ARSON FIRE DAMAGES CATHOLIC CHURCH, BISHOP SAYS; SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE

UPDATE

A weekend arson fire damaged the Christ the King Parish, a Catholic church in Pueblo, Bishop Stephen Berg said.

The blaze occurred at 10:45 p.m. in the church basement at 1708 Horseshoe Drive and involved a "very, very large" area, police Sergeant Antoinette Ramos told the Daily Sketch on Thursday.

There were no injuries. 

Bishop Berg said: "It is unfortunate that we are experiencing these incidents, as are other organizations and faith-based organizations in Pueblo." He didn't elaborate but thanked police and firefighters.

Also Saturday, five masked and hooded vandals smashed three religious statues - St. Mary, St. Anne and St. Michael - outside St. Anne's Catholic Church at 2701 East 12th Street in Pueblo at 1:45 a.m., police disclosed Thursday.

They remained at large. Damage was estimated at $6,000. A flower planter was also damaged.

Ramos said there was no evidence tying the two incidents together. There is also no evidence of hate crimes, she said.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Pueblo was unable to comment due to the ongoing investigation into the two incidents.

In northeast Colorado, meantime, police sought suspects in the vandalism of a holy cross memorial site atop Flirtation Point in the Town of Wray in Yuma County.

[Photo: Facebook]

OUTRAGE AS THUGS SMASH CHURCH STATUES IN PUEBLO

Five masked and hooded thugs smashed religious statues of St. Mary, St. Anne and St. Michael at a Catholic church in Pueblo.

"While this behavior is appalling and unacceptable, there is no indication that this incident meets the criteria for a hate crime under Colorado law," according to police.

The crime occurred Sept. 5 at St. Anne's Church at 2701 East 12th Street. Damage was estimated at $6,000. A flower planter was also damaged in the 1:45 a.m. attack.

If you have information, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers (719) 542-7867.

[Photo: Pueblos Police]

THIS LITTLE PIGGY FAR, FAR FROM HOME

This little pig was found wandering in Fremont County. If you recognize her, call the sheriff's office (719) 276-5555, Extension 8. [Photo: Fremont County Sheriff]

POLICE SEEK HOLY CROSS VANDALS

In Yuma County, police are seeking suspects in the heartless vandalism of a holy cross memorial at Flirtation Point. If you have information call the Wray Police Department (970) 332-4802. [Photo: Wray Police]

COLD CASE: GILPIN COUNTY 'PYRE KILLING' OF 1952

A carpenter scavenging for wood discovered the scorched remains of a woman beneath a burnt log in Gilpin County on Sept. 30, 1952 - a case dubbed the "Pyre Killing."

She may have died elsewhere.

"Jane Doe 1952" was incinerated on what was described as a gentle slope off Colorado Highway 119 near Black Hawk, then a humble mining village. 

The Rocky Mountain News reported a note found tacked to a cabin door in neighboring Central City said: "I don’t expect to get out of this alive."

Seven decades have passed and the savage slaying has never been solved - and the woman has never been identified.

The scavenging carpenter, Charles Damoth, 31, of Central City, was ruled out as a suspect after a lie detector test in the days following the grisly discovery - as well as an injection of "truth serum" sodium amytal the next year. “He told the truth,” George G. Priest, district attorney for the First Judicial District, said.

Others were ruled out, too - as was dubious evidence "discovered" by morbid members of the public who swarmed the crime scene.

The Gilpin County Sheriff's Office received hundreds of tips and checked leads through the Denver Police Department, FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Colorado and beyond for several years.

A wax death mask was crafted from the woman's skull by Detective Dexter Landau, a Denver police artist, with the assistance of Charles G. Grover, a retired Denver dentist, and a sketch of the wax image was broadcast far and wide.

"Jane Doe 1952" was described as about 5-foor-2, 25 to 30 years of age. Her hair was curly brown hair. A locket and large ring found on the body. “The only things left recognizable were her legs, one breast and her teeth,” Gilpin County Sheriff Kenneth McKenzie said. She may have been Hispanic.

The United Press reported: "A few scraps of material were found nearby, including a piece of cloth dotted with sequins, the sole of one shoe, a necklace, ring and an empty lipstick container."

The log pyre, about eight inches in diameter and seven feet long, was burned "almost completely through," the News said. It had apparently been hauled to the site as there were no trees nearby.

The sheriff said the woman "was killed someplace else and carried up there to be burned or stunned and put under the log and burned to death.”

 [Photo: Colorado Bureau of Investigation]

MICHAEL AND HIS PAL DWIGHT CATCH RAYS AT DENVER ZOO

Furry friends Michael and Dwight take in sunbathing at the Denver Zoo on a daily basis - and that's quite natural behavior for ring-tailed lemurs. Each morning, they "sit upright on their haunches, with legs and arms spread out and forearms resting on their knees, exposing the undersides of their limbs to the sun to thermoregulate," the zoo reports. What's more, "since they're highly social animals, touching or holding onto each other while they bask also helps reinforce and strengthen social bonds," the zoo says. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGE IN PARKER CRASH

A motorist faces charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and speeding after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Parker.

The victim was ejected from the "at-fault" vehicle, police said. The suspect was jailed after a medical check. Police made no mention of the occupants of the other vehicle. The accident occurred at about 11 p.m. at Motsenbocker Road and Main Street.

FEDERAL HEIGHTS GUNMAN GUILTY OF MURDER IN AURORA SHOOTING SPREE

A jury convicted Nelson Francisco Miranda-Rivas of murder, attempted murder and other charges in three shootings across Aurora on the night of Feb. 13, 2023, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Miranda-Rivas, 29, of Federal Heights, took the life of a man found in the parking lot of the popular Pitchers Sports Bar in the 1600-block of South Chambers Road after injuring another man at Highline Park - and firing into a home on Idalia Circle where the victim of the sports bar murder resided. No one was hurt there.

Evidence - including cellphone data - placed Miranda-Rivas at all three locations, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

“This was an incredibly complex case involving three separate shootings, multiple victims and a large body of evidence,” said Laura Anderson, senior deputy DA. “Our team and our law enforcement partners carefully followed that evidence to establish Miranda-Rivas’ connection to these crimes.”

The gunman faces a life sentence. He was arrested in 2024. His trial began in early August.

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

ONE PERSON DEAD AFTER COMMERCE CITY BLAZE; HORSES ALSO PERISH

Firefighters discovered a person's body after a massive blaze destroyed RVs and sheds Tuesday in Commerce City. 

Animals - including horses - also perished in the inferno, which broke out at about 1:40 p.m. on a site near the Mile High Flea Market, South Adams Fire said. "Crews quickly worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further," officials said. Thornton and Adams County firefighters provided mutual aid. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

FRONT RANGE ORGANIZED CRIME STING NABS 8; COPS SEEK 2 MORE SUSPECTS

The Aurora Police Department announced Tuesday that eight suspects in hundreds of violent incidents along the Front Range were arrested by an elite, regional law enforcement squad combatting organized crime. Two other suspects are at large. "RAVEN Task Force Officers began investigating the group in February 2025 after identifying a pattern of violent criminal behavior including burglaries, motor vehicle thefts, robberies and assaults," police said. "The investigation also linked the group through ballistic evidence to hundreds of shootings." Together, the 10 face charges of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act as well as other offenses. The crimes were committed in Aurora, Arvada, Denver, Colorado Springs and Westminster, as well as Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, El Paso and Jefferson counties.

Police identified those arrested as: • Deshelle Dockins, 48, of Aurora, on charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm. Dockins was booked into the Arapahoe County Jail. • Simon Botros, 19, of Aurora, on charges of attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. Botros was booked into the El Paso County Jail.

• Tekoa McClain, 21, of Aurora, on charges of attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. McClain was booked into the Arapahoe County Jail.

• Tayamond Thomas, 22, of Aurora, on charges of attempted unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a large-capacity magazine during a crime, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary. Thomas was booked into the Arapahoe County Jail.

• Kwame Hughes, 21, of Aurora, on charges of attempted aggravated robbery, menacing, possession of a large-capacity magazine during a crime and conspiracy to commit robbery. Hughes was booked into the Arapahoe County Jail.

• A 17-year-old male from Denver, on charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a large-capacity magazine during a crime, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit robbery. The 17-year-old was booked into a juvenile detention facility.

• A 17-year-old male from Aurora, on charges of kidnapping, robbery, attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a large-capacity magazine during a crime and possession of a weapon by a juvenile. He was booked into a juvenile detention center.

• A 16-year-old male from Aurora, on charges of attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery and evidence tampering. He was booked into a juvenile detention center.

Still at large: • Hezekiah Mason, 19, of Aurora, wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit motor vehicle theft, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, evidence tampering, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of a large-capacity magazine during a crime.

• Keosha Johnson, 20, of Aurora, wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit motor vehicle theft, evidence tampering and conspiracy to commit evidence tampering. [Photos: Aurora Police]

MODEL JET FIGHTER CRASHES, BURNS IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

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

No injuries were reported in the unusual toy story along Norh Roxborough Park Road. No homes were threatened. Park rangers contained the flames until fire crews arrived. Fire officials identified the craft as an HSD Turbine F-18 gas-powered model jet. The 12-channel, radio-controlled airplanes have a wingspan of about 44 inches and sell online for more than $3,000, according to an Internet search. South Metro Fire said: "Based on initial reports of the fire’s rate of spread and its proximity to nearby homes, incident command upgraded the response to a wildland-urban interface fire, bringing additional resources to the scene. "The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Helitack crew launched and provided aerial assistance to firefighters by helping identify the fire’s location and access points. No water drops were necessary." Authorities did not identify the owners and operators of the model jet or if they were minors. [Photos: South Metro Fire] Originally published Sept. 7

CLIMBER PLUNGES ON CRESTONE NEEDLE

Mountain rescuers from Custer and Saguache counties saved a climber who was seriously injured descending Crestone Needle on Monday. Flight for Life transported a technical rope rescue team to Cottonwood Lake "to begin ascending to the injured man," Custer County Search and Rescue said. The victim, who was in a group of five, was hoisted by a Colorado National Guard helicopter. "His fall was witnessed by his climbing partners and several other climbers who provided initial assistance including calling 911," rescue officials said. The officials added: "We are sensitive to the emotional and psychological stress of witnessing an event like this, and we encourage everyone to practice self-care." [Photo: Custer County Search and Rescue]

COPS ARREST PREGNANT WOMAN GETTING HIGH ON FENTANYL IN COMMERCE CITY

Police arrested a pregnant woman and a companion getting high on fentanyl in a vehicle parked in Commerce City. They were also in possession of cocaine and meth and had outstanding warrants for assaulting a police officer and felony eluding. "The woman was transported to the hospital first to get the care she and her baby needed before jail," police said. The troubling incident occurred Sept. 3. [Photo: Commerce City Police]

ONE DEAD IN HEAD-ON CRASH

The state patrol said one motorist was killed and another was seriously injured in a head-on crash on Highway 50 west of Gunnison. One vehicle veered into the westbound lane causing Monday's wreck. Both drivers were flown to hospital.

INMATE PLEADS GUILTY IN PRISON MURDER IN ENGLEWOOD

An inmate at the federal prison in Englewood pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing another prisoner last year.

Ely Michael Delmastro, 50, of Denver, faces a life sentence after admitting to one count of murder in the first degree, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

"Delmastro was being held at the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in September 2025 when he killed fellow inmate ‘M.T.’ with a homemade metal weapon sharpened into a knife," prosecutors said.

"At the time of the murder, Delmastro was being held at FCI Englewood on charges related to the armed robberies of eight metro area businesses that occurred during July and August of 2024." prosecutors said.

Delmastro also pleaded guilty to the robbery spree.

[Phoro: U.S. Bureau of Prisons]

FIRE WRECKS HOME IN CENTENNIAL

UPDATE

In Centennial, flames swept the exterior of a home at 6409 South Steele Street on Monday night. The occupant escaped. No injuries were reported. "Neighbors called 911 after seeing smoke and flames," South Metro Fire said. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

E-BIKER KILLED TRYING TO PASS SEMI-TRUCK 'UNLAWFULLY' IN GREELEY

An e-biker was killed by a semi-truck in Greeley after he accelerated to "unlawfully" pass the truck's right side, police said. The accident occurred Friday at 11th Avenue and 10th Street. The trucker was traveling northbound on 11th Avenue and turning eastbound onto 10th Street. The e-bike rider was 32. No charges were filed against the trucker after police conducted a preliminary investigation. "First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene," police said. "One eastbound lane of 10th Street was closed for approximately six hours while officers investigated."

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

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

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

MAN MURDERED ON FEDERAL BLVD. IN DENVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Photo: Wikipedia]

COPS SEIZE COPPER STOLEN FROM CELL TOWER

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

[Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

CRASHES KILL PEDESTRIAN, BIKER IN DENVER

Police investigated a pair of fatal traffic accidents in Denver.

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

HOARDER HOUSE BURNS ON RACINE STREET IN AURORA

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

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

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

[Photos: Pueblo Fire]

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE HOME IN GARFIELD COUNTY

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

COPS KILL BABY KIDNAPPER IN PUEBLO; INFANT SURVIVES

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

FEDS ZAP CRAZED FUGITIVE WEARING WIG IN DENVER

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

WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER MAKING PROGRESS

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

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

ONE HURT AS BLAZING VAN EXPLODES

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

SUSPECTS SOUGHT IN $700,000 GOLD SWINDLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were two victims in separate cases.

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

[Photo: Boulder Police]

SUSPECT FLEES COPS, HIDES IN WINDOW WELL

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

2-ALARM BLAZE DESTROYS HOME IN GREELEY

UPDATE

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