dailysketchdenver@yahoo.com || "Love us. Hate us. Read us." || Locally Owned in Denver

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SUSPECTED IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS FIRE


A discarded lithium-ion battery is suspected of causing a fire at the Apex Twin Enviro landfill in Steamboat Springs. "Incidents like this are becoming more common and many people don't realize that everyday items like batteries and vape pens can become serious fire hazards when thrown in the trash," fire officials said. There were no injuries [Photo: Steamboat Springs Fire]

COLD CASE FILE: MOM OF THREE MISSING SINCE JULY 1967


On the evening of July 24, 1967, Elaine
Fauver, 38, left her home on Corona Street in Denver to visit a friend, who later told police she departed his residence in the company of another man.

Fauver has been missing ever since. 

Her son located his mother's Chevrolet days later parked on East 17th Avenue, between Emerson and Ogden streets, as well as her purse and keys.

The divorced mother of three was employed by the Mountain States Telephone Company, according to a missing person database, the Charley Project.

Fauver was 5-foot-3, with brown eyes and hair and weighed 125 pounds, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. She was born on April 9, 1929.

[Photo: CBI]

Originally published July 1, 2025

5 DUCKLINGS RESCUED IN FORT COLLINS


Firefighters rescued five ducklings from a storm drain in Fort Collins.
The crew of Engine 1 "found mother duck desperately trying to reach her babies," Poudre Fire Authority said. They were "able to remove the drain covers and successfully rescue all ducklings and reunite them with their mother."  

The incident occurred on the corner of Olive Street and South College Avenue on June 19. [Photo: Poudre Fire]

FIRE AUTHORITY SAYS 'THIS IS ONLY A TEST'

Smyrna Ready Mix donated a concrete truck to Poudre Fire Authority for a training exercise set for July 10-11. It will provide firefighters with "a realistic opportunity to practice stabilization, lifting, access, and rescue techniques involving heavy commercial vehicles," the fire authority said. "It may have arrived on wheels, but there is no guarantee it will leave that way." [Photo: Poudre Fire Authority]

LAST STOP LOVELAND: BUS RIDE ENDS IN FLAMES


A charter bus burst into flames Monday on I-25 in Loveland due to a mechanical problem.

"All passengers safely exited the bus, and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire," Loveland Fire said. "Passengers were transferred to another bus and continued on their way to their destination." No injuries were reported.

[Photo: Loveland Fire]

Monday, June 22, 2026

COPS ARREST TORTOISE KIDNAP SUSPECT


Police arrested Justin Edwards, 37, accused of kidnapping a tortoise named "Howard" from a pet shop in Colorado Springs. Edwards was tracked down and busted at a hotel - but there was no sign of the tortoise. "Detectives continued their investigation, conducted additional interviews, and developed information that led them to Howard's whereabouts," police said.
The tortoise is safe and back at the shop - but perhaps a little shell-shocked after last week's drama. [Photo: Colorado Springs Police]

ARREST IN AURORA ALLEY MURDER


Police arrested Carlos Zarco, 50, as a suspect in a fatal shooting in an alley between Dallas and Clinton streets in Aurora.
"Investigators learned that a group of people were outside in the alley when an argument ensued," police said. "The suspect ran from the scene before our officers arrived." The victim, a man, was 25. The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder. The crime occurred early on June 7. [Photo: Aurora Police]

ARREST IN DENVER HOMICIDE

Joseph York, 35, was arrested as a suspect in a fatal shooting in the vicinity of East Colfax Avenue and North Dahlia Street in Denver, police said.

The victim, 
Elijah Barr, 25, died at hospital. The men "
were engaged in a verbal altercation," police said. The shooting occurred early on June 7.

The suspect faces a charge of first-degree murder.

MAJOR METH BUSTS IN LINCOLN COUNTY


In rural Lincoln County, a deputy discovered about 56 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop - days after authorities
seized a significant quantity of the drug during the execution of a search warrant, the sheriff's office said. [Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

WEEKEND STABBINGS IN DENVER

Police investigated a pair of weekend stabbings in Denver.

The crimes occurred in the vicinity of East 45th Ave and North Broadway, and North Colorado Boulevard and East Bruce Randolph Avenue. No details were provided. Police also investigated a shooting in the 800-block of South Federal Boulevard in Denver. No other information was released.

1 PERSON DIES IN AURORA HOUSE FIRE


A person died in a house fire in Aurora on Sunday night.

The blaze broke out in the 18600-block of East Bates Circle.
"One adult victim was located during fire suppression operations and determined to be deceased," Aurora Fire said. "One dog was rescued and transported to an animal hospital." Another person was displaced. The cause of the fire was under investigation. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

DENVER POLICE MUSTANG 'MAVERICK' RETIRING


Denver police horse Maverick - o
nce a wild mustang - is retiring at age 16. The 16‑hand Sorrel gelding joined the police department in 2019 and "has served Denver with the steady, gentle presence only a mustang can offer," police said. He will be grazing in Gillette, Wyoming. [Photos: Denver Police]

WILDFIRE WRECKS HOMES IN PUEBLO COUNTY


UPDATE


A wind-driven wildfire wrecked homes and buildings Sunday in Applewood Estates, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.

Firefighters worked into the night.

The fire started along southbound I-25 - and the winds swept the flames to the west, officials said. No injuries were reported.

An evacuation shelter was set up at a recreation center on Cooper Place and a shelter for large animals and livestock was established on the grounds of the Colorado State Fair. Applewood Estates is located in Colorado City, south of the city of Pueblo. Evacuation orders were lifted Monday morning. [Photos: Pueblo County Sheriff]

Sunday, June 21, 2026

JUST ANOTHER DAY ON I-25 AS RESCUERS AID TIPSY HORSE



In Weld County, rescuers propped up a horse that flopped its side inside a mobile stall traveling on I-25 on Saturday, Mountain View Fire said. The horse showed no signs of injury. Frederick Firestone Fire provided assistance. [Photos: Mountain View Fire]

2-ALARM FIRE BREAKS OUT IN WESTMINSTER

 

A two-alarm fire struck a commercial building early Sunday near 88th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard in Westminster.

"The building's sprinkler system had activated, limiting the overall spread of the fire," the fire department said. No injuries were reported. Adams County Fire and North Metro Fire also responded to the blaze. [Photos: Westminster Fire Department]

TRUCK HITS 3 AUTOS, CAREENS OFF I-270 INTO COMMERCE CITY HOME; DUI SUSPECTED


A pickup truck piloted by a man accused of being drunk struck three vehicles on I-270, careened off the highway - and plowed into a home in Commerce City.

The driver suffered minor injuries, police said early Saturday. No one else was hurt in the fiasco. The house is located in the
6300-block of East 54th Avenue. The driver faces a multitude of charges, including DUI police said. [Photos: Commerce City Police]

Thursday, June 18, 2026

SLIPPERY RIDE NEAR TELLURIDE INJURES DRIVER


An SUV rolled off a switchback on Imogene Pass near Telluride on Thursday, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office said.
The driver and sole occupant was transported to Telluride Regional Medical Center. The man, age 58, from Phoenix, reached the pass from Ouray County. He is expected to survive. Officials said: "Imogene Pass has not yet opened for the season on the San Miguel County side, though it is open in Ouray County ... There was no signage indicating the pass status in San Miguel County."
The elevation of Imogene Pass is about 13,000 feet. [Photo: San Miguel County Sheriff]

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE IN GREELEY

Breann Zabel, 27, was charged with attempted first-degree murder in a life-threatening stabbing in Greeley, police said Thursday. The victim, age 28, suffered a severe stab wound and officers "applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding before he was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment," police said. The incident, classified as a domestic disturbance, occurred early Wednesday in the 8200-Block of 20th Street. The suspected weapon was recovered.

BURN BARREL BLAZE JUMPS TO HOUSE, SHED NEAR CORTEZ


Amid drought conditions, flames in a burn barrel hopped to a house and a shed near Cortez in southwest Colorado.

No injuries were reported in Wednesday's blaze. The property was a total loss.

The Lewis-Arriola Volunteer Fire Department said: "It is extremely dry this year, please use caution when using a burn barrel and insure it has a proper screen on the top." [Photos:
Lewis-Arriola Fire]



STABBING NEAR COLFAX AND WINONA IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Wednesday in the vicinity of West Colfax Avenue and Winona Court in Denver. Detectives were "developing suspect information," police said. No other information was released.

GARBAGE DUMP FIRE ENGULFS 11 AUTOS, SHED



UPDATE

Flames from a blazing garbage pile engulfed 11 autos and a shed Wednesday 
at C&C Disposal in Pueblo County, the sheriff's office said. "Multiple fire agencies worked on the fire for more than 7 hours in hot temperatures and with winds gusting up to 40 mph at times," officials said. No injuries were reported. The shed was unoccupied. There were no evacuations. The business is located at 1401 Quartz Street. The blaze was reported at about 6.p.m. The cause was undetermined. The blaze started in the garbage pile. [Photos: Pueblo County Sheriff]




COP STOPS 'SPEEDSTER' IN LAKEWOOD


In Lakewood, a police agent stopped a young motorist to discuss traffic rules. No summons was issued. He drove home for a nap. The cop, meantime, drove to a donut shop. 

[Photo: Lakewood Police]

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

DENVER COPS SEEK TEEN IN SLAYING ON FEDERAL BOULEVARD

 
 
Police are hunting for Jorge Perez, 17, a suspect in a homicide that occurred in the 500-block of South Federal Boulevard in Denver on June 7. No other details were released.

COPS MAKE ARREST IN DENVER STABBING

Tevin Reinstein, 33, was arrested as suspect in a stabbing early Wednesday in the 1400-block of North Oneida Street in Denver, police said. He faces charges of second-degree assault. The victim was transported to hospital.

BEAR CLIMBS FENCE, INSPECTS COP CARS IN CASTLE ROCK

 

A bear visited the Castle Rocky Police Department over the weekend, climbed a fence and inspected a fleet of patrol cars. 

[Photos: Castle Rock Police]

 

RUNAWAY TORTOISE APPREHENDED


Missing anything? The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office is caring for a runaway tortoise. It was apprehended at Aspen Springs Unit 2. If it's yours, call the sheriff's office (970) 731-2160.   

[Photos: Archuleta County Sheriff] 



FIREFIGHTING CHOPPER MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING

A firefighting helicopter made a safe emergency landing Tuesday in a field in the community of Rye in Pueblo County, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control said.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported a small electrical fire in the cockpit of the Bell 205 chopper after making a water drop over the Hidden Creek Fire, officials said.

There were no injuries. The pilot was able to employ standard emergency procedures to make the landing. 

COPS CAPTURE NEW MEXICO JAIL ESCAPEES

Police in New Mexico said Chauncey Cachucha, 31, and Zyron Castillo Jr., 38, who escaped Monday from the Jicarilla Apache Correctional Facility near the Colorado state line, have been captured. No details were released. They were arrested Tuesday.

EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE IN DENVER


Fire broke out early Wednesday at a house undergoing renovation near Bear Valley Park in Denver. The dwelling was vacant. No injuries were reported, the fire department said.

[Photo: Denver Fire]

PUEBLO JAIL ESCAPEE ARRESTED

Pueblo County Jail inmate Jimmy Candelaria, 43, was captured Tuesday hours after walking away from a prisoner work gang on East 4th Street, the sheriff's office said.

BOMB SCARE ARREST IN BOULDER

Police arrested a suspect accused of placing a fake bomb at Boulder's main library on Tuesday. A bomb squad determined there was no threat to the public, police said. No injuries were reported. The fire department also responded.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

BLAZE INJURES DEPUTY IN JEFFERSON COUNTY


A sheriff's deputy sustained minor injuries Tuesday when fire gutted an RV parked at a home on West Elmhurst Place near Hoyt Court in Jefferson County. Flames also "burned part of a fence, damaged two sheds in the yard, the wood deck, and melted the vinyl siding on the house," West Metro Fire said.
"Several neighbors saw smoke and flames and called 911," officials said. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

CPR SAVES DOG TRAPPED IN WESTMINSTER HOUSE FIRE


Using CPR, firefighters revived a dog trapped Tuesday in a house fire in Westminster.
911 callers reported the blaze near 112th Avenue and Federal Boulevard at 1 p.m.

The fire department said on social media: "One dog was rescued and received CPR and oxygen assistance from FD personnel on scene before being transported to a veterinarian - she is expected to make a full recovery!" The homeowners were away when the fire started on the outside of the dwelling and spread inside, officials said. North Metro Fire and Thornton Fire also responded to the blaze. [Photo: Westminster Fire]

DEATH MYSTERY AT BRONCOS TRAINING SITE

The body of a construction worker was discovered in a "confined ceiling area" of the new Denver Broncos training facility in Arapahoe County, the sheriff's office said Tuesday.

South Metro firefighters "used tools to gain access to the worker" on Monday night, however, "despite rescue efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene," officials said. The case is under investigation. The training center is located
13409 East Broncos Parkway.

FBI SAYS AURORA BANK SUSPECT BUSTED

Andrew Scott, 45, was arrested as a suspect in a burglary at the Wells Fargo Bank branch on East Prospect Avenue in Aurora, the FBI said Tuesday. The robbery occurred May 29. No other information was released.

1 INJURED AT FIRE IN FORT LUPTON


One person was transported to hospital after fire broke out Monday at an apartment building in the 1000-block of Mountain View Avenue in Fort Lupton, officials said. [Photo: Fort Lupton Fire]

ALL SAFE AFTER NATURAL GAS LEAK IN AURORA


UPDATE

A leak from a ruptured six-inch natural gas main forced the evacuation of 11 homes in Aurora on Tuesday.

The incident occurred just north of East 51st Drive and North Quemoy Court during the late morning. Utility crews clamped the pipeline at 12:36 p.m. "Due to the small area involved firefighters made door to door contact with all of the involved residents," Aurora Fire said. "Firefighters monitored environmental conditions and stood ready with a hose line in case the gas ignited." No one was injured. Residents of a 12th home sheltered in-place. [Photo: Aurora Fire]

JAIL BREAK NEAR COLORADO STATE LINE




Chauncey Cachucha, 31, and Zyron Castillo Jr., 38, escaped Monday from the Jicarilla Apache Correctional Facility in Dulce, New Mexico - just south of Archuleta County, Colorado. "It is suspected both escapees changed clothing early on in the evening according to witnesses," tribal police reported on social media. They had been wearing orange jail jumpsuits and orange slippers. Police also said: "If anyone is involved/assisting/aiding/ with harboring/concealing fugitives you will be charged. " If you have information, call the Jicarilla Apache Police Department at 575-759-3222

Pagosa Springs is the Archuleta County seat. [Photos: Jicarilla Apache Police Department]

PATROL SEEKS WITNESSES TO HIGHWAY 50 CRASH

The Colorado State Patrol is seeking witnesses or dashcam footage of a head-on crash in a no-passing zone on Highway 50 west of Canon City.

The crash occurred Monday at about 1:20 p.m. and caused serious injuries.

The patrol said: "Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of a white 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 began passing vehicles in a passing zone while traveling eastbound on Highway 50.

"The driver of the Silverado continued to pass several vehicles as the road changed to a no-passing zone, leading to a crash. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado struck a 2024 Jeep Wrangler traveling westbound head-on."

The Silverado driver, age 18, was arrested on vehicular assault and careless driving charges and suffered minor injuries. The driver and passenger in the Wrangler were seriously injured.

Monday, June 15, 2026

COLORADO GETS OK TO IMPORT RX DRUGS FROM CANADA

The federal government approved Colorado's plan to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, the governor's office announced Monday. The state's Drug Importation Program has the potential to save residents about $46 million over three years in lower health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

Governor Jared Polis called on drug companies to "stop ripping off consumers with inflated drug costs by putting profits over people."

BIKER DIES ON HIGHWAY 285 IN JEFFCO

A motorcycle struck a cable rail on southbound Highway 285 north of Aspen Park, killing the biker, the state patrol said.

The victim was a man, aged 19.

The patrol's 
Vehicular Crimes Unit was called to investigate the circumstance surrounding Sunday's accident. No other information was released.

ARREST IN DENVER BANK ROBBERY

Dustin Ware, 45, was arrested as a suspect in a bank robbery in Denver, the FBI said Monday. The robbery occurred at a PNC Bank branch on West 32nd Avenue on June 2. The suspect presented a teller a note demanding cash.

STABBING NEAR DOWNTOWN DENVER

A person was stabbed in the vicinity of 22nd and Stout streets near downtown Denver and transported to hospital, police said. The incident occurred Saturday. No other information was released.

FIRE NEAR FEDERAL BOULEVARD IN DENVER


In Denver, firefighters battled a structure fire in the vicinity of West Custer Place and South Federal Boulevard. No one was hurt in Saturday's blaze.

[Photo: Denver Fire]

CIGARETTES BLAMED FOR FIRE IN AURORA


Cigarettes caused an apartment fire overnight in Aurora. "One victim was rescued from the burning apartment and was transported to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation," Aurora Fire said. No other residents were displaced by the blaze in the 300-block of North Potomac Circle. 

"T
he fire was accidental, caused by improperly discarded cigarettes," officials said.
[Photo: Aurora Fire]

AUTO AND SCOOTER COLLIDE IN DENVER

One person was seriously injured when an auto and scooter collided Sunday night in the 1400-block of North Osage Street in Denver, police said. No other details were released by police.

6 CEMENT TRUCKS ABLAZE IN AURORA

Fire damaged six cement trucks in Aurora early Monday.

The blaze broke out in a parking lot located east of 204401 East Sky Ranch Road. No injuries were reported.

"Flames and smoke were visible from I-70," Aurora Fire said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

MISSING CHILD FOUND SAFE IN DENVER


Police rescued a missing 8-year-old child from Cherry Creek near East Mississippi Avenue in Denver. The child, described as non-verbal, was found May 31. Officer Byrd (pictured) waded into the water and carried the child to safety. [Photo: Denver Police]

COPS ARREST SUSPECT IN DENVER STABBING

Police arrested a suspect in a stabbing that occurred Saturday in the 13000-block of East Albrook Drive in Denver. The suspect was held for investigation of first-degree assault, police said. No other details were released.

TRAPPED IN DITCH FOR 'NEARLY 24 HOURS' IN WHEAT RIDGE



Firefighters rescued a man trapped for almost a day in mud and water at the bottom of a 15-foot construction ditch in Wheat Ridge.
A passerby heard him calling for help Saturday night. "It's believed he may have been there for nearly 24 hours, unable to get anyone’s attention," West Metro Fire said. He was transported to hospital. The incident occurred near North Crossing Drive and Clear Creek Drive. [Photo: West Metro Fire]

6 KITTENS RESCUED FROM HOUSE FIRE IN AURORA


UPDATE

Firefighters rescued six kittens from a house fire in the 
1600-block of North Dayton Street in Aurora. A resident of the home escaped with minor injuries. The fire broke out in the home's kitchen Saturday night, Aurora Fire said. [Photos: Aurora Fire]