FIRE ON SOUTH WADSWORTH IN LAKEWOOD

Firefighters extinguished a blaze in a third-floor apartment early Tuesday in the 3900-block of South Wadsworth Street in Lakewood, West Metro Fire said. Medics checked two people for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was being investigated.

NO PACK: DENVER WATER WOES WORSEN

Our region's precious snowpack ended January at near-record lows, according to Denver Water's online TAP newsletter.
Nathan Elder, the public utility's manager of water resources, said: “We’re basically short by about 4-5 feet of snow.”

“The later into the winter season we go without big, regular snowstorms, the more concerning the situation becomes for our water supply heading into the summer,” Elder said.

“We still have three good months ahead of us to get some significant snow, and March and April are usually when we get our best snow, but the chances of fully catching up to ‘normal’ snowpack this year are dwindling,” he said.

[Photo: Denver Water]

DENVER FIRE CREWS FREE VICTIMS OF MANGLED WRECKS

Denver firefighters freed victims from a pair of mangled wrecks over the past 48 hours. An auto collided with a semi-truck in South Denver early Tuesday, officials said. Three vehicles crashed along the border with Lakewood early Sunday. One person died. West Metro Fire also responded to that wreck. . [Photos: Denver Fire Department]

HAITIAN REFUGEES SAFE FOR NOW

A federal judge late Monday blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians in the U.S. from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues, Colorado Newsline reports.

BIRD FLU STRIKES NORTHGLENN; GEESE, OWL INFECTED

Northglenn police responded in recent days to nearly a dozen suspected cases of Avian Influenza involving wildlife, including geese and a great horned owl. Bird flu "is a virus that naturally occurs in wild birds, especially waterfowl like geese and ducks," officials said. "While the risk to people is low, the virus can be dangerous to birds and other animals." "Sick birds may appear lethargic, unable to fly, walking in circles or unusually unafraid of people," officials said. "Keep pets away from sick or dead birds, as animals can become infected through contact." If you see dead multiple birds or wildlife acting strangely in Northglenn, call (303) 280-7821.

LAKEWOOD COP STOPS FELON SPEEDING AT 115 MPH, CARRYING ILLEGAL GUN

A police officer stopped an auto rocketing at 115 mph in Lakewood and discovered the driver was a felon illegally possessing a gun and ammunition, officials disclosed Monday.
The suburban speed demon was traveling in a 65-mph zone on West 6th Avenue near Indiana Street on Jan. 30. His driver's license had been revoked - and he had racked up a record of seven prior suspensions. "While the speed alone was life-threatening, the investigation revealed a much deeper threat to our community's safety," officials said.

[Photo: Lakewood police]

SWAT TEAM MAKES ARREST IN LOVELAND

A SWAT team arrested a suspect in a criminal investigation in Loveland, police said early Tuesday. The operation occurred near the 2600-block of North Monroe Avenue. The nature of the investigation wasn't disclosed. "The subject involved has been safely apprehended. There is no active shelter in place and no threat to the community," police said.

DOWNED IN DENVER: 1 HURT IN HIT & RUN

In what's becoming a regular occurrence this new year, another pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in Denver.

The latest accident occurred at North Colorado Boulevard and Bruce Randolph Avenue, police said early Tuesday. No other information was released.

WATCH IT! HE BITES! BRAZEN PUPPY THIEF SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN PRISON

Dog thief Jonathan Muniz, 33, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for stealing two English Bulldog puppies worth more than $4,200 each from Perfect Pets in Centennial, prosecutors in Arapahoe County said Monday. Only one of the puppies was recovered by a woman who unknowingly purchased that cute canine and returned it. Store employees tried to stop the heartless bandit. “This sentence recognizes the harm caused to the store employees who bravely intervened, as well as the callous nature of stealing defenseless animals," said Erica Saluta, a deputy DA for the 18th Judicial District. The stiff sentence will run consecutive to a 12-year sentence for an assault in Adams County, unrelated to the puppy theft.

[Photos: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, 18th Judicial District]

COP SHOT, SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN COLORADO SPRINGS; SUSPECT IS SHOT, TOO

UPDATE

A police officer was shot and seriously wounded Monday in Colorado Springs, a police spokeswoman said.

A suspect was also shot and seriously wounded in the incident in a residential neighborhood on East Bijou Street between Balfour and Trump avenues. Officers were investigating a report of a suspicious person when the shooting occurred, the spokeswoman said. The call was received at 1:38 p.m. The two incidents apparently weren't related. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said he met with the injured office and "prayed with him, and am grateful to share that he is expected to be released from the hospital soon." Monday's shooting is the second in three days involving Colorado Springs police. Officers wounded a knife-wielding woman who reached for a police shotgun in a patrol car on Saturday night. No officers were injured.

GUNMAN KILLS SELF IN BRIGHTON AFTER HOURS-LONG STANDOFF

A man who opened fire on officers was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hours-long standoff in Brighton, police said Monday.

The incident, tied to a domestic dispute, started at 8:20 p.m. Sunday in the vicinity of Beldock and Chavez streets. A shelter-in-place order was lifted at 8:50 a.m. Monday. The Commerce City–Brighton Combined SWAT Team and crisis negotiators were on the scene. "While officers were attempting to make contact with him, the suspect fired several shots at officers," police said. "Officers did not return fire. No officers were injured during the incident.

"After repeated attempts over the course of several hours to contact the suspect and have him exit the residence safely, officers entered the home and located the male deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," police said. The man's name wasn't released. He was 48.

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT 'SEEL' UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

UPDATE

Firefighters contained a blaze Monday at the experimental Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community at the University of Colorado in Boulder, campus police said.

The site, known as SEEL, was evacuated. No injuries were reported.

"Environmental Health & Safety and fire officials are on scene," police said in an emergency alert on social media. "The building is closed for the rest of the day."

COLLEGE STUDENT ACCUSED IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT

Jackson T. Keller, 19, a student at Fort Lewis College, is being held on charges of attempting to set up a murder-for-hire plot, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Monday.

"The investigation began January 28, which uncovered evidence suggesting the suspect allegedly attempted to persuade two separate parties to commit the murder of a fellow student in exchange for a cash payment," CBI said.

Keller was arrested the next day and booked into the La Plata County Jail. He faces charges of Criminal Solicitation for First Degree Murder Homicide in the First Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on College Grounds.

Fort Lewis College is located in Durango and "the Fort Lewis College Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the campus community related to this incident," CBI said.

LOST CAT TRACKED DOWN AFTER I-70 CRASH NEAR EISENHOWER TUNNEL

Kitty is safe. Summit Lost Pet Rescue located this cat who broke loose after an auto accident on I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel last month.

[Photo: Summit Lost Pet Rescue] 

COPS SEEK CLUES IN BRECKENRIDGE BIKE PATH DEATH

Breckenridge police are hunting for clues in the death of a man found on the Blue River bike path behind the City Market at 400 North Park Street early Sunday. Detectives are attempting to establish a timeline of events between 10 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday in the vicinity of City Market, North French Street between Park Avenue and Main Street and the bike path behind City Market, police said.

If you witnessed "suspicious activity or individuals" during those hours, call Breckenridge police at (970) 668-8600. Police said: "Life-saving measures were initiated by a bystander and a responding Breckenridge officer. These efforts continued with the arrival of Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District and subsequent transport to St. Anthony’s Summit Hospital."

DENVER POLICE LOCATE GUNMAN WITH HELP OF DRONE

Using a drone, police tracked down a youth accused of firing a gun inside an apartment building in the 1200-block of North Galapago Street in Denver.

No one was hurt in the Jan. 19 incident. Police recovered two weapons, one of which was stolen. The drone was first to arrive on the scene and provided an overhead view as officers entered the building.

"The suspect attempted to flee," police said. "During the foot chase, he produced a handgun and threw it over the railing to the ground below.

"DPD's Drone Unit located the discarded firearm and maintained visual until officers recovered it," police said. "Officers quickly detained the suspect and discovered he was carrying a second handgun in a front satchel."

[Photo: Denver Police Department]

DENVER COPS HUNT SUV IN CROSSWALK HIT & RUN TRAGEDY

Denver police Sunday released a traffic camera photo (right) of a black SUV wanted in a Jan. 30 hit-and-run accident that seriously injured two pedestrians in a crosswalk at East 8th Avenue and Ash Street.

AUTO CHASED BY LARIMER COUNTY DEPUTIES CRASHES, 2 DEAD

An auto chased by Larimer County deputies slammed into a utility police early Sunday, killing two men and injuring a woman, the sheriff's office.

The chase reached speeds of up to 120 mph on northbound I-25 and ended near the intersection of Pheasant Crest Drive and Weld County Road 84. 

It all started in Loveland - near East 57th Street and North Garfield Avenue. 

The deputy "noticed a vehicle that was missing lights and a license plate," officials said. "The driver turned off all the vehicle’s lights and sped away before the deputy could initiate a traffic stop. The deputy activated his lights and sirens, but the suspect refused to stop."

2 FATAL WRECKS IN DENVER OVERNIGHT

One person died and three others were injured early Sunday in a three-vehicle wreck at Sheridan Boulevard and Morrison Road in Denver, police said. The fatality was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured were taken to hospital. Meantime, on eastbound I-70 a person died in a single-vehicle crash near North Tennyson Street in Denver.

COLD CASE: MURDER ON WEST 44TH AVENUE IN SEPTEMBER 1970

This is the suspected gunman in the murder of Vincent Ruiz - a decades-old cold case in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's online database.

Ruiz, 23, was shot in the chest during a fight on West 44th Avenue in Denver by three young men - accompanied by three teenage girls - cruising in a black 1962 Ford on Sept. 8, 1970, police said at the time.

Those six would be in their 70s or 80s today. Perhaps others know about the Ruiz murder, too. If you have information, call the anonymous CrimeStoppers hotline at (720) 913-7867.

The suspects' Ford was described as being shiny, meaning it was probably well maintained, someone's prized possession. 

The victim's brother-in-law, Joseph Archuletta, was riding with Ruiz and provided details of the crime to Denver police, as reported by the Rocky Mountain News. He was shot at, too, but escaped injury.  

The tragedy unfolded when one of the men in the Ford made an obscene gesture toward Ruiz and Archuletta, who were driving to a fast-food eatery. A short time later the pair encountered the Ford again on West 44th Avenue at Lowell Boulevard - and three shots rang out.

The cars continued west to Bryant Street where the Ford forced Ruiz and Archuletta to turn north. The cars stopped and the confrontation ensued. 

The three men jumped out of the Ford and Ruiz jumped out of his car - with Archuletta following carrying a torque wrench and chain.

Ruiz grabbed hold of the wrench and chain when more shots rang out - and he took a bullet to the chest.

The three men hopped back in the Ford and sped off, still with the teenage girls still inside - and lobbed more bullets toward Archuletta during their getaway.

Archuletta said the gunman was aged 24 to 28, of heavy build with black combed back hair, stood 5-foot-8 and weighed 180 pounds. The two other men were described as white, aged 18 to 21, and of small build. There was no description of the girls.

The Ford's license plate contained the numbers 49 or 94. 

Police found Ruiz outside 2545 West 44th Avenue. He resided at 4603 Clay Street.

Vincent Ruiz

[Images: Denver Police Department]

SHOOTING ON ALTON IN DENVER

A person was shot Saturday in the 500-block of North Alton Way in Denver and driven to hospital in a private auto. The injuries weren't life-threatening, police said. No other details were released.

WOMAN SHOT REACHING FOR GUN IN COP CAR

UPDATE

Cops shot a knife-wielding woman who reached for a police shotgun in a patrol car Saturday night in Colorado Springs.

The woman is expected to survive. No officers were injured. The incident occurred on Delaware Drive near Marion Drive, police said.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting, KKTV reported.

PEDESTRIAN HURT IN DENVER HIT & RUN

A pedestrian was seriously injured Saturday in the 900-block of South Tejon Street in Denver and taken to hospital. Police provided no other details.

WISH THIS BIRD A VERY HAPPY BIRD-DAY

Rudo, one of the largest penguins at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is turning 8 years old. Rudo is "a familiar face on the penguin path," zoo officials say. [Photo: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo]

DEATH INVESTIGATION IN THORNTON

In Thornton, police conducted an "outdoor death investigation" Saturday near the 8500-block of Grant Street. "Additional updates will be provided only if the investigation determines the death to be suspicious or criminal in nature," police said.

WOMAN ARRESTED AS SUSPECT IN HOUSE PARTY SHOOTING THAT INJURED 3 IN BRIGHTON

UPDATE Casandra Rocha-Martinez, 19, was arrested early Saturday as a suspect in a shooting at a house party in Brighton that injured two women and a man, police said.
The shooting followed an argument at the residence on South 8th Avenue near Bridge Street. 

"A suspect produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds toward the residence and individuals standing in the front yard," police said. "Victims and witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect, who fled the scene at a high rate of speed and was later involved in a vehicle crash," police said. "A 23-year-old female was ejected from the vehicle and transported to the hospital for treatment." Rocha-Martinez faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and vehicular assault, police said. The women, ages 23 and 24, were reported in critical condition. The man, 18, was treated and released from hospital. There was no word on the conditions of the suspect or the woman ejected from the getaway car. Firefighters and medics responded to the shooting at the same time as police. "While enroute from Station 52, Brighton Fire crews observed a vehicle collision involving two buildings near South 27th Avenue and East Bridge Street. Additional resources were requested while crews continued their response to the original incident," fire officials said. [Photo: Brighton Fire]

MELTDOWN DANGER: ROCKY FLATS NUKE FIRE THREATENED DENVER AREA ON SEPT. 11, 1957

Rocky Flats suffered a secret September 11 nuclear accident in 1957 that could have turned the Denver area into a disaster zone.

The U.S. government's now-shuttered industrial site fabricated components for nuclear weapons, such as bomb triggers.

Today it's a wildlife refuge and public park. However, the risk of lingering radiation prompted Boulder County to post new radiation risk signs in public areas in recent weeks. Westminster plans to take similar steps. Rocky Flats remains open to the public.

On Sept. 11, 1957, spontaneous combustion of plutonium inside a processing unit started a fire that poured contamination. It was "the first major plutonium fire in a United States weapons laboratory," according to the Energy Department.

Due to constant danger, the facility fielded its own fire department. Firefighters tried and failed to douse the blaze with carbon dioxide and eventually knocked down the flames with water.

It was the Cold War-era and the government hid the incident from the public under the guise of top secrecy.

The Crisis

This is an account of the blaze, based on a now declassified Energy Department report:

"At 10:10 p.m. on September 11, 1957, the smell of burning rubber led two Rocky Flats Plant guards in Building 71 to a glovebox emitting eighteen-inch flames in Room 180. At the time of the fire, Building 71 (also called "C Plant" and, later, Building 771) was an essential component of the Rocky Flats Plant. Designed for work with delta-phase plutonium, Building 71 opened in 1953 to recover plutonium for hydrogen bomb triggers."

The blaze "apparently caused by the spontaneous ignition of a small amount of alpha-plutonium turnings or skulls (metallic casting residues), soon spread along the Plexiglas and set off a chain of events.

"Additional building personnel and Rocky Flats Plant firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire two minutes after the guards alerted them, but the time they spent donning protective clothing and debating the best course of action delayed them from combating the flames for ten minutes.

"A fire department lieutenant wanted to douse the flames with water, but both a building production shift supervisor and a plant health physicist initially rejected that plan out of fear of inducing criticality. Workers tried, unsuccessfully, to put out the fire with available carbon dioxide extinguishers."

The Plume Rises

"Firefighters eventually sprayed water on the Room 180 fire and extinguished it safely. During that interval, however, unburned combustible gases apparently passed under pressure through ventilation ductwork and ignited the filters in the building's exhaust filter plenum.

"Minutes after firefighters put out the Room 180 fire, the exhaust system exploded. On order of the health physics supervisor, everyone evacuated the building to escape plutonium contamination, which spread throughout the building and out through the ventilation system. 

"Outside the building, observers saw a 'very dark' smoke plume, 80 to 100 feet high, billow from the stack. Arriving at the site after the evacuation, the section superintendent ordered the firefighters to concentrate on extinguishing the filter fire, although several minor rekindlings at the original site also occurred.

"At 11:10 p.m., Building 71's electrical power failed, the darkness hampering all efforts. By late the next morning, most of the filter bank and the alpha-phase interim facility in Room 180 had been destroyed. During the final hours of the fire, Rocky Flats personnel discovered burning cylinders of nickel carbonyl inside the exhaust plenum and cooled them with water.

"The nickel carbonyl was used to provide a protective nickel coating to plutonium components so they could be handled in the open with less risk of personnel exposure to contamination or buildup of static electricity. A production section superintendent subsequently directed employees to place all the carbonyl cylinders in drums and temporarily bury the drums outside in a pit.

"Thirteen hours after the guards first discovered flames, firefighters succeeded in totally extinguishing the fire at 11:28 a.m. on September 12."

Another fire broke out under similar circumstance on May 11, 1969, though the level of contamination was less than 1957. Officials were more forthright about that incident.

[Photo: Energy Department]

 

DENVER ZOO NAMES ITS 4 LION CUBS

The Denver Zoo officially named its almost six-month-old lion cubs.

Introducing Guion, Alpine Lily, Olive, and Poppy. They were born to mother Araali in August 2025. "Each cub is already showing off a distinct personality," the zoo said. "We don’t have a set schedule for when the cubs will be out, but we’re aiming to have them visible most days, especially on weekends." [Photo: Denver Zoo]

ARREST IN FATAL HIT & RUN IN AURORA

Police arrested a suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed an adult and injured a youth Friday in Aurora.

The accident occurred at 13th Avenue and Peoria Street. The suspect was arrested in nearby Nome Park, police said. The youth was in serious condition.

TV images showed a silver SUV slammed that into the driver side of a red car.

In Denver, meantime, police reported a hit-and-run accident injured two pedestrians in the vicinity of East 8th Avenue and Ash Street.

COLORADO APPEALS FED'S PLAN FOR ELECTRIC PLANT

Colorado is appealing the federal government's order to keep an aged coal-fueled electric power plant available for operation.

The mothballed Craig Unit 1 plant in Moffat County is "inoperable due to damage and the decision to keep it open requires extensive costs — without improving grid electric reliability," the state contends.

It had been slated for retirement last year.

BIRDS OF FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER

This pair of American kestrels was spotted recently at Barr Lake State Park. Kestrels - the smallest and most common falcons in North America - perch and scan for prey. 

[Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]

SMOKING CAUSED FIRE IN FORT COLLINS

Discarded smoking material caused a fire in Fort Collins earlier this month, Poudre Fire Authority said Friday.

Investigators "determined that the fire started inside the manufactured home then fell through the floor where it received a fresh oxygen source and grew quickly," officials said.
A caller told 911: "Smoke is coming from out of the house everywhere.” The blaze - on North Timberline Road - occurred Jan. 20. A cat died.

[Photo: Poudre Fire Authority]

I-PHONE CALLS FOR HELP

In rural Washington County, deputies responded to an iPhone crash alert along Highway 34. Deputies found no crash - but they did find the iPhone. It had fallen from an auto. The device was reunited with its owner. The incident occurred Jan. 12, the Otis Telegraph reports.

COPS ARREST HATCHETMAN THREATENING TO KILL PEOPLE HIDING BEHIND DOOR IN DENVER

Denver police arrested a man armed with a hatchet accused of threatening to kill two people hiding behind a door.

"When officers arrived, they learned the victims were trapped inside and unable to safely exit," police said. "Acting quickly, officers made entry and removed the victims without harm." The officers discovered chop marks on the door.
The suspect, who was also carrying a large kitchen knife, fled and was arrested nearby, police said. The incident occurred in the 3000-block of Delgany Street om Jan. 25.

2 INJURED IN HOUSE FIRE IN AURORA

UPDATE

Fire broke out Friday morning at a home in the 15000-block of East Caspian Place in Aurora. Of the four people evacuated, two were injured - and one was reported in serious condition, Aurora Fire Rescue said.

DEPUTIES STOP AUTO, SAVE 17 ROOSTERS, SEIZE BLADES IN EAGLE COUNTY

Deputies stopped an auto on I-70 carrying 17 roosters as well as "various blades and equipment consistent with cockfighting," the Eagle County Sheriff's Office said. They also found narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency and arrested three suspects. The sheriff's office said: "With the help of Eagle County Animal Services, the roosters were safely removed from the situation, cared for, and given a fresh start at Danzig’s Roost Rooster Sanctuary, where they are now undergoing intake and evaluation." Danzig’s Roost Rooster Sanctuary provides care and placement of game roosters seized during criminal investigations. It is located near Bennett. The arrests occurred last week during a patrol by the sheriff's office's Gore Range Narcotics Interdiction Team - GRANITE.   [Photos: Eagle County Sheriff's Office]

TRAIN HITS PEDESTRIAN IN DENVER

An RTD light rail train struck a pedestrian Thursday near the Colorado Station in the 4300-block of East Colorado Center Drive in Denver, police said. Shuttle buses replaced E and H line service between the Broadway and Southmoor stations, RTD said.

BALD EAGLE SHOT IN NORTHGLENN FACING TOUGH RECOVERY

The bald eagle shot by a ball bearing in Northglenn is making progress after surgery, officials said Thursday.

The eagle was rescued from the shoreline at Croke Reservoir with the metal projectile lodged in its right wing on Jan 12. The case is under investigation. Bald eagles are a federally and state protected species.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said: "She's got a long road ahead of her and progress will be slow." If you have information on the shooting, call Operation Game Thief 1-877-265-6648. 

[Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]

 

NO MORE R&R: RV DESTROYED BY FLAMES IN ADAMS COUNTY

Firefighters stopped flames from spreading after fire destroyed an RV at 70th Avenue and Holly Street in Commerce City on Wednesday night. South Adams Fire said: "Engine 23 arrived on scene and found a fully involved recreational vehicle camper that posed a significant threat to adjacent campers and vehicles. "Crews rapidly extinguished the fire, successfully preventing further damage to nearby structures and a fence. There were no reported injuries." [Photo: South Adams Fire]

FIRED UP OVER COLORADO COAL PLANT'S FUTURE

Environmental groups and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed petitions with the U.S. Energy Department challenging an emergency order to extend operations at a coal-powered generating plant in Moffat County, Colorado Newsline reports.

ZAMBONI DRIVER KILLED IN FORT COLLINS

The driver of a Zamboni, a vehicle that resurfaces ice rinks, died after backing into an overhead door in Fort Collins. The accident occurred Tuesday at Edora Pool Ice Center.

CDOT PLOW SLAMS INTO HOCKEY TEAM VAN ON I-70; 1 DEAD, 8 HURT

UPDATE

An out-of-control CDOT snowplow slammed into a van carrying a youth hockey team on I-70 Thursday in Clear Creek County, killing the van driver, the state patrol said.

The van carried 10 people. Four youths and three adults were transported to hospital by ambulance. A medical helicopter evacuated a fifth youth. The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Another adult declined hospital treatment.

Two other autos were involved in the wreck. No injuries were reported in those vehicles. The accident on slush-covered I-70 occurred near Herman Gulch. The youth hockey team is from California.

The patrol provided this account:

"Preliminary information from the investigation shows that the CDOT plow truck was traveling westbound on I-70 when the driver lost control. The plow truck traveled through the median, breaking through the cable rail and into the eastbound lanes. The plow collided with a Toyota Tacoma that was traveling eastbound in the eastbound lanes. After impact, the Toyota went through the median and struck a BMW traveling westbound in the westbound lanes. 

"The plow continued eastbound and struck the sprinter van that was traveling eastbound in the eastbound lanes. After the impact, the sprinter van ended up down an embankment. The CDOT plow came to rest on the shoulder."

[Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol]

AMMONIA LEAK AT BREWERY IN FORT COLLINS

A Hazmat team plugged an ammonia leak at the New Belgium brewery at 500 Linden Street in Fort Collins on Thursday, Poudre Fire said. No injuries were reported. The entire plant was evacuated. [Photo: Poudre Fire Authority]

BEER TRUCK POPS TOP, SPILLS CANS AND KEGS IN WHEAT RIDGE

A semi-truck carrying hundreds of kegs and cans of beer suffered a tire blowout, tipped over and popped its top on the Highway 58 flyover to eastbound I-70 in Wheat River. The driver was hurt. The cleanup took five hours. Police said it happened last Wednesday. [Photos: Wheat Ridge police]

RUNNING ON FLATS: HUMMER CHASED BY COPS CRASHES, 2 ARRESTS

A speeding Hummer chased by police crashed in La Junta on Wednesday after the tires went flat, the Bent County Sheriff's Office said.

The man and woman inside were wanted on a variety of warrants. The driver, Levi Richard Barela, 34, was also charged with attempting to run down a state trooper. The passenger was identified as Vanessa Mondragon, 28. The sheriff's office said: "Despite the Colorado State Patrol successfully deploying tire deflation devices at two locations east of La Junta, the vehicle continued into the city of La Junta. The pursuit ended after the passenger tires disintegrated, causing the vehicle to exit the highway and jump the railroad tracks."

LITTLE RUNAWAYS WHO PACKED BAGS, LEFT HOME ARE SAFE

After several frantic hours, police located three sisters - ages 8, 10 and 12 - who abruptly packed their backpacks and left home in Aurora on Wednesday and they are OK.

"Our detectives will continue their investigation and will work closely with the Department of Human Services," police said. The incident occurred in the vicinity of East 22nd Avenue and Sable Boulevard. Their mother reported them missing. They were spotted on security video as they walked away from home. At the time of their disappearance, police said: "Their mother does not believe they are dressed appropriately for the weather, and two of the sisters should be wearing glasses but may not be." [Photo: Aurora Police Department]

FIRE CREWS SAVE MILLIKEN HOME FROM TOWERING FLAMES

Towering flames from a garage fire threatened a home at South Dorothy and East Elm streets in Milliken on Wednesday.

No injuries were reported and firefighters saved the dwelling, Front Range Fire said. The first engine company on the scene contained the blaze.

Greeley Fire and Platteville Gilcrest Fire provided reinforcements.

[Photo: Front Range Fire]

'I WANTED TO KILL THEM': DERANGED DRIVER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR HATE CRIME

Monster motorist Vitalie Oprea, 47, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to run down two women in Arapahoe County - an act described as a "bias-motivated hate crime," 18th Judicial District prosecutors said Wednesday.

“I drove at the women because I saw them kissing and they were lesbians and I wanted to kill them,” Oprea told a police officer.

The crime occurred Feb. 19, 2023, near the intersection of East Arapahoe Road and South Liverpool Street. Oprea had taken his parents' auto without permission. He fled the crime scene and was arrested later in the day in Arvada.

Prosecutors said:

"Oprea began yelling at and making obscene gestures toward the women before making a U-turn and driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of East Arapahoe Road in an apparent attempt to get closer to them. Fearing for their safety, the women ran into a grassy area near Grandview High School to escape.

"Witnesses reported Oprea drove over a curb, onto a sidewalk, and across a grassy area toward the women. The women were eventually able to get into a Ram pickup truck, which Oprea then rammed with his vehicle. Oprea exited his car, approached the passenger side of the truck, kicked the vehicle, opened the door, and attempted to pull one of the women out."

Oprea pleaded guilty to Attempted First-Degree Murder After Deliberation, along with a violent hate crime sentence enhancer.

DRIVER WADES OUT OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AFTER CRASH

A driver waded to shore after an auto landed on its side Wednesday in the South Platte River, South Adams Fire said. The driver in the watery wreck - at 96th Avenue and Monaco Street in Commerce City - was injured and taken to hospital. [Photo: South Adams Fire]