DAILY SKETCH
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
CREWS BATTLE HOUSE FIRE ON WHEELS ON I-25
Crews battled an RV fire along northbound I-25 in Colorado Springs. No injuries were reported. Tuesday's fire occurred between South Nevada Avenue and Cimarron Street, officials said.
[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire]
NATIONAL GUARD CHOPPER REACHES INJURED CLIMBER
A Colorado National Guard Black Hawk helicopter evacuated a seriously injured mountain climber who plunged 50 feet.
The victim was traversing Little Bear Peak and Blanca Peak in southern Colorado.
Rescuers trekked to the scene and administered medical care, according to Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue. The patient was then airlifted to Alamosa Airport and transferred to a medical helicopter. The National Guard chopper also evacuated the climber's partner, who wasn't injured in Sunday's mishap. "The patient's use of a climbing helmet likely reduced the severity of injuries sustained during the fall," rescue officials said.
[Photo: Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue]
FAKE TEMP TAG LEADS TO DRUGS, STOLEN GUN IN AURORA
Police seized meth, fentanyl and a stolen gun after stopping an auto with a fake temporary license tag early in Aurora. Monday's incident occurred in the vicinity of Mississippi Avenue and South Blackhawk Street. The driver "had two separate warrants for failure to appear and had a revoked driver’s license," police said. He was arrested without incident. [Photo: Aurora Police]
SEMI-TRUCKS CARRYING ACID AND NATURAL GAS COLLIDE IN WELD COUNTY
UPDATE
Two semi-trucks - one carrying hydrochloric acid and the other transporting natural gas - collided early Tuesday in Weld County.
The driver of the acid truck was cited for failing to yield the right of way when proceeding through a stop sign, the Colorado State Patrol.
His vehicle overturned into an irrigation ditch and the acid began leaking.
"Colorado State Patrol HAZMAT units were called to the scene, as well as the Eaton Fire Department for the leak," the patrol said. "It was determined an outer pipe had been split, and units were able to contain the hydrochloric acid."
No one was hurt in the wreck at Weld County Road 66 and Weld County Road 43, northeast of Greeley.
[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]
SPEED DEMON NABBLED IN LINCOLN COUNTY
A deputy stopped a Range Rover Monday cruising at 107 in a 65-mph zone in Lincoln County, the sheriff's office said.
[Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]
FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN COMMERCE CITY
Fire damaged a home early Tuesday in the vicinity of 68th Avenue and Clermont Street in Commerce City, South Adams Fire said. No injuries were reported. The resident escaped. [Photo: South Adams Fire]
ARREST IN ROAD RAGE SHOOTING THAT HURT 2 IN COMMERCE CITY
A suspect was arrested in a road-rage shooting that injured two people inside an auto in Commerce City, police said Tuesday.
The incident occurred Saturday night near the Village Crest Apartments in the 6200-block of East 62nd Avenue. "The suspect - riding an e-bike - got into a road rage altercation with the driver of the vehicle," according to police. "The suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the passenger in the head." The suspect was arrested Monday and faces two counts of attempted murder.
[Photo: Commerce City Police]
Monday, August 3, 2026
CURIOUS BABY ORANGUTAN STEALING SHOW AT DENVER ZOO
COPS RESCUE KIDNAPPED PUPPY
Police rescued a puppy kidnapped from a home in Pueblo.
Investigators asked for the public's assistance after the puppy was snatched from 2800-block of Ontario Street on July 26 and issued photos of the suspects and a getaway vehicle. "Thanks to your support, we located the suspects and the puppy is now happily reunited with its owner!" police said Monday. No other information was released. [Photos: Pueblo Police]
WELD COUNTY FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN WYOMING
Fernando Luevano, 44, wanted for attempted murder in Weld County, was arrested Monday on Highway 215 near Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office said. The suspect "was taken into custody without incident after deputies received information he would be traveling through eastern Laramie County," the sheriff's office said. "The increased law enforcement presence in the area was related to this arrest." The Pine Bluffs Police Department provided assistance. [Photo: Laramie County Sheriff]
WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER SUFFERED SEVERE BRAIN INJURY
West Metro firefighter Jarrod Leonard suffered a traumatic brain injury in last week's training accident near Morrison, officials disclosed Monday. Leonard - who fell 50 feet in steep, rocky terrain - "is making small, encouraging improvements, but still faces a long road to recovery," officials said. He remains in serious condition. Leonard has been a member of West Metro for 23 years. He is also a paramedic and technical rescue instructor. The accident occurred Wednesday. [Photo: West Metro Fire]
2-ALARM FIRE RAGES IN AURORA
UPDATE
A two-alarm fire gutted an apartment building Monday at 16203 East Alameda Place in Aurora. One person requested medical attention. Two cats suffered smoke inhalation, officials said. [Photos: Aurora Fire]
AURORA COP INDICTED IN KILLING
An Aurora police officer was indicted in the shooting death of a suspect who dropped a gun during an altercation.
Matthew Neely, 54, is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the killing of Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, 37, at Sixth Avenue and Billings Street on the evening of Aug. 30, 2025, prosecutors announced Monday.
Neeley was attempting to stop Belt-Stubblefield for speeding and driving under the influence. Belt-Stubblefield's vehicle crashed and a struggle ensued resulting in the shooting.
3 VEHICLES CRASH, 3 HURT IN BROOMFIELD
In Broomfield, three people were transported to hospital from the scene of a three-vehicle crash at 136th Avenue and Zuni Street, North Metro Fire said. The incident occurred Thursday. [Photo: North Metro Fire]
FIREFIGHTERS SAVE 7 PUPPIES, PET RAT FROM PUEBLO BLAZE
Firefighters saved seven puppies and a pet rat from a house fire in Pueblo on Sunday night, the fire department said.
"Upon arrival fire crews were notified that two adult dogs and a litter of puppies were inside the home," officials said. "The fire was quickly extinguished and search crews managed to save 7 puppies and a pet rat in a cage with some receiving CPR and supplemental oxygen for smoke inhalation," officials said. The adult dogs and one puppy succumbed to the smoke. There were no human casualties. The puppies were placed in the care of the Pikes Peak Humane society. The blaze broke out on the city's northside. [Photos: Pueblo Fire]
FOUR STABBED IN DENVER, SUSPECT ARRESTED
Police arrested a suspect in the stabbings of four people in Denver.
The injuries in Saturday's incident in 5100-block of North Sherman Street were considered "non-life-threatening," police said.
No other information was released.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
COUNTY TAKES OVER HARTMAN AS STATE YANKS CHARTER
The Colorado Secretary of State disbanded the troubled municipal government of the tiny town of Hartman in southeast Colorado.
Beset by political bickering and scuffles and allegations of fraud, Hartman, population 50 or less, no longer had a serving board of trustees - they all resigned in January - or a municipal clerk.
The town, in turn, was unable to hold an election.
Prowers County will take charge of the 172-acre town's streets and alleys and assume ownership of Hartman's water system, according to the secretary of state' office.
The move follows a public hearing held earlier this month
[Photo: Wikipedia]
ACROBATIC BEAR DELIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD
In Fruita, firefighters and state rangers coaxed an acrobatic bear out of a tree near Pabor Avenue and Palo Verde Court on Tuesday. "Our furry friend safely made its way back down to the ground" after rangers administered a tranquilizer, Lower Valley Fire said. [Photo: Lower Valley Fire]
TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ROAD RAGE KILLING IN LITTLETON
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office identified the pair as Steven Simpson, 24, and Corryn Simpson, 25, the driver and passenger of a BMW struck by a Ford truck near West Belleview Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive.
The dead man was identified as Andrew Bott, 23, a passenger in the truck. According to arrest warrant affidavits, Corryn Simpson called Littleton police at 10:28 p.m. to report incident and said the truck fled and they were pursuing it. The dispatcher told them to stop but then heard Steven Simpson make a "threatening statement" - followed by the sound of two gunshots.
At 10:32 p.m., the driver of the truck called Jefferson County 911 to report Bott had been shot in the head. Jefferson County deputies met the truck at Columbine High School. Bott was transported to hospital and pronounced dead.
POKEMON THIEVES SNAG MORE THAN $3,000 IN CARDS IN HIGHLANDS RANCH
Two thieves snagged almost $3,000 in Pokemon card packs from the Highlands Ranch GameStop. The men "headed straight to the back of the store with reusable grocery bags," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. They fled in a black crossover‑style vehicle. The theft occurred last month. If you have information, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867 and reference Case No. 2026-00056412. [Photos: Douglas County Sheriff]
AUTO CAREENS OFF HIGHLANDS RANCH PARKWAY
An auto careened off Highlands Ranch Parkway and down an embankment near South Broadway on Wednesday and the occupant was transported to hospital, South Metro Fire said. [Photo: South Metro Fire]
ROCKSLIDES PUMMEL RED MOUNTAIN PASS
At least eight rockslides blocked Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray. The slides occurred Wednesday night and the cleanup extended into Thursday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The pass is located on U.S. 550. [Photo: CDOT]
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
LITTLE PIG SAFE AFTER FALLING FROM BIG TRUCK
In Grand Junction, animal wardens rescued a little pig who was injured falling from a large truck. "He's spending some time recovering in foster care and is doing well," officials said. [Photos: Grand Junction Police]
ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE IN BRIGHTON SHOOTING
Javid Martinez, 22, was arrested on a charge of attempted first-degree murder in a shooting in Brighton, police said Wednesday.
The victim, also 22, was critically injured in Tuesday night's incident in the 1200-block of East Bridge Street. No other details were released.
If you have information, contact the Brighton Police Department (303) 655-8740 and reference Case No. 12CN26004052.
[Photo: Brighton Police]
WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER CRITICALLY INJURED IN 50-FOOT PLUNGE
UPDATE
A West Metro firefighter sustained serious injuries during specialized training Wednesday near Morrison.
Jarrod Leonard plunged about 50 feet at the high-angle rescue exercise in steep, rocky terrain west of C-470, officials said. He was admitted to hospital in critical condition. "Jarrod has served the West Metro community for more than 23 years and is one of our technical rescue instructors, helping train firefighters in the specialized skills needed to perform rescues in some of the most challenging environments," officials said.Leonard is also a paramedic. [Photo: West Metro Fire]
GRIN AND 'BEAR' IT - AND PLEASE STAND BACK
This bear was snapped sniffing around a neighborhood in Lone Tree. "Most bears spotted in residential areas are simply passing through and will move on if they do not find food," city officials said. "Stay calm, keep your distance and allow it an escape route." [Photo: Michelle Benewitz via City of Lone Tree Facebook]
COPS SEEK PUPPY KIDNAPPERS
A man and woman kidnapped a puppy from a home in Pueblo and fled in a light-colored vehicle. The bandits struck on July 26 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the 2800-block of Ontario Street, according to police. If you have information, contact the Pueblo Polce Department (719) 553-2502 and reference Case No. CR 26-078123 [Photo: Pueblo Police]
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
K9 LEADS COPS TO FENTANYL AND $10K CASH IN BROOMFIELD
Police K9 Rodo led officers to 26.7 pounds of counterfeit fentanyl pills, 4.55 pounds of fentanyl powder and $10,510 cash in a vehicle stopped in Broomfield. One suspect was arrested in the July 22 incident, police said. [Photo: Broomfield Police]
DRUNKEN DRIVER, 84, KILLS RV OPERATOR NEAR DOLORES
An 84-year-old drunken motorist in a Dodge pickup truck weaving in traffic killed an RV driver near Dolores in a head-on collision Tuesday, the state patrol said.
The drunken motorist also died.
The crash occurred on Highway 184 west of Dolores, which is located in Montezuma County in southwest Colorado. Both victims were male. The RV driver was 49.
The patrol said: "Prior to the crash, the Dodge was reported through a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous/Drunk Driver Immediately) call for weaving all over the roadway.
"Preliminary reports indicate the Dodge was eastbound and crossed into the opposing lane and its front driver’s side collided with the RV’s front driver's side."
[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]
FLEA MARKET BODY PARTS MYSTERY COULD TAKE COPS YEARS TO CRACK
Human remains discovered in a row of dumpsters at a Commerce City flea market "could take years to identify," police said Tuesday. "Detectives have determined that they were thrown into the dumpsters at the flea market by individuals not associated with the business," police said. "We are in contact with those individuals." The remains were found earlier this month in the 7000-block of 88th Avenue, location of the popular Mile High Flea Market. "We are continuing to investigate this case but until we have identification and can then possibly determine if the death occurred under suspicious circumstances, we will likely not have further updates," police said. No other details were provided.
HIKERS FIND REMAINS OF MISSING MAN
Hikers discovered the remains of a man who went missing three years ago in Canon City, officials said Tuesday.
Shawn Michael Dixon Sr. was last seen stepping out of a taxi near Rudd Park on Sept. 12, 2023, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which is handling the case.
Dixon, born in 1978, was supposed to meet his family that evening at Triangle Park. His remains were found near Skyline Drive in Canon City on July 19.
If you have information, contact Fremont County CrimeStoppers (719) 275-7867.
50 YEARS AGO: BIG THOMPSON RIVER'S BIG, DEADLY FLOOD
Surveying the aftermath of the Big Thompson River canyon flash flood of July 31-Aug. 1, 1976, Larimer County Sheriff Bob Watson said: “Come morning, we are going to find bodies all over the damned place.”
The overnight disaster - one of the biggest in Colorado history - claimed 144 lives as the river raced at 23 feet per second and crested at 30 feet. More than 250 people were injured.
Flood heroes State Trooper W. Hugh Purdy and Estes Park Officer Michel O. Conley died evacuating the canyon.
The rains poured with a vengeance - particularly from Drake to Estes Park.
"A large stationary thunderstorm released as much as 7.5 inches of rainfall in about an hour," according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
"In steep mountain terrain with thin or no soil, this large amount of rainfall in such a short period of time produced a flash flood that caught residents and tourists by surprise," the agency said.
More than 800 people were rescued by helicopter the next day.
[Photo: State of Colorado, Mile High Flood District, Colorado State Patrol]
HERO TEEN SHIELDED BROTHER DURING MOUNT BLUE SKY LIGHTNING STRIKE
A hero teenager killed in a lightning strike while hiking on Mount Blue Sky shielded his brother from the deadly bolt, the youth's family said.
Levi Strobel, 15, "showed the courage and selflessness that characterized his life, seeking to protect his younger brother, who was with him on the mountain." the family said in a statement. "He was a brave and loving brother, and we will always remember the devotion he showed to those he loved," the Strobel's statement said. The younger boy suffered injuries and was airlifted to hospital in the Denver area, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said. Two men in the same hiking party of five suffered minor injuries in Saturday's tragedy, the sheriff's office said. [Photo: Clear Cree County Sheriff]
HUGE BLAZE ERUPTS AT INDUSTRIAL SITE IN GRAND JUNCTION
UPDATE
In Grand Junction, fire hit an industrial site loaded with hazardous materials. No injuries were reported in Monday's blaze at TotalEnergies Cray Valley, 569 24 1/2 Street. Some of the materials reignited in the aftermath, fire officials said.
[Photos: Grand Junction Fire]
RESTAURANT FIRE IN DOWNTOWN DENVER; NO INJURIES
UPDATE
An alley dumpster fire spread to an adjacent restaurant overnight at 1533 Champa Street in downtown Denver. No injuries were reported. "The fire extended through a window" and "spread into a storage room and the roof line," fire officials said.
[Photos: Denver Fire]






































