Lane, about 20 northwest of Colorado Springs. The second trooper was shot going to his aid minutes later.
The motive was under investigation.
The sheriff's office released a chilling photo of the gunman seated at the wheel of the vehicle wielding a weapon. The license plates were obscured.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent agents and issued a statewide "Blue Alert" saying: "Use caution and do not approach if seen. Suspect armed and dangerous." The FBI and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also sent agents.
Governor Jared Polis said in an online statement: "I am grateful to the swift coordination of law enforcement to successfully apprehend the suspect.” The state patrol's Packard said: "I will tell you this: If you shoot a Colorado state trooper, the world is coming for you."
[Photos: Teller County Sheriff; CBI]
FATAL AUTO CRASH WITH 'OBJECT' IN DENVER
A person was killed in a fatal auto accident at East Hampden Avenue and South Poplar Street in Denver. The vehicle "collided with a fixed object at the intersection," police said early Tuesday. Police released no other details about the accident.
Monday, August 24, 2026
KITTENS SAVED FROM STORM DRAIN IN ARVADA
Members of Engine Company 51 of Arvada Fire rescued a litter of four abandoned kittens - thanks to an alert passerby. The "observant citizen heard noises coming from a storm drain," called 911 and directed the firefighters to the newborns, officials said. The rescue occurred Sunday at a shopping plaza off Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and Arvada police animal services took custody - and provided TLC. [Photo: Arvada Fire]
COMMERCE CITY COPS RECOVER STOLEN COPPER
With a search warrant in hand, detectives recovered rolls of stolen copper from a home in the 7000-block of Highway 2 in Commerce City on Monday - and arrested a suspect on an outstanding warrant as well as new felony theft charges, police said. [Photo: Commerce City Police]
BIKE RIDER, 85, KILLED IN LONGMONT
An elderly bicycle rider was struck and killed Monday morning after peddling in front of an auto in Longmont, the state patrol said.
The man, age 85, was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders performed CPR. The driver of the auto remained on the scene on Highway 119 at 83rd Street.
"As he attempted to turn left onto 83rd Street, the cyclist made 3 lane changes, moving from the left shoulder into the far-left lane of southbound Highway 119," the patrol said.
The man, age 85, was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders performed CPR. The driver of the auto remained on the scene on Highway 119 at 83rd Street.
"As he attempted to turn left onto 83rd Street, the cyclist made 3 lane changes, moving from the left shoulder into the far-left lane of southbound Highway 119," the patrol said.
1974 INFERNO: DARK DAY IN DURANGO
On Aug. 24, 1974, a crumbling wall killed Durango firefighter Nick Parks III and police corporal Gale Emerson as an arson fire swept a downtown block.
Parks and Emerson men were evacuating a hotel when "the whole thing came down without warning," an official told the Associated Press.
Gilbert Martinez, a waiter, pleaded guilty to one count of arson two years later. Prosecutors agreed to accept pleas of innocent by reason of insanity to three other arson charges and two counts of murder.
The blaze gutted Gardenschwartz Sporting Goods Store, Gamble’s Appliance Shop, Pacesetter's Clothing Store, Thompson’s Saddle Shop, the Taylor-Raymond Jewelers, the Kiva Theater, Chez Louis French Restaurant and Metropole Hotel.
Bulldozers plowed the rubble and the pile stood 20-feet high and 40-feet wide, according to United Press International.
[Photo: Courtesy of private collection]
A BEAR WALKS INTO A FIREHOUSE ...
A bear wandered into Fire Station in No.16 in Colorado Springs and made off with an equipment bag. The fire station is located at 4980 Farthing Drive. A surveillance camera captured this image of the culprit who got away.
[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire Department]
AMTRAK TRAIN SLAMS INTO PICKUP TRUCK
An Amtrak passenger train hit a pickup truck that drove past automatic crossing guards in the down position in eastern Colorado, the state patrol said.
The pickup driver was seriously injured in Saturday night's accident on a rural road west of the town of Wray in Yuma County and alcohol is being considered as a factor.
"The front of the Amtrak train struck the rear side of the pickup, pushing it approximately 40 feet into a field," the patrol said. "The train did not derail."
The driver of the pickup truck walked away from the crash but was later taken to hospital by a friend.
No one on the train was hurt.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
DENVER DRUG KINGPIN SENTENCED TO 442 YEARS
Narcotics kingpin Arthur Mills was sentenced Friday to 442 years in prison - among the longest drug-related sentences in Colorado history, the Denver DA's office said.
Mills, 63, operated a large-scale operation from homes in Denver, Adams County and Arapahoe County.
"Several firearms and more than 200 pounds of narcotics - including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl - were recovered by members of the Denver Police Department," the DA's Office said.
Mills was booked into the Denver Downtown Detention Center in July 2023, tried and convicted this year of 21 felony drug distribution charges.
DA John Walsh said: "This case is particularly important because of the scale of Mills’ operation and the large quantity of drugs he trafficked."
[Photo: Denver Police]
HUNGRY BEAR CAUGHT AFTER BREACHING DENVER CITY LIMITS
Colorado's hungry bear invasion reached a Denver neighborhood on Sunday.
No one was hurt.
Perched in a tree, the 100-pound male was tranquilized and caught in a tarp maneuvered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Denver police officers near East Louisiana Avenue and South Pennsylvania Street, northeast of Platt Park.
The adventurous 1 1/2-year-old "didn't have the smoothest landing, but the bear is OK," Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.
This year has seen a record number of bear sighting across our drought-stricken state as they advance into populated areas in search of nourishment.
"We need everyone to be vigilant about their trash by locking it up until the morning of pick-up," wildlife officials said. "Take down bird feeders. Keep cars and windows locked."
In the 20th Century, Denver fielded a minor league baseball team called the Denver Bears.
[Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]
FIRE CREW MAKES FEATHERED FRIENDS IN ADAMS COUNTY
Members of Truck Company 11 of Adams County Fire Rescue retrieved a pet bird from a tree the same day a hawk briefly took up residence in their firehouse, officials said.
[Photo: Adams County Fire]
SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CADILLAC VS. BICYCLE HIT & RUN IN DENVER
Friday, August 21, 2026
5 DOGS SAVED AS BLAZE RIPS GREELEY HOME
Five dogs were rescued Thursday from a raging house fire in Greeley. A neighbor and firefighters went to the aid of the dogs, officials said. No humans were injured. The blaze broke out in the 2300-block of 73rd Avenue Place.
[Photos: Greeley Police and Fire]
Thursday, August 20, 2026
WEEKEND MOTORCYCLE MISHAPS
Motorcycle crashes investigated by state troopers are twice as common on Saturdays and Sundays compared to weekdays, based on data going back to 2021, the Colorado State Patrol reports.
“Weekend rides often mean more traffic, longer trips, and riders pushing their limits on unfamiliar or winding roads,” said Matthew C. Packard, state patrol chief.
So far this year, I-25 and Highway 34 have led the state in weekend motorcycle wrecks.
[Photo: Wikimedia]
LAKEWOOD FUGITIVE NABBED NEAR 56TH & TOWER IN DENVER
Donzel Session, a fugitive wanted by Lakewood police on charges of auto theft, burglary and felony child abuse, was arrested Tuesday near 56th Avenue and Tower Road in Denver, the U.S. Marshals Service said. [Photo: U.S. Marshals Service]
Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.
MORE BEAR ATTACKS: 1 IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, ANOTHER IN ASPEN
In a record year for close encounters, a bear smashed into a home in Steamboat Springs and attacked a woman while another bear bit a homeless man sleeping in Rio Grande Park in Aspen.
Both people survived, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
In Steamboat Springs, the bear knocked a wooden sliding door off its track early Monday and struck the woman as she chased it out of the home near Fish Creek Falls Road. She drove to hospital for help and was treated for facial injuries and released, officials said.
In the Aspen incident, the animal "bear bit the man on the head, waking him" early Wednesday, officials said. "The man managed to escape his sleeping bag and get away." He was treated at hospital and released. Wildlife officers located and euthanized the bear.
Across Colorado, wildlife officers have been responding to a record number of bear reports this year.
"Low mountain snowpack, wildfires and drought have reduced the availability of natural foods such as berries, fruits, nuts, plants and grasses in parts of Colorado," officials said. "Consequently, bears are traveling farther into residential neighborhoods in search of easy calorie sources such as unsecured trash, birdseed, pet food, and barbecue grills."
In a previously reported encounter this week, a bear attacked a man outside an apartment building near Eagle-Vail on Monday.
[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, July 2026]
4 DEPUTIES INVOLVED IN FATAL SHOOTING
A motorcyclist died in a shooting involving four Logan County deputies, the sheriff's office said.
A weapon was found near the motorcyclist's body during Tuesday's incident.
The deputies had responded to a "driving complaint," the sheriff's office said. They were placed on administrative leave, per protocol.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting incident. Logan County is located in northeast Colorado.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
OH NO SMOKEY! FORAGING BEAR BREAKS INTO HOME, STARTS FIRE, SHOT DEAD BY COPS
UPDATE
A foraging bear - oblivious to its cousin Smokey's safety advice - smashed into a home in Mount Crested Butte early Wednesday, unknowingly flipped on a stove and started a fire.
The occupants were startled awake as the bear ripped apart the pantry in search of food and scratched at their bedroom door, according to the Crested Butte Fire Protection District said.
Town marshals euthanized the bear as "its behavior became increasingly erratic and aggressive as the smoke detector activated," officials said.
The marshals also extinguished the flames.
No human injuries were reported - and the fire was contained to the kitchen. The mountain town of 900 is located in Gunnison County. Drought has diminished bears' natural food supply leading to a record number of sightings in residential areas this year across Colorado. They typically mean no harm but are not as cautious as Smokey. Smokey Bear is the mascot of the U.S. Forest Service - and promotes fire safety.
[Photo: Wikipedia]
DRIVER SURRENDERS IN FATAL HIT & RUN CRASH IN AURORA; OUT ON $50K BOND
Through evidence collected by Flock traffic cameras, authorities identified and arrested the driver of a Subaru Outback that struck and killed a man in Aurora, police said Wednesday.
Jamie Gardner, 53, of Aurora, turned himself into the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday on probable cause and was released of $50,000 bond, according to the Aurora Police Department.
The body of the victim, Arthur Williams, 26, was discovered by passers-by on July 27 near the intersection of South Powhaton Road and East Jewell Avenue.
"Detectives with the department’s Intelligence Unit utilized Flock Safety cameras to begin to help the Traffic Unit in their search to identify the driver," police said. "Ultimately, detectives were able to identify a white Subaru Outback with extensive damage leaving a neighborhood subdivision near South Harvest Road the morning of July 28."
The Flock system is controversial. Critics nationwide fear intelligence gathered by the widely used traffic cameras could be abused by police, leading to a mass surveillance state.
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said: "The utilization of Flock in this investigation not only gave the victim a voice, but it also allowed us to identify a vehicle and a driver."
[Photo: Aurora Police Department]
SMALL PLANE MAKES SAFE EMERGENCY LANDING NEAR BYERS
A small aircraft carrying two people made a safe emergency landing Wednesday on farmland south of Byers, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said.
The plane departed Colorado Air and Space Port in Watkins - about 20 miles east of Byers - when "the pilot reported an oil-pressure issue and air traffic controllers lost contact," officials said. Deputies located the plane on a plowed field near the 1000-block of South County Road 173. "Both adults were walking near the plane and were uninjured," officials said. "The aircraft was not damaged." In January 2001, an aircraft carrying Oklahoma State University basketball players, coaches and broadcasters crashed near Byers, killing 10 people.
[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office]
LOVELAND POLICE ISSUE STATEMENT ON ICE RAID IN CITY
The Loveland Police Department issued a statement on an immigration raid at a business in the city Wednesday, saying its officers did not participate in the federal operation.
The statement reads:
"This morning, around 8 a.m., the Loveland Police Department learned of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within the City of Loveland after a local business contacted us and requested our assistance. LPD responded to the business and investigated the circumstances as we are lawfully permitted to do.
"Based on preliminary information, ICE agents arrived and conducted a lawful federal arrest. While there may be differing opinions regarding the mission and activities of ICE, LPD does not interfere with lawful federal investigations or enforcement actions. Additionally, we would ask that those in Loveland not interfere as well.
"Our commitment is simple: We will continue serving the people of the Sweetheart City with the integrity, respect, and excellence you deserve.
"In this case, a local business requested our presence, and our officers responded. We investigated the circumstances within the scope of our legal authority and provided the service afforded to all in Loveland.
"Anyone with additional questions or concerns regarding the apprehension or actions of ICE agents should contact the ICE Denver Field Office, which handles federal immigration enforcement matters locally."
BLAZE AT 16TH & CLARKSON IN DENVER
Firefighters extinguished a blaze in a commercial building at East 16th Avenue and North Clarkson Street in Denver on Wednesday. No injuries were reported.
[Photo: Denver Fire]
Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO NAMES LEOPARD CUB 'SILA'
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo named its Amur leopard cub "Sila," which means strength in Russian. Amur leopards are native to Russia's Far East. "Sila has started exploring outdoor yards with her mom, Anya," the zoo reports. [Photo: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)