ELECTRIC POLE CAT RESCUED AFTER 5 DAYS

A utility crew rescued a cat that sat atop a power pole in Aurora for five days, Fox 31 reports.

The operation took several hours.

Neighbors prodded public utility Xcel. The cat was perched inches from high voltage lines. The fire department declined to intervene, Fox 31 said.

BODY SCAN UNCOVERED FENTANYL STASH

A security scan showed jail inmate Kamber Lawrence, 23, was hiding a deadly dose of fentanyl "in a body cavity," the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said Friday. "Confronted by staff, she attempted to retrieve the drugs and tore open the bag, exposing herself and detention staff to a lethal amount of suspected fentanyl," officials said. No serious injuries were reported. Lawrence was originally locked up on outstanding warrants, weapon and drug charges, and contraband charges were added. She was booked into the jail Jan. 25 and the drugs were discovered two days later. [Photo: Mesa County Sheriff's Office]

HE WENT SOBER AFTER NIGHT IN JAIL IN 1983, THANKS JAILERS

A man who spent a night in the Douglas County jail four decades ago said he has been sober ever since.

The sheriff's office shared a letter of thanks (above) from the former inmate on social media Friday.

Officials said the man "went on to live a long professional life with significant responsibility, and is now 82 years old, retired, and grateful for the direction his life took afterward."

[Image: Douglas County Sheriff's Office]

COLORADO GOVERNOR POLIS WEIGHS IN ON OBAMAS

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said Friday that "it’s shameful to see the Obama’s targeted with racist attacks from the president." Media reports said the president shared a racist video on social media depicting the Obamas as apes. 

The White House blamed a staffer. The Colorado governor said the Obama's "exemplified dignity, leadership, and service to our nation."

ARREST 2 IN FIREBOMB ATTACK ON HOME

Rudolfo Castillo Jr., 37, and Benjamin Alfaro, 34, were arrested on charges of arson and attempted murder in the firebombing of a home in Grand Junction, police said. Investigators determined "two males had broken out windows and thrown incendiary devices inside," police said.

Residents extinguished the flames and the homeowner was evaluated for minor injuries in Wednesday's crime in the 500-block of North 26th Street, police said. The incident occurred at 1:40 a.m.

VAN BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN ADAMS COUNTY

A van burst into flames Thursday night in the vicinity of 52nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, Adams County Fire said. "The cause is a suspected mechanical issue," officials said. No one was injured. [Photo: Adams County Fire]

RUSH HOUR WRECK IN ARVADA

Two autos collided during Friday morning's rush hour at the intersection of West 56th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in Arvada, fire officials said.

[Photo: Arvada Fire]

DENVER COPS WILL FREEZE OUT ICE IF NEED BE, CHIEF TELLS GAZETTE

In an interview with the Denver Gazette, the city's police chief said officers will step in if they witness ICE or other federal agents using "excessive force."

“I think our expectation is to intervene in that situation,” Denver Chief Ron Thomas told the Gazette.

The chief's line-in-the-sand statement follows weeks of aggressive - and deadly - ICE operations in Minneapolis and other cities.

"We do partner with federal law enforcement agencies," Thomas said. "We are part of task forces that engage in investigations related to violent crime, human trafficking, drugs, those kinds of things, and we do want to continue those partnerships.

"But when it relates to federal immigration enforcement, we don’t want to take part in that, and so we don’t do that. We don’t provide any assistance in that matter,” the chief said.

[Photo: City of Denver]

DENVER ZOO'S BOUNCING BABY ... KANGAROO

It's a boy! The Denver Zoo introduced its first Endangered Huon tree kangaroo joey - born in July to first-time parents Pearl and Tristan. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

PAN OF COOKING OIL SCALDS 3; BURNS ARE SERIOUS

A pan of cooking oil overheated and seriously burned three people Thursday in Colorado Springs and injured their puppy, the fire department said.

There was no fire. Damage to the residence was limited.

Officials remind the public: "When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to stop grease splatter" and "Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while cooking." The puppy's burns were minor, the fire department said.

HUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED IN RURAL EL PASO COUNTY POND

UPDATE

Human remains were discovered Thursday in a drainage pond in Pinello Ranch in unincorporated El Paso County, the sheriff's office said. Deputies on horseback searched the area for clues. The site is near Highway 85. A utility worker found the remains, said Cassandra Sebastian, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office. "It's suspicious right now," Sebastian said.

NO ONE ABOARD! BIG JET 'LANDS' ON RAILROAD TRACKS

In Weld County, a pair of BNSF Railway locomotives towed a jetliner airframe Thursday on tracks along I-76 between Keenesburg and Hudson. Destination unknown. No wings. No engines. No complementary beverages.

[Photos: Daily Sketch]

BOEBERT WINS ON RURAL WATER AFTER WHITE HOUSE VETO, POLIS WELCOMES NEWS

UPDATE

U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert helped secure about $15 million for clean water projects across rural Colorado - after the White House nixed a plan unanimously approved by Congress.

Said Boebert: "These investments will make a real difference for thousands of Coloradoans."

The White House veto was a shock for loyal, Republican-leaning rural counties. Boebert is a Republican and long-time supporter of President Trump.

The funding plan covers a variety of water projects from Lamar in the southeast to Castle Rock in the Denver metro area to tiny Ovid in the northeast near Nebraska.

The governor's press secretary, Shelby Wieman, told the Daily Sketch: "Water is an essential resource for our state and Governor Polis is glad to see the federal government giving support for our rural communities. The Arkansas Valley Conduit veto hurt rural Colorado."
Polis is a Democrat.
 
[Photo: U.S. Congress]

FAMILY ESCAPES FIRE IN AURORA HOME; ATTIC INSULATION FALLS ON FIREFIGHTER

UPDATE

A kitchen fire caused "significant damage" Wednesday night to a home in the 400-block of South Lima Circle in Aurora, officials said.

Two adults and two children were displaced. No injuries were reported.

However, a firefighter was struck by attic insulation while extinguishing the flames.
Officials said: "Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior search and fire attack, quickly locating a working kitchen fire with extension to the attic space. "All searches of the home were clear, no injuries occurred and the fire was placed under control just 17 minutes after the initial 911 call." [Photo: Aurora Fire Rescue]

PERSON STRUCK BY AUTO IN DENVER

A person was struck by an auto and seriously injured Wednesday in the 1700-block of West 38th Avenue in Denver. The motorist remained on the scene, police said. No other details were released.

STABBING IN DENVER

A person was stabbed in the 1200-block of North Galapago Street in Denver and transported to hospital, police said early Thursday. No other details were released.

FLAMES ENGULF BUILDING IN LIMON

Flames engulfed a building in Limon on Wednesday, fire officials said. No injuries were reported. Neighboring communities sent mutual aid.

[Photo: Limon Area Fire Protection District]

IT'S MURDER, COPS SAY

Denver police arrested a suspect in the murder of a teenage girl whose shooting death had appeared to be suicide.

Police identified the suspect as Jassir Simmins, 18. He was acquainted with the victim and faces a charge of first-degree murder.

The death occurred Tuesday in the 5500-block of North Tucson Street, police said in a statement issued Wednesday.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 - the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

DEPUTIES SAVE DYING DOG HURT IN FIGHT IN BAILEY

Deputies saved a dog from bleeding to death after a fight with another canine in Bailey, the Park County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
"Deputies knelt beside the injured pup, applying pressure bandages and doing everything possible to stop the bleeding and ease its pain," officials said.

"As animal control worked to secure emergency care with Crow Hill Animal Hospital, deputies continued providing lifesaving care, refusing to give up on the dog," officials said. The incident occurred Tuesday night.

JEFFERSON COUNTY CONFIRMS LION ATTACKS

Authorities in Jefferson County confirmed two mountain lion attacks on pets over the past month. The attacks occurred near South Deer Creek Road and Pleasant Park Road, which are within six miles of each other, the sheriff's office said Wednesday. A third potential attack is under investigation.

DRIVER TRAPPED IN SPORTS CAR IN COMMERCE CITY

Firefighters rescued a driver trapped in the wreckage of a sports car early Wednesday at 88th Avenue and Dahlia Street in Commerce City, South Adams Fire said. The driver was transported to hospital by ambulance. [Photo: South Adams Fire]

FIRE DEPT. PROBES CAUSE OF PRE-DAWN BLAZE IN DENVER

Firefighters are investigating a pre-dawn parking garage fire that sent smoke drifting into an apartment building in South Denver on Wednesday.

No injuries were reported. 

"Smoke from the garage extended into the occupied floors above, and most residents were advised to shelter in place," the fire department said. "Engine 22 quickly deployed a hose line and extinguished the vehicle fire after making an effective stretch into the garage," the department said. "Tower 22 conducted searches and checked for extension in the ceiling area above the fire."
[Photos: Denver Fire Department] 

ALL SAFE AFTER IDAHO SPRINGS MOTEL FIRE BUT KITTEN MISSING

Nine residents of the Idaho Springs Motel were evacuated without injury when fire broke out early Wednesday - but a kitten was missing in the aftermath, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said.

Flames traveled through the old motel's attic, damaging seven rooms, officials said. Residents were assisted with temporary housing.

"Responders arrived and found heavy smoke in the area," officials said.

The motel is located in the 2600-block of Colorado Boulevard in Idaho Springs. The cause is under investigation. [Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office]

RUSH HOUR WRECK NEAR CASTLE ROCK SHUT DOWN I-25; 1 HURT

A pickup truck and semi collided on northbound I-25 in the vicinity of Castle Rock early Wednesday, shutting down the interstate during rush hour.

The pickup truck driver was transported to hospital.

The wreck occurred near milepost 181, south of Castle Rock at about 4:30 a.m., according to the Colorado State Patrol.

POLICE HUNT ESCAPED CONVICT

Authorities across the state are on the lookout for fugitive Richard Capek, 37, wanted by the Colorado Department of Corrections for escape. Capek walked away from a community corrections facility in Pueblo, according to Canon City police. He has ties to the Canon City area. He stands at 6 feet and weighs 197 pounds, prison records show. If you gave information, call your local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers (719) 275-STOP.

[Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections]

'MY KIDS ARE IN THE TRUNK,' DRUNK SUSPECT TELLS COPS IN WESTMINSTER

While being handcuffed, a drunken driving suspect told police: "My kids are in the trunk.” Police rescued the three children stuffed inside. They weren't hurt even though the weather was bitter cold. Several bottles of alcohol were found inside the auto. The bizarre incident occurred in the vicinity of City Center Drive and 93rd Avenue in Westminster on Jan.23. The suspect was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges including DUI and child abuse. The children were reunited with family. [Photo: Westminster police]

ATTENTION WALMART SHOPPERS: BIG DOPE BUST IN PARKING LOT

Police seized cocaine and other illegal drugs - as well as a stolen gun - from an auto parked at the Walmart on 121st Avenue in Broomfield, police said. They also arrested a woman and a man after a Walmart employee called to report suspicious activity inside the auto. The haul included more than 27.85 grams of cocaine, 4.73 grams of ecstasy, 175 fentanyl pills, .56 grams of meth, .11 grams of amphetamines, .92 grams of ketamine, a stolen Glock 19 and $780.50 in cash. The incident occurred Monday at about 4 p.m. [Photo: Broomfield police]

NO INJURIES AS CREWS BATTLE BOULDER BLAZE

Fire hit a home on Orman Drive on Tuesday night, Boulder Fire-Rescue reported. The residents were evacuated. No injuries were reported. [Photo: Boulder Fire-Rescue]

MOTORCYCLE, AUTO COLLIDE IN FORT COLLINS

A motorcyclist was seriously injured Tuesday in a collision with an SUV at South College Avenue and West Lake Street in Fort Collins, police said.

The SUV driver and 2 children riding as passengers weren't hurt.

"To this point, the investigation has revealed that the motorcycle, a 2021 Yamaha was traveling southbound on College Avenue when a 2013 Cadillac Escalade, which was going northbound on College Avenue, made a left-hand-turn to go west on West Lake Street when the collision occurred," police said.

"The collision and exact circumstances that led up to it are still under investigation," police said, adding they are "also investigating if alcohol was a factor in this collision."

If you were a witness or have information, call Officer Matt Brede (970) 419 3273. 

BODY FOUND IN IRRIGATION CANAL IN FORT MORGAN

A body was discovered Tuesday in an irrigation canal in Fort Morgan in rural eastern Colorado, police said. "The identity of the deceased has not been determined," police said. The canal is located between the 100-block of South West Street and Brenda Joy Skate Park. No further details were released. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, too.

BIRD FLU CONFIRMED IN LARIMER, LOGAN, WELD COUNTIES

The state Agriculture Department confirmed three new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan Counties and a commercial egg operation in Weld County.

"All premises are currently under quarantine orders and control areas have been set up in Weld and Logan counties," the state reported. The discoveries were made last month. 

Dr. Maggie Baldwin, Colorado State Veterinarian, said: “We urge all flock owners to remain highly vigilant, monitor their birds closely for any signs of illness, and, most critically, to immediately reinforce and practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.”

Separately, police in Northglenn responded in recent days to nearly a dozen suspected cases of Avian Influenza involving wildlife, including geese and a great horned owl.

MYSTERY MURDER IN REMOTE ARAPAHOE COUNTY

A murdered woman was found in a remote part of unincorporated Arapahoe County, the sheriff's office said Tuesday.
"Deputies responded to a welfare check, where they discovered the body of a black female in her 20s" on Jan. 29 at about 8 a.m., officials said. The sheriff's office didn't provide the exact location of the gruesome discovery, saying only it was "east of the Denver metro area." Arapahoe County stretches from Aurora to well into the eastern prairie.

If you have information, call the sheriff's office at (720) 874-8477.

LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE BREAKS OUT ON SOUTH WADSWORTH IN LAKEWOOD

UPDATE

Firefighters extinguished a blaze caused by charging lithium batteries in a third-floor apartment early Tuesday in the 3900-block of South Wadsworth Street in Lakewood. Medics checked two people for smoke inhalation, West Metro Fire said.

[Photo: West Metro Fire] 

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.

BRIGHTON GUNMAN DIES AFTER HOURS-LONG STANDOFF, COPS SAY

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.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 - the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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]