BRUNO AND GUSTAVO PLAY IT COOL AT DENVER ZOO

Alpacas Bruno and Gustavo, newer arrivals at the Denver Zoo, cool off in their splash pad on a hot summer say.

[Photo: Denver Zoo]

APARTMENT FIRE BREAKS OUT IN ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Fire broke out Wednesday at Hunter’s Run Apartments at 8300 East Yale Avenue in Arapahoe County. "Fire Medics evaluated one person on scene who did not require transport," South Metro Fire said. The fire damaged Building 6. Aurora Fire and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office also responded to the afternoon blaze. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

COLD CASE: TEEN WITNESS IN NIGHTCLUB ARSON CASE FOUND DEAD IN DITCH NEAR ERIE

Exotic dancer Tracey Lee Disbrow, 17, of Colorado Springs, was a confidential informant for the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office.
In the summer of 1989, she was set to testify in an arson case against her former employer, the owner of the Swizzle Stick, a nightclub in Colorado Springs.

She never her did. Disbrow's body was found on July 9, 1989, in an irrigation ditch near Weld County Roads 4 and 7, three miles southeast of Erie. She had been repeatedly stabbed in the chest. The Weld County Sheriff's Office is seeking fresh clues. Her roommates last saw Disbrow, who had been a nude performer at the Swizzle Stick and also went by the name of Tracey Ragains, a day earlier in Colorado Springs. She had left a note she was walking to a grocery store. In January 1990. the club owner was convicted of soliciting two men to bomb a rival tavern, the Candlelight Inn, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

If you have information in the case, contact the Weld County Sheriff's Office (970) 340-6464 or email Crimetips@weld.gov [Photo: Weld County Sheriff's Office, Find-a-Grave]

WHEAT RIDGE COLD CASE SOLVED AS REMAINS IDENTIFIED

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office said human remains discovered by a person panning for gold almost two years ago have been identified as those of Robbie Swor, 57.

The remains were located along the Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park in Wheat Ridge on Dec. 27, 2024. A forensic anthropologist determined that Swor had been dead for as long as 2 1/2 years. Using the results of DNA testing, coroner's investigator Chandler Ellis traced Swor's descendants to Syria in the late 19th Century - and mapped out a comprehensive lineage leading back to Colorado. Family members had not spoken with Swor for almost a decade but told Ellis he was believed to have been residing in the Denver area. [Photo: Jefferson County Coroner]

SMOKE ALARM YIELDS FIRE, TRAPPED FELINE

A smoke alarm summoned firefighters to a blaze in an apartment building - and a trapped, home-alone cat suffering smoke inhalation in Pueblo.

The lucky feline was administered oxygen and water and returned to its family. Pueblo Fire said: "The fire was quickly knocked down and damage was kept to a minimum thanks to the smoke alarm." [Photo: Pueblo Fire]

'CURIOUS KITTY' TRAPPED IN CHIMNEY OVERNIGHT

Black Forest firefighters extracted a cat trapped overnight in a home's chimney.

"Fortunately, this curious kitty was none the worse for wear" and reunited with family Wednesday morning, officials said. Engine Company 711 made the save. [Photos: Black Forest Fire]

TEEN TRAPPED IN COLD WAR NUKE SILO AT ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

UPDATE

Firefighters rescued a teen trapped early Wednesday inside an abandoned Cold War-era nuclear missile silo at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, the sheriff's office said.

Designed to strike the Soviet Union, the U.S. Air Force launch facility operated in the early 1960s.

The deep, damp, dangerous, empty silos have attracted trespassing explorers over the years - sometimes resulting in similar horrendous outcomes.

The victim, a woman age 18, was transported to hospital by Sable Altura medics and is expected to survive, South Metro Fire said. Colorado's active nuclear missiles silos are located near the Wyoming state line. The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds are located at 25690 East Quincy Avenue. [Photos: South Metro Fire, USAF]

DENVER ZOO'S BABY SHEEP LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

The latest additions to the Denver Zoo's bighorn sheep herd - Indigo and Saffron - are doing well, zoo officials report. Indigo was born to mother Violet. Saffron was born to Amber. [Photos: Denver Zoo]

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RESCUERS COAX DOG NAMED 'DAISY' FROM LEDGE IN LAKEWOOD

Members of West Metro Engine Company 10 rescued a dog named Daisy from a narrow window ledge at a townhome on West Cornell Avenue in Lakewood.

"She somehow pushed through a second-story window screen," West Metro Fire said. "While firefighters could have carried her down the ladder, she was understandably terrified. "Instead, they used a few treats, plenty of patience, and some gentle encouragement to coax her back through the same window," officials said. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE IN JULY 4 SHOOTING

Cletus Rinebarger, 68, was charged with attempted first-degree murder in an Independence Day shooting in Alamosa County, the sheriff's office said Tuesday. The victim was transported to San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center and transferred to a Front Range hospital. The suspect was booked into the Alamosa County Detention Center. The shooting occurred in the 5400-block of Stanley Road and the sheriff's office described it as an "isolated incident." [Photo: Alamosa County Sheriff]

5 INJURED IN COMMERCE CITY BLAZE

Five people were injured early Tuesday in an apartment fire in Commerce City.
"Firefighters quickly contained the fire to a single unit, and the building’s fire sprinkler system played a critical role in slowing the fire’s spread and limiting damage," South Adams Fire said.

"Five individuals were transported for evaluation and treatment of smoke related injuries," officials said. The fire was reported at 4:42 a.m. in the Greyhound Park area of the city. Adams County Fire, Westminster Fire, Platte Valley Ambulance and Commerce City police also responded. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

BIKE RIDER KILLED BY SEMI IN FORT COLLINS

A woman riding a bicycle was struck and killed by a semi-truck in a construction zone in Fort Collins, police said.

“This was a traumatic incident for not only those involved, but also those who witnessed the scene," police sergeant David Lindsay said.

The accident occurred Monday evening at the intersection of East Mulberry and Whedbee streets.

"The investigation has revealed that the bicyclist was going from the north side of the road to the south side of the road when she was struck," police said.

TROOPERS IDENTIFY SUSPECT IN I-70 ASSAULT

With the public's help, the state patrol identified a suspect in an assault on a tow truck driver on I-70 west of Limon, officials said Tuesday. The driver suffered serious injuries in Sunday's assault in the eastbound lanes of the interstate.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

2-ALARM FIRE BREAKS OUT IN ADAMS COUNTY

A two-alarm fire engulfed a utility pole and devoured a garage, autos, a shed and fences, Adams County Fire said.  The cause is under investigation.

No injuries were reported in Monday's blaze in the 8300-block of Nueva Vista Drive. Four homes were evacuated as a precaution. Xcel Energy deactivated the power lines. Thornton Fire, South Adams Fire and North Metro Fire also responded to the blaze as did sheriff's deputies. [Photos: Adams County Fire]

COPS ARREST SUSPECT IN THORNTON MURDER

Cesar Licon Jr., 18, was arrested as a suspect in a weekend homicide in Thornton, police said Tuesday. The victim, 44, was gunned down early Sunday in the 3600-block of East 91st Avenue. Licon was taken into custody Sunday night with the assistance of Commerce City officers after detectives obtained an arrest warrant, police said.

BARN OWL 'DAZED' BY FIREWORKS SHOW IN ADAMS COUNTY

Rescuers aided a confused barn owl who made an emergency landing at the Independence Day fireworks show at the Adams County Fairgrounds.

The owl "was discovered tucked beneath a spectator’s chair," according to Rampart Seach and Rescue, and "appeared to be dazed, but with no apparent injuries." After regaining its bearings, the owl took flight - with plans to spend Independence Day 2027 at home. [Photo: Rampart Search and Rescue]

SEMI TIPS NEAR SAND CREEK TRAIL IN COMMERCE CITY

A semi-truck hauling debris tipped over Monday at 96th Avenue near Sand Creek Trail in Commerce City. No injuries were reported, police said.

[Photos: Commerce City Police, South Adams Fire]

FIREFIGHTERS CUT LAWN FOR ELDERLY FALL VICTIM IN ADAMS COUNTY

Members of Adams County Engine Company 11 assisted an elderly man who fell while cutting his lawn - and finish the job for him.

[Photos: Adams County Fire]

TOW TRUCK DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN I-70 ASSAULT

This man is suspected of assaulting and seriously injuring a tow truck driver on I-70 west of Limon, the state patrol said.

Do you know him - or recognize the pickup truck?

The assault occurred in the eastbound lanes of the interstate on Sunday night. The tow truck driver taken to hospital. The suspect wears blue overalls.

If you have information, contact the patrol (719) 544-2424 regarding case 3D260690.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

COPS SEIZE GUNS, DOPE FROM HOME WITH 'LETHAL' BOOBY TRAP

Deputies raided a home across from their station, seized high-powered weapons, ammunition and drugs - and discovered a booby trap on the property.

The booby trap wasn't armed, the Lincoln County Sheriff' Office said.

"Deputies seized 15 firearms (including two reported stolen), a ballistic vest, a tactical combat belt, thousands of rounds of ammunition including armor piercing, extended magazines, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, narcotics distribution equipment, potential explosive equipment and other items associated with criminal activity," officials said.

The raid occurred in the 600-block of 2nd Street in Limon on July 2.

"Deputies also found the suspect was in possession of a potentially lethal booby trap device on the property, thankfully not in use," official said. "The suspect was arrested during this investigation, has been arrested two prior times by our office on narcotics and weapons-based offenses since late 2024. Furthermore, he is on probation, as well as out on bond for an additional felony narcotics case. "Though we cannot decide what the outcomes of the cases are, we can continue enforcing the law to the best of our ability."

No injuries were reported. [Photos: Lincoln County Sheriff]

ALL SAFE AFTER CONDO FIRE IN DENVER

Fire gutted a multi-family condo early Monday near South Florida Street and Quebec Way in December, the fire department said. No injuries were reported. The blaze displaced three people. [Photo: Denver Fire]

BEARS RECLAIM THEIR TURF IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

Bear sightings are common this summer in Highlands Ranch. The bears' ancestors roamed the land before the developers. Give them "plenty of space," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. [Photos: Douglas County Sheriff]

FLAMES AND EXPLOSION: FIREFIGHTERS SAVE CAT, REPTILE IN LAKEWOOD

Firefighters saved a cat hiding under a bed Sunday after a fire and propane tank explosion wrecked a duplex in Lakewood.
They also "grabbed the family's pet lizard," West Metro Fire said. When crews arrived, "flames had already spread from the back deck into the attic on one side of the duplex and raced along a wooden fence to a neighboring structure and a vehicle," officials said. "Two propane tanks exploded, intensifying the fire." "Investigators determined the fire started when embers from a gas fire pit fell beneath the outside deck." officials said. "The embers smoldered for hours after the fire pit was turned off."

The residents escaped, no one was hurt and the pets are safe. The duplex is located on West Cedar Place near South Newland Street.
[Photo: West Metro Fire]

BLAZE DESTROYS HOUSE IN AURORA

Fire destroyed a house early Monday in the 13500-block of East Center Avenue in Aurora. "Crews found a large volume of fire consuming the garage and attic space on arrival," Aurora Fire said. The home was unoccupied. No one was hurt. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

HOME SPRAYED WITH BULLETS IN PUEBLO

In Pueblo, a home was sprayed with rapid gunfire early Wednesday. Police discovered nearly 70 spent casings of different calibers in the street. No one was hurt in the 200-block of Veta Avenue in the Mesa Junction district, police said.

SUSPECT CHARGED IN BIZARRE AUTO MURDER IN ERIE

Justin De Nileon Jr., 29, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a woman found at the scene on an auto accident in Erie.

The Weld County District's Attorney's Office said: "Officers determined that the amount and location of blood was not consistent with a vehicle crash, nor was it consistent with a person being ejected from a vehicle."

The crash occurred June 21 near the intersection of Weld County Road 7 and Weld County Road 6. The woman was 28.

TWO KILLED CONFRONTING AUTO THIEVES IN DENVER

In a disturbing trend, two men were shot and killed days apart when they confronted people breaking into their autos in Denver, police warned Thursday.

The murders occurred in the 15000-block of East Olmstead Drive at about 1:15 a.m. on June 24 and in the 4300-block of Pecos Street at about 11:55 p.m. on June 30.

Citizens are asked to call 911 if witnessing a crime - and avoid intervening.

Police said they are attempting to determine whether the killings are related and that investigators "have made progress."

"The brazen action of these suspects go against the fiber of our community," Police Chief Ron Thomas said.

So far this year, there have been 26 murders in Denver, up from 18 a year earlier, police said. Twenty of this year's 26 murders have yielded arrests or have been solved.

If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867

DRIVER CHARGED AFTER TRUCK KILLS PERSON IN DENVER

A "jockey truck" for moving large trailers struck and killed a person Thursday in an industrial area of Denver.

The truck driver "didn’t see the pedestrian walking in the yard" in the 4700-block of East 50th Avenue, police said, and was charged with careless driving resulting in death. The accident occurred just before 5 a.m. No other details were released.

HOME TOTAL LOSS IN GRAND JUNCTION

 

Fire destroyed a home Wednesday on Quail Run Drive in Grand Junction, the fire department said. No injuries were reported.
[Photo: Grand Junction Fire]

ASPEN ACRES INFERNO EXPLODES, BURNS ALMOST 50,000 ACRES

The Aspen Acres wildfire in Pueblo and Custer counties raged over roughly 50,000 acres Thursday and destroyed 200 homes and other structures - and there is no end in sight.

The burning acreage is the equivalent of 78 square miles - making it one of the largest blazes in Colorado history. 

The wind-whipped flames erupted Monday and there's been zero containment. Investigators suspect humans are responsible.

A firefighter was injured in Custer County, officials said.
 
The blaze is located 10 miles northwest of Rye, and widespread mandatory evacuations remained in place, including the towns of Rye, Beulah and San Isabel.

Livestock and large animals have been shuttled to the Colorado State Fairground in Pueblo for safe-keeping.

Firefighters contended with other wildfires across the state, including a blaze that killed three federal firefighters near the Utah state line over the weekend as well as fires near Ouray, near Dolores, and near Leadville.

[Photo: Custer County Sheriff, Pueblo Sheriff]

MISSING MAN, 63, FOUND DEAD IN CREEK IN DENVER

Kevin Bailey, 63, missing from the Woodland Estates Senior Living Center since June 12, was found dead in a creek in Denver, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.

There were no restrictions preventing Bailey from leaving the facility, located on Rosslyn Street, and he told an employee there he planned to ride a bus to visit friends. He required daily prescription medications.

"Acting on investigative leads, investigators, members of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, and two search-and-rescue dogs conducted a coordinated search in Denver's Central Park area, where Bailey was last known to be," the sheriff's office said.

"During the search, teams located evidence that prompted investigators to return to the area the following day," officials said. "On June 26, members of the Denver Fire Water Rescue Team and ACSO investigators, located a deceased individual in a creek."

The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the remains Wednesday.

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

LIGHTNING SUSPECTED IN HOUSE FIRE IN WESTMINSTER

Investigators suspect lighting caused a house fire Tuesday in Westminster. The blaze broke out near 144th Avenue and Huron Street. "There was a thunderstorm in the area with significant lightning," officials said. The residents and their dog escaped. [Photos: Westminster Fire]

COPS RESCUE KIDNAPPED BABY IN AURORA

Police rescued a 10-month-old boy from a stolen auto in Aurora.

The suspect, described as an acquaintance of the child's mother, was arrested on probable cause of kidnapping, motor vehicle theft and violation of a protection order, police said. The infant, who was still strapped in his seat, was reunited with his mother, who owns the auto, a Ford Escape.
The auto was stolen from 2500-block of North Dallas Street and swifty located at a nearby motel on June 28, police said. [Photo: Aurora Police]