dailysketchdenver@yahoo.com || Police. Fires. Human interest. || Locally Owned and Published in Denver

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

AURORA COPS CATCH ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT

Julien Weeks, 18, of Denver, was arrested on charges of first-degree assault, robbery and violating a court order after a shooting on Ironton Street in Aurora, police said Tuesday. "Patrol officers responded to a report of a 21-year-old man who self-transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound," police said. "About the same time, officers were also responding to a shots fired call in the 2200-block of Ironton Street." They determined Sunday night's calls were one in the same. "Detectives and patrol officers conducted an extensive canvass of the area for evidence, which led to the identification of Weeks as a possible suspect," police said. He was arrested about 90 minutes later. Weeks was held without bond in the Adams County Jail.

MARSHALS NAB VIOLENT FUGITIVE IN LAKEWOOD


Fugitive Martin Sanabria, wanted in New Mexico for assaulting a law enforcement officer, was captured Monday in Lakewood, the U.S. Marshals Service said.
[Photo: U.S. Marshals Service]

DENVER'S LION CUBS PARTY HARD ON FIRST BIRTHDAY

 



The Denver Zoo's four lion cubs munched "meat popsicles" and wrestled on their first birthday. "With one of our cubs, Olive, healing from a toe injury, the cubs stayed together behind the scenes. But that didn’t stop the party!" the zoo said. [Photos: Denver Zoo]

BRAZEN ATTACK: THIRD TdA GANGSTER SENTENCED IN VIOLENT, $4 MILLION JEWELRY HEIST IN DENVER


Jesus Lara del Toro, 22, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a violent, multi-million dollar robbery at a Denver jewelry store ordered by notorious Venezuelan gang 
Tren de Aragua, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver said.

Several people were pistol-whipped and injured.

“The crew that planned and carried out the robbery knew people would be inside, and they fully intended to terrorize anyone present during the robbery's commission," 
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski said. 

The heist occurred at 
the Joyeria El Ruby Jewelry Store on West 38th Avenue in Denver on June 24, 2024. Lara del Toro, a Venezuelan national, and three other suspects fled to El Paso, Texas.

"Employees and customers were held at gunpoint, several employees were beaten with firearms, and nearly $4 million worth of gold and jewelry were stolen," the U.S. Attorney's Office said Monday.

Two others, Jean Torres-Roman and Newman Castillo Delgado, were previously sentenced and a fourth is scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Lara del Toro pleaded guilty to the crime without a plea agreement.

The jewelry store owners' shop in Thornton was burglarized later in 2024 by crowbar wielding crooks.

Following the second crime, one of the 
Joyeria El Ruby owners told 9 News: "You feel that frustration, that powerlessness that, once again, what you worked arduously for — from morning to afternoon, all day here — for someone to come and strip you of what's yours, I mean, you feel a lot of powerlessness, a lot of sadness, a lot of pain."

[Photos: U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI]




ARREST IN SHOOTING THAT INJURED FOUR AT NIGHTCLUB IN DENVER

Ty Anderson, 20, was arrested as a suspect in a weekend shooting at the Volt Club in Denver, police said.

Police also arrested a suspected getaway driver, Izrial Martin, 22, who led officers on a chase after Anderson and two others bailed out of the vehicle.

The gunfire erupted during a fight early Saturday and the four victims, including a security guard, survived. The nightclub is located at 2121 South Sheridan Boulevard.

3 ARRESTED IN MURDER ON WEST CUSTER PLACE IN DENVER

Davidson Semeco-Acurero, 18, was arrested as the suspected triggerman in a murder on West Custer Place in Denver. A 17-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were also apprehended. The victim, Maikel Garresquero Mavo, 19, was seated in a car that collided with a parked vehicle, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime. The driver's seat as empty. "It appears the victim was lured to that location - possibly related to a prior dispute with the suspect(s)," police said. "When the victim and the driver of the vehicle in which he was riding arrived at the location, three suspects quickly approached the vehicle and shots were fired striking the victim. "The vehicle traveled a short distance before colliding with a parked vehicle, and the driver fled on foot." police said. "Detectives are still working to identify and locate that individual, who may also have been injured. The motivation of the homicide remains under investigation." The incident occurred Aug. 6 in the 4100-block of West Custer at about 11 p.m. and the three suspects are being held for investigation of first-degree murder.

Monday, August 17, 2026

WOMAN INTENTIONALLY CAUSED FATAL CRASH ON I-70 NEAR LOMA


A coroner determined a drunken woman killed in a head-on crash on I-70 near the Utah state line intentionally caused the blazing collision, the Colorado State Patrol said Monday.

Her auto struck a pickup truck, seriously injuring the male driver from Thornton as well as two women and three child passengers.

The woman, a resident of Colorado Springs, was traveling alone and had a blood alcohol level of 
0.235, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

She was headed east and crossed into the westbound lanes near Loma in Mesa County on July 20. Her car burst into flames, according to the patrol.

If you or someone you know is suffering a serious mental health issue, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]

28 YEARS IN PRISON FOR I-25 ROAD RAGE ATTACK IN ADAMS COUNTY

Oscar Granados, 20, was sentenced to 28 years in state prison in a road rage shooting that led to a fiery crash on I-25 in Adams County.

The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and a grazing wound to his left ribs during the incident, which occurred early on Oct. 26, 2024.

In a statement issued Monday, prosecutors said:

"A witness traveling on I‑25 provided dash‑camera footage showing the victim’s truck alongside a blue Dodge Durango moments before the gunfire. The truck swerved into the barrier after shots were fired, while the Durango fled the scene.  

Investigators determined the shooting resulted from a road‑rage encounter between the two vehicles. Detectives learned that the Durango’s driver, Oscar Granados, accelerated to catch up to the victim’s truck and fired multiple rounds into the driver’s side as both vehicles traveled northbound."

On April 10, an Adams County jury convicted Granados of Attempted First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault and Providing a Handgun to a Juvenile. He was sentenced Aug. 10. He will be eligible for parole in June 2038.

[Photo: DA Adams & Broomfield]

GUILITY PLEA IN CASE OF TERRORIST WANNABE FROM CASTLE ROCK


Davin Daniel Meyer, 21, of Castle Rock,
pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to Islamic State terrorists and faces up to a decade in prison. Authorities arrested Meyer as he attempted to board a flight to Turkey at Denver International Airport on July 14, 2023, according to Courthouse News Service. He was 18 at the time and had dropped out of high school.
Meyer had been communicating online with a government informant he thought to be an Islamic State recruiter and also met face-to-face with an undercover agent on three occasions.

He was radicalized by online videos and pleaded guilty last week in federal court. 
An acquaintance reported Meyer to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office when he was 17 for making threats based radical beliefs.

[Photo: FBI]

Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.

ARREST IN SUNDAY'S MURDER IN AURORA

UPDATE

A suspect in a weekend murder in Aurora was arrested Monday at a motel in Colorado Springs.

Aurora police identified the suspect as Armanni Baraka Woods, 31, of Colorado Springs. He faces charges of first-degree murder after deliberation.
The victim's body was discovered Sunday morning on a sidewalk at
South Galena Street and East Warren Avenue. He was shot nearby
several hours earlier in the 2200-block of South Havana Street. "Woods was arrested without incident at a Colorado Springs motel by the Aurora Police Department fugitive unit, with assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Tactical Unit, K9 Unit and Real Time Crime Center," police said. The dead man was 49.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AT WESTMINSTER VACCINE CLINIC


In Westminster, a total 230 pets were vaccinated Saturday as part of the city's low-cost vaccine program - including these little guys.

[Photo: Westminster Police]

MAN KILLED IN BEULAH VALLEY FLOODING AFTER HUGE BLAZE


Crashing floodwaters killed a man Sunday as heavy rain drenched the Beulah Valley and Aspen Acres burn scar, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.

Weather radar estimated 1 to 1½ inches of rain fell over the Beulah area in 90 minutes, officials said.

A Flight for Life chopper crew located the victim in a creek about two miles from where he had been standing near Highway 78 and Central Avenue.

"
Beulah fire personnel attempted to rescue him when he was quickly swept downstream," officials said. 

The Aspen Acres Fire roared over 100,000 acres of Pueblo, Custer and Huerfano counties last month, cutting a giant burn scar.

[Photo: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office]

COLORADO'S AVERAGE GAS PRICE $4.31 AMID WAR



Amid war with Iran, the a
verage pump price of regular unleaded gasoline in Colorado stands at $4.31 per gallon, up from $3.05 a year earlier, data showed Monday.

"Prices have been rising after a brief drop the previous week, reflecting seasonal demand and supply factors," according to AAA.

Last week, Colorado prices averaged $4.06 per gallon.
 
Meantime, President Trump threatened Monday to launch an attack on the tiny nation of Oman if it interferes in negotiations aimed at the opening the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil tankers.

"If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s--t out of them," Trump told Fox News.

Colorado's record of $4.92 per gallon was set in June 2022.

[Photo: Royal Thai Navy. 
Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree ablaze on March 11, 2026]

Sunday, August 16, 2026

COPS ARREST SUSPECT IN RANDOM TRAFFIC SHOOTING IN AURORA


Jose Daniel Ledesma, 35, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder in a brazen, random shooting at the East Mississippi Avenue ramp onto northbound I-225 in Aurora, police said. The suspect allegedly stepped from a silver Dodge Charger, pointed a gun at another motorist, fired a single shot - and drove off. Both cars were stopped in traffic. The victim, age 65, wasn't hit and told officers that "there was no contact, nor confrontation before the shooting occurred and he believed he was randomly targeted," police said in a press release issued Friday. Even so, the man had the presence of mind to recall the license plate number of the Dodge Charger. A police SWAT Team arrested the suspect at his home in Commerce City on Wednesday. The shooting occurred on Aug. 3. [Photo: Aurora Police] Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.

COPS ARREST ALLEGED EAST COLFAX AVE. WINDOW SMASHER

Daxx Rumsey, 36, was arrested as a suspect in this summer's window smashing spree along East Colfax Avenue in Aurora, police said. Damage totaled tens of thousands of dollars - and police said public assistance led to the arrest. "The suspect targeted multiple businesses by throwing objects through storefront windows and glass doors before fleeing the area," police said. "Several businesses were victimized, with some locations targeted more than once." The incidents occurred mainly between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. along East Colfax from the Dayton Street east toward Florence. No injuries were reported. [Photos: Aurora Police]

NORTHGLENN MURDER SUSPECT CAPTURED 200 MILES AWAY NEAR LAMAR


Cops captured a violent Northglenn murder suspect hiding in a field about 200 miles away in southeast Colorado after his auto crashed during a high-speed chase.
Alexei Munive-Rodriguez - considered armed and dangerous - was arrested without incident by Lamar police officers, Prowers County deputies and Colorado state troopers, according to Northglenn police. The suspect was wanted in connection with a stabbing death Friday night in the 10500-block of Irma Drive in Northglenn.

"The investigation quickly identified Munive-Rodriguez as a suspect, and the Northglenn Police Department issued a statewide alert to law enforcement agencies," officials said. "As part of the effort to locate Munive-Rodriguez, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop," officials said. "A pursuit followed, and the suspect vehicle eventually crashed near Lamar." Lincoln County, where the chase began, is about 100 miles southeast of Northglenn. The distance to Lamar from Lincoln County is about another 100 miles. Police released no other details. Munive-Rodriguez will be sent to the Adams County Jail. [Photo: Northglenn Police] Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.

MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING WIFE IN LAKEWOOD


Patrick Theodore Barnett, 40, of Lakewood, was arrested as a suspect in the death of his wife,
Lindsey, 37. Barnett was held without bond on suspicion of committing first-degree murder, according to Lakewood Police. The tragedy occurred early Thursday at a home in the 1700-block of South Welch Circle "following a report of an unresponsive adult female inside," police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police provided no other details. [Photo: Lakewood Police]

4 SHOT IN NIGHTCLUB FIGHT IN DENVER


Four people - including a security guard - were shot and injured early Saturday outside the Volt nightclub on South Sheridan Boulevard in Denver.

None of the injuries were considered life threatening.

The driver of a getaway car was arrested after a police chase. Three passengers who bailed out of the vehicle before the chase were also arrested.

The security guard and a gunman exchanged fire during the initial disturbance. The club's address is 2121 South Sheridan. 

"Officers and investigators contacted/detained multiple people and recovered 4 firearms," police said on social media. "The investigation into this complex incident is ongoing to determine the possible involvement of those individuals."

On July 20, o
ne person was killed and eight others were injured in a shooting at the Ultra Lounge nightclub, which has since been shuttered by the city.

The Ultra was located at 9755 East Hampden Avenue.

If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867. [Photo: Facebook] Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.

Thursday, August 13, 2026

DENVER DA ANNOUNCES MAJOR DRUG BUST ALONG EAST COLFAX; PIPE BOMBS SEIZED

Denver DA John Walsh announced Thursday 17 suspects were charged with conspiring to distribute drugs "in bulk and retail amounts" along the East Colfax corridor as well as other parts of the Denver area. Authorities also seized five pipe bombs, 46 weapons, about 15 pounds of cocaine with an approximate street value of more than $100,000, $100,000 in jewelry, $35,000 in cash and nine vehicles, Walsh said. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said: "The arrests and charging of these 17 suspects are the culmination of months of diligent - and sometimes dangerous - work." The Denver DA’s Office, the FBI’s Violent Criminal Enterprise Task Force and the Denver Police Department conducted the investigation.

BOMBER SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS


A motorist who pleaded guilty to transporting an explosive device that injured two members of a police bomb squad was sentenced of two years of community corrections, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

Deputies arrested Clay Nimmo, 48, during a traffic stop in January and seized the explosive device as well as illegal drugs.

The bomb squad members "were trying to render it safe and collect evidence for the criminal case" when it detonated, the sheriff's office said. They are recovering from their injuries.  
[Photo: Pueblo County Sheriff] 

DENVER AIMS TO KICK BIG TOBACCO'S BUTTS


Denver is suing major tobacco companies over the environmental impact of discarded cigarette butts, the Denver Gazette reports.

The city's lawsuit contends 
taxpayers should not bear the responsibility of paying for repairs to city-owned property, such as sewers and other infrastructure, caused by the debris, according to the newspaper.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston told the Gazette: “The tobacco industry has known for decades that cigarettes pollute streets and clog drains ... If common decency won’t compel them to do so, then maybe a court order will.”

[Photo: Wikipedia]

DRIVER OF STOLEN AUTO BUSTED AFTER 70 MPH CHASE ON CITY STREET

Leinaala La Shomb, 26, driver of a stolen auto, was arrested after accelerating toward a deputy and speeding off, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said. Tuesday's incident began in the vicinity of Storelocal Storage in the 1900-block of South Valentia Street. The driver fled west onto East Iliff Avenue, reaching speeds of about 70 mph before crashing into another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle suffered serious injuries. A third auto was damaged by crash debris. The driver of the stolen auto also "struck a closed security gate causing extensive damage to both the security gate and the stolen vehicle," the sheriff's office said. "The damage to the vehicle obstructed the driver’s view." No patrol cars were damaged.
Can you spare $5 or $10? Support the Daily Sketch. Support Local Journalism. Click here.

SWAT ARREST AFTER STANDOFF IN FORT COLLINS

A suspect surrendered after a standoff with a SWAT team in Fort Collins.

The incident occurred Wednesday at a home near Taft Hill Road and Hyline Drive. "SWAT served a warrant for failure to comply," police said. "The subject briefly barricaded inside, and after chemical agents were deployed he was safely taken into custody." 

No injuries were reported.

FIVE STAR DISTRICT MAY SHUTTER 7 SCHOOLS

The Adams 12 Five Star School District could shutter as many as seven schools after this school year ends.

"Across the country, school districts are seeing a trend of declining enrollment," the district says on its website. "Demographers point to several drivers: declining birth rates, high housing costs and other factors reshaping school communities."

A decision could come this autumn. The district operates
schools in Thornton, Westminster, Broomfield, Northglenn and Federal Heights.

The Denver Post first reported the news.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

2-ALARM FIRE NEAR WINDSOR LAKE IN DENVER


UPDATE

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire at a multi-family residence near Windsor Lake in Denver on Wednesday.

No injuries were reported. The occupants of three units were displaced, the fire department said. The building is located in the vicinity of South Yosemite Way and Akron Street.

[Photos: Denver Fire]


COLD BLOOD: ROYBAL-SMITH SENTENCED IN 4TH SLAYING


Cold-blooded Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith - convicted of murdering three men in June 2025 - was sentenced to an additional 30 years in prison in the cold case killing of a woman in Englewood.

Margaret “Meg” Eberhart died in hospital on June 24, 2022, two days after an attack near Englewood Civic Center. She was a passenger in a rideshare and stopped to use a portable lavatory at about 3 a.m. on June 22. The rideshare driver heard her scream and called for help.

A police officer "encountered Roybal-Smith walking away from the area where Eberhart was found," however, "Roybal-Smith told the officer he had not done anything wrong and continued walking," prosecutors said.

"
Based on the limited evidence at the time, officers did not have probable cause to arrest Roybal-Smith for murder," prosecutors said.

Surveillance video later showed him following - but not attacking - the woman. 
Last year, Roybal-Smith, 39, was tied to the Eberhart killing through DNA evidence. 

Earlier this year, Roybal-Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the strangling of his cellmate at the Denver Jail, hours after Roybal-Smith killed two homeless men on East Colfax Avenue in Aurora last June. 

He is already
serving concurrent terms of 56 years in the jail murder and 80 years in the East Colfax killings and imprisoned at the Centennial Correctional Facility in Canon City. 

Eberhart’s murder presented a challenge for investigators.

"The medical examiner identified multiple injuries, including hemorrhaging and abrasions and contusions, but ultimately determined that the cause and manner of death were undetermined." prosecutors said. "The medical examiner also clarified that an undetermined finding did not rule out criminality or Roybal-Smith being responsible for Eberhart’s death. No charges were filed after the initial investigation."

Royal-Smith 
was on parole at the time Eberhart slaying and - in another twist in a complicated set of circumstances - convicted in crimes committed "the day before Eberhart’s death," prosecutors said. He was paroled again in 2025 - and killed again.

[Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections]

BEAR REGRETS CLIMBING POWER POLE


Rangers and deputies safely relocated a bear perched atop a power pole in Custer County on Wednesday with the assistance of a Sangre De Cristo Electric Association crew, the sheriff's office said.
[Photo: Custer County Sheriff]

INJURED FIREFIGHTER MAKING PROGRESS


West Metro Firefighter Jarrod Leonard, who suffered a severe brain injury in a 50-foot fall during training, has been transferred from a hospital to a transitional care facility.
"Jarrod still has a long road ahead, but this move marks another step forward," West Metro officials said. The next goal is to move Leonard to a neurological rehabilitation facility. The training accident occurred in rocky terrain near Morrison on July 29. "We continue to be grateful for the support and well wishes from our community, as well as our fire and law enforcement partners who have supported Jarrod, his family and West Metro throughout this difficult time," officials said. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

TODAY IS 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOP COP'S BIZZARE DEATH


On Aug. 12, 1906, 
Pueblo Mounted Police Officer William Shellman, 45, died at St. Mary’s Hospital - a week after surviving a lightning strike atop his horse. Shellman was patrolling his beat in the Bessemer district during an electrical storm when he was struck, knocking him off his four-legged partner. "He complained of feeling unwell all week and on Saturday night called police headquarters to advise them that he was on his way to the hospital," according to police history. "He died there several hours later, early Sunday morning."

Shellman immigrated from Doderhult, Kalmar, Sweden in 1875, and joined the Pueblo Police Department in May 1905. 
He was survived by his wife and six children, Bertha, 20, Pearl, 14, Winnie, 12, Frances, 11, Myron, 8, and Allida, 3. 

The man was a no-nonsense cop, 
the Colorado Daily Chieftain reported on June 25, 1905.

"Shellman has been establishing a good record for the last few weeks in making several arrests as well as looking after stray cattle. When he finds a victim Shellman does not walk him along by the arm to the call box, but sits his horse and drives his man in front of him," the Chieftain said.

MESSY FIRE IN AURORA ILLUSTRATES COMMUNITY HAZARD



Firefighters doused and raked a garbage truck's dumped, smelly, smoldering cargo on an Aurora street on a hot summer day.

The driver spotted flames on the vehicle’s video feed as it was making rounds in the 16500-block of East Brown Drive on Tuesday.

"Acting quickly, he positioned the truck in the middle of the residential street, away from homes, vehicles and vegetation, and dumped the burning contents onto the roadway," fire officials reported. "It took approximately 30 minutes to fully extinguish the burning pile." The cause is unknown. No one was hurt.

"Lithium-ion batteries - including those found in electronics, power tools and mobility devices - should never be placed in household trash," officials cautioned the public. "Aerosol cans, oils and flammable liquids can also create a serious fire hazard."

[Photo: Aurora Fire]

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

GRAND JUNCTION MOURNS 5 TEENS KILLED IN WRECK


Grand Junction is mourning the deaths of five teenage boys killed in a weekend auto crash.

The wreckage was discovered Sunday morning. The accident apparently occurred Saturday night when the vehicle veered off a cliff along Lookout Lane.

"We grieve alongside our community and stand together to support one another," Grand Junction police said.

All the boys were 17. Three wore seat belts, including the driver and front-seat passenger. Speed may have been a factor.

[Photo: Grand Junction Police]

MICROBURST BLAMED FOR DEADLY FIRE IN GREELEY

A power line downed by a microburst ignited a fatal brush fire in Greeley, the city fire department said Tuesday.
The blaze broke out at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, killing a woman and a dog and critically injuring a man in a homeless encampment. A fire department statement said: "Investigators determined that the fire began in an area of dry vegetation located beneath a high‑voltage electrical transmission corridor.

"A localized dry microburst produced extreme wind gusts estimated between 85 and 100 mph. These winds displaced multiple wooden transmission-support structures, creating abnormal mechanical stress on the electrical system. "This stress caused an energized conductor to fail at a compression connector, releasing electrical energy that ignited the vegetation below. Strong winds rapidly pushed the fire across approximately 22 acres of highway property and nearby rights‑of‑way. "The fire extended into a nearby encampment, resulting in one civilian fatality, one canine fatality, and critical burn injuries to a second civilian. The investigation found no evidence that the fire originated within the encampment or that it was intentionally set."

WHOA! TIRE BLOWOUT LEADS TO FIRE ON I-25 IN LONE TREE




A tire blowout led to an auto fire Tuesday on I-25 in Lone Tree.

No one was injured in the mishap involving an electric auto in the southbound lanes near the Lincoln Avenue ramp.

The driver reported "a blown tire and was attempting to exit the interstate when the front storage compartment caught fire," South Metro Fire said. "No lithium-ion batteries were affected by the fire." The ramp was closed for an extended time. [Photos: South Metro Fire]

COP KILLS GUNMAN HOLDING HOSTAGE IN LONGMONT

A police officer shot and killed an armed suspect holding a hostage in Longmont, city officials said.

Monday afternoon's incident stemmed from a domestic dispute at a home near the intersection of Creekside Drive and Eagle View Circle.

"
The suspect stated several times that he had a gun and refused to comply with multiple commands," officials said. "Following those commands and the suspect's refusal to cooperate, an officer fired his weapon."

The man, age 20, was pronounced dead at hospital. He was believed to be "a 
defendant in a pending case in Boulder County, involving the same victim," officials said.

BURGLARY SUSPECTS FLEE ON PADDLE BOARDS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

A pair of teen burglary suspects were arrested after fleeing into the middle of a lake on paddle boards, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.

"With help from the City of Lakewood Park Rangers, deputies boarded a patrol boat, contacted the juvenile suspects and safely brought them back to shore," officials said. They were charged with burglary and criminal trespass for breaking into the lodge at Soda Lakes last week. One of the teens was reported to be "
yelling and smashing walls and windows with two-by-fours" inside the lodge, officials said.

PARTY TIME FOR DENVER ZOO'S LITTLE LIONS


The Denver Zoo will host a birthday party on Aug. 13 for lion cubs Guion, Alpine Lily, Poppy and Olive who are turning one. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

LIFE IN STATE PRISON FOR WESTMINSTER KILLER


An Adams County judge sentenced Jesse Gladney, 38, to life in prison without parole for murdering a woman during a during a domestic violence incident on June 8, 2024.

The incident began at the 
Super 8 Motel located at 12055 North Melody Drive in Westminster where Glaney forced a woman into an auto.

The victim, 
Valarie Garcia, 36, died at Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton, from a single bullet wound to her chest, according to prosecutors.

[Photo: Westminster Police]

RESCUERS SENT TO WRONG LOCATION - 40 MILES AWAY


Fire and rescue crews in Wray, Colorado, were erroneously dispatched to a report of a person struck by a freight train on Sunday night - only to discover that the accident occurred 40 miles to the east near Benkelman, Nebraska.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office and Colorado State Patrol sent drones to scour the tracks during search in and around Wray, which is located in northeast Colorado.

"
After an exhaustive search and further communication with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, it was discovered that this accident had been reported in error to Wray," according to the Wray Police Department.
Rescuers in Nebraska located the victim 2.5 miles east of Benkelman on old Highway 34. She was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, said Sheriff K.C. Bang of Dundy County.

Authorities provided no reason for the miscommunication. 

[Photo: Wikipedia file photo]

BLAZE DAMAGES 2 HOMES IN AURORA


Fire damaged two homes Monday night in Aurora.

No injuries were reported in the blaze in the 11500-block of East Alaska Avenue, according to Aurora Fire. Seven people were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross with temporary housing. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

Monday, August 10, 2026

36 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTING TO RUN DOWN DEPUTY


Steven Hudson was sentenced to 36 years in prison for attempting to run down a sheriff’s deputy during an undercover fentanyl bust in Limon, prosectors said.

Hudson, 32, of Crowley County, who has a lengthy criminal record, also pointed a handgun at Lincoln County deputies during the May 2025 crime.

"Hudson slammed into two vehicles before steering directly at an officer, narrowly missing him," prosectors said. "As officers entered the vehicle to arrest him, Hudson grabbed a handgun and pointed it at them.

"Officers quickly disarmed him and took him into custody after multiple Taser deployments," prosecutors said.

[Photo: 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office]

FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN PARKER; NO INJURIES


Firefighters extinguished a blaze Monday at a home at 23385 Mill Valley Place in Parker, South Metro Fire said. No injuries were reported. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

5 DIE WHEN AUTO VEERS OFF CLIFF; SPEED MAY BE FACTOR




UPDATE

An auto carrying five people veered off a cliff, killing all aboard, the Grand Junction Police Department said Sunday.

"Speed is being looked at as a factor" in the crash in the 2000-block of Lookout Lane, police said.

Preliminary evidence indicates "the vehicle was traveling southbound on Lookout Lane when it veered off the roadway and down the steep incline of the hillside," police said.

A caller reported the wreck to 911 at about 7:45 a.m. Sunday.

"Five individuals were found deceased, suspected to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash," police said.

In a separate accident in Grand Junction, a motorcyclist died Saturday in a collision with a truck at Highway 6 and 50 and G Road, police said. 

[Photos: Grand Junction Police]

3 BEARS SKIP GOLDILOCKS, PORRIDGE; GO FOR SWIM IN PALMER LAKE



These three bears - a sow and two cubs - opted for a dip in Palmer Lake near a shaded bank rather than meeting up with Goldilocks and eating porridge. The cubs found the water "just right." [Photos: Colorado Parks and Wildlife,
courtesy of Ron Hazeloop]