COPS RESCUE KIDNAPPED DOG 'EZRA' AFTER 5 DAYS OF DESPAIR

 

Police rescued Ezra, the dog kidnapped from outside the Tattered Cover bookstore on East Colfax Avenue in Denver, and arrested a suspect, his owner reports.

Rachel Ansley said on social media: "Thank you to everyone who has helped keep an eye out for Ezra these past 5 days. I couldn't have asked for a better, more involved community to help get my boy back home. "Every single one of you brought Ezra closer to me day by day."
Ansley and Ezra were reunited at a Denver police station. He was kidnapped Saturday. Ansley said the kidnapping suspect is a woman.

[Photo: Rachel Ansley]

PAROLEE BUSTED; DRUGS, GUNS, MONEY SEIZED IN PUEBLO WEST

After a traffic stop, deputies arrested a parolee and seized a variety of drugs, guns, drug paraphernalia and cash from his auto and home on Calle de Cabellos in Pueblo West. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office identified the parolee as Chad Hurley, 53.

[Photo: Pueblo County Sheriff]

FREIGHT TRAIN HITS CAR, 1 INJURED

In Fort Lupton, a freight train collided with a car early Thursday at County Road 10 and South Rollie Avenue and "one individual was transported to a local hospital," fire officials said. [Photo: Fort Lupton Fire]

PERSON SHOT DEAD ON EAST 49TH AVE. IN DENVER

A person was shot and killed in northeast Denver overnight.

The crime occurred in the in the 19000-block of East 49th Avenue late Wednesday and homicide detectives were attempting identify a suspect, according to police. No other details were released. If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867.

FLYING SQUIRREL JUMPS COP IN GLENDALE

In Glendale, a fearless, flying squirrel surprised a police officer crossing a footbridge on Wednesday after "making direct eye contact" - and latched onto the cop's side, police said. No one was hurt and the squirrel fled. [Photos: Glendale Police]

 

PASS THE BOOT: RURAL FIRE DEPT. SEEKS HELP AFTER MONSTER BLAZE

The Campo Volunteer Fire Department, which was front-and-center at the monster wildfire that flashed into Colorado from Oklahoma over the weekend, is seeking help to revive its "old, battered, and tired" fleet of fire trucks. The blaze scorched about 30,000 acres. "We have a skid with a 1000-gallon tank and pump on it - but we are in need of a chassis to mount it on," Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Chick said. "We have a very limited budget. ... 4x4 or 6x6 preferred. Any and all leads are greatly appreciated."

Chick adds: "This past week has taken a major toll on us financially." Campo - population about 100 - is located in Baca County, in far southeastern Colorado, and monetary donations can be mailed to: Campo Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 116 Campo, CO 81029 [Images: Campo Fire]

ARVADA COPS WRANGLE RUNAWAY MABEL THE COW

In Arvada, police wrangled a runaway cow named Mabel near 72nd Avenue and Indiana Street over the weekend. "Mabel can spot rookie cowboys miles away and came along willingly," police said. She was reunited with her owner. [Photo: Arvada Police]

WRONG-WAY DRIVER CAUSES CRASH ON I-25 IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

UPDATE

A wrong-way driver caused a crash early Wednesday on southbound I-25 near Plum Creek Road in Douglas County, the state patrol said.

"When troopers arrived at the scene, they found a Chevrolet pickup and a silver Toyota sedan that had collided head on," the patrol said. "The preliminary investigation shows the Chevrolet was going northbound in the southbound lanes when it hit the Toyota.

"The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries," the patrol said. "The driver of the Toyota was checked on scene by medical personnel but refused to be transported."

The Silverado was driven by a 56-year-old man from Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Camry was driven by a 36-year-old man from Aurora.

40 BATTLE HOUSE FIRE ON EAST CRESTLINE CIRCLE IN ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Forty firefighters battled a house fire that started in the garage in unincorporated Arapahoe County on Tuesday night, South Metro Fire said.

Four occupants escaped the raging blaze in the 11000-block of East Crestline Circle. One person was treated by paramedics at the scene and released.
"It was determined that one vehicle was a hybrid and crews pulled that vehicle from the garage as a precaution," officials said. Three autos were parked in the garage.

[Photo: South Metro Fire]

IT'S BIGGER THAN A PICNIC BASKET, SAYS YOGI BEAR

 

 

A surveillance camera captured these images of a bear tipping over a dumpster in Grand Lake. The foraging occurred early on May 10 at Grand Lake Wine & Spirits and Cabin Quilts & Stitches, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said.

[Photo: Grand County Sheriff]

ONE PERSON DEAD AS FIVE AUTOS CRASH IN COMMERCE CITY; DUI SUSPECT ARRESTED

UPDATE

A five-vehicle crash claimed a life early Wednesday in Commerce City.

Several people were transported to hospital, according to Commerce City police.

The alleged at-fault driver, age 20, faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, police said.

The accident occurred in the 11900-block of Highway 85 and shut down all lanes of traffic.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH NEAR LUDLOW MASSACRE MEMORIAL

A body was discovered in an abandoned building near the Ludlow Massacre Memorial and the "circumstances surrounding the death appear to be suspicious," the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

A visitor discovered the body at the site, which is 15 miles north of Trinidad, on May 17, and authorities identified deceased as James Hedges, 46, of Trinidad. The building is located near Country Road 44 and County Road 61.5. 

The memorial honors 20 or so people - men, woman, and children - killed at the site in April 1914 during the Colorado Coalfield War between striking miners, the Colorado National Guard and company security forces in April 1914.

If you have information, contact the CBI or the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office (719) 846-2211, extension 7.

HUNGRY BEARS SEEK FINE DINING IN ARVADA AND WHEAT RIDGE

Bear sightings have been on the rise in Arvada and Wheat Ridge - mostly west of Ward Road - as the drought hurts burly beasts' natural food supply, Arvada police said.
"Take your bird feeders down if there are sightings near you, don't leave your pets outside unsupervised, and make sure your trash cans are secured," police said. Call police to report sightings. [Photo: Arvada Police]

DOUBLE SEMI SKIDS, FLIPS IN GRAND COUNTY

A double semi-truck crashed on Highway 9 Tuesday south of Kremmling, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said. No other information was released. [Photo: Grand County Sheriff]

COPS BUST BIG DOPE RING ON WESTERN SLOPE, ARREST 21 SUSPECTS

A wiretap investigation led to the arrests of 21 suspects believed to be sources of illegal narcotics peddled across Mesa County, officials said Tuesday. The investigation - by local, state and federal agencies - spanned from late 2025 to early 2026. "In total, law enforcement seized more than 10,400 fentanyl pills, approximately 62.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 13.11 pounds of cocaine, and additional illegal substances with an estimated street value of approximately $450,000," the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said. "In addition, other seizures related to this case include approximately $117,000 in U.S. currency and eight vehicles," CBI said. [Photo: CBI]

KIDNAPPED? DOG GOES MISSING FROM TATTERED COVER IN DENVER

 

A friendly, bandana-wearing Labrador named Ezra vanished from the pedestrian alley outside the popular Tattered Cover bookstore at 2526 East Colfax Avenue in Denver.

He was "hooked up on a leash" while his owner went inside to buy a book, his owner said - and she's "devastated."

Ezra went missing at about noon Saturday. He's age 6 and weighs 65 to 70 pounds - "but looks like a puppy."

AUTO SLAMS INTO HOUSE IN DENVER; AT LEAST 3 HURT

UPDATE

An auto crashed into a house overnight in Denver, police said Tuesday.

The accident occurred in the vicinity of West 10th Avenue and North Perry Street and "at least" were transported to hospital, a police spokesperson said.

No other information was released.

DUCK QUACKS 'CALL 911' FOR TRAPPED DUCKLINGS IN WHEAT RIDGE

Firefighters and police rescued seven ducklings trapped in a storm drain near Wheat Ridge High School after their frantic mother quacked for help. A caller reported hearing "a very determined mother duck quacking" after her brood fell through the grate, fire officials said. "The crew with West Metro Engine 17 responded, removed the grate, and climbed down into the storm drain, carefully lifting the ducklings out one by one," officials said.

Reunited, they waddled off on May 8.

[Photos: West Metro Fire]

QUAKE RATTLES WALSENBURG; SECOND TO HIT SOUTHERN COLORADO THIS MONTH

A mild earthquake rattled the Walsenburg area on Monday - the second trembler to strike southern Colorado this month.

No injuries or major damage were reported, according to the Colorado Department of Homeland and Emergency Management. 

The quake, which occurred at 6:29 a.m., measured 3.0 and was centered about 2 miles south-southwest of the city, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

There are about 90 "potentially active faults" across the state, according to the Colorado Geological Survey.

Earlier this month, a mild earthquake rattled Trinidad. The 4.0 trembler struck south of the Colorado-New Mexico border on May 7, officials said.

The largest recorded quake in state history struck north-central Colorado on Nov. 7, 1882, and shook Denver, 60 miles from the epicenter.

[Image: USGS]

PUPPIES FOUND BENEATH FLOORBOARDS NEAR EVANS

Three puppies and two adult dogs were discovered living in the ruins of a vacant, burned-out home near Evans.

An animal control officer "heard puppy squeaks coming from under the floorboards," according to the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
The rescue occurred in late April after a neighbor reported the two adults wandering the area. The property owner said the dogs weren't his and gave the animal control officer permission to enter the dwelling.

The canines were transported to an animal shelter - "another doggone great rescue in the books," the sheriff's office said.

PRAIRIE FIRE CRASHES ACROSS OKLAHOMA BORDER INTO BACA COUNTY

A monster prairie fire crashed into southeastern Colorado from the Oklahoma panhandle Sunday, engulfing more than 28,000 acres, Springfield Fire said.

The small town of Campo was evacuated. Campo is located in Baca County. Surrounding communities sent mutual aid while aerial tankers took to the sky.

"The fire line is currently holding around Campo," Baca County Emergency Management said. The blaze started in Cimarron County, Oklahoma.

No injuries were reported.

[Photo: Springfield Fire Department]

PARENTS DOTE ON NEW ARRIVAL AT DENVER ZOO

At the Denver Zoo, Rain, an 18-year-old Cape buffalo, and her mate, Boots, welcomed their new child, a healthy male calf. Rain gave birth May 11. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

TRAIN KILLS PEDESTRIAN IN DENVER

A pedestrian died after being struck by a light train in the vicinity of North Quebec Street and Smith Road, police said early Monday. No other information was released.

GUNMAN DEAD ON WEASEL WAY IN FRANKTOWN

A gunman died Sunday at a home on Weasel Way in Franktown after a confrontation with a deputy, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. "A child inside the home called 911 to report an adult male was assaulting their grandmother, with another child also inside the residence," the sheriff's office said.

"When deputies arrived, one child was exiting the front door," the sheriff's office said. "While the door was open, a deputy observed the adult suspect inside holding a handgun pointed at the deputy, and one deputy fired shots. "The children and grandmother were safely removed from the home," the sheriff's office said. "The suspect was later found deceased inside the residence." A law enforcement vehicle responding to the call hydroplaned in heavy rain and crashed. [Photo: Douglas County Sheriff]

ONE DEAD IN CRASH ON I-25 IN DENVER

UPDATE

A motorist died Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on I-25 in Denver.

They were pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck in the northbound HOV lane of the interstate at 20th Street, according to police. Another person was transported to hospital with serious injuries, police said. In a separate incident, a scooter rider was seriously injured in a collision with an auto Saturday at 13th Avenue and Holly Street in Denver.

STATUE STOLEN FROM GREELEY PARK FOUND AT SCRAP YARD

A life-sized bronze statue cut from its base at Greeley's Glenmere Park was recovered at a scrap yard, police said Sunday.

The Prize Catch was cut at the ankles Tuesday and sold to the yard later that day. "Detectives have since recovered the artwork and returned it to the Parks Department," police said. "While the statue is home, the investigation is ongoing." If you have any information, contact Detective Labracke at lisa.labracke@greeleypd.com [Photos: Greeley Police]

YOUTH ARRESTED IN STABBING IN DENVER

A youth was arrested as a suspect in the stabbing of another youth in northeast Denver, police said Sunday.

The stabbing occurred overnight in the 5300-block of North Elkhart Street and the victim was transported to the hospital, police said. The suspect faces charges first-degree assault, police said.

LARGE FIGHT BREAKS OUT AT GRADUATION PARTY NEAR LA SALLE

A man and woman were arrested after a disturbance at a graduation party Saturday night on Weld County Road 394 near La Salle, the sheriff's office said.

911 calls indicated "10-20 people were actively fighting" and the first deputies on the scene called for backup after they encountered "a large, intoxicated crowd," officials said. One deputy was assaulted but not seriously injured while trying to make an arrest. Blanca Marquez-Nino, 40, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault on a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer, officials said. Carlos Renteria, 26, was arrested on suspicion of "weapon-prohibited use-drunk with a gun" and reckless endangerment. Renteria "had allegedly gone to a location south of where the party was taking place and fired off several rounds with a pistol," officials said. "This angered the homeowners and they allegedly disarmed Renteria, cleared the gun, and kicked Renteria off their property. "Renteria allegedly reentered the homeowner’s property and instigated a physical fight. Renteria then left the residence on foot" but was located by a drone." officials said.

COPS CLOSE I-70 FOR DUCK, DUCKLINGS

 

A Colorado state trooper and Clear County sheriff's deputy closed busy I-70 westbound near Downieville on Thursday to help a wayward duck and her ducklings cross to safety from the express lane.

Travelers called to report the family's plight - and all are well.

"I-70 is a great way for cars to cross the state, but not so great for ducks to cross the street," the sheriff's office said.
[Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff] 

STABBING ON HIGH STREET IN DENVER

A person was stabbed Thursday in the 1500-block of North High Street in Denver, police said. They were transported to hospital. Police were seeking a suspect. No other information was released.

112 YEARS IN PRISON FOR LITTLETON KIDNAPPER

Rye Austin Lee Schaben, 41, convicted of kidnapping and assaulting a woman he met online, was sentenced to 112 years in prison by an Arapahoe County judge.

The woman managed to flee the attack in a Littleton park and ran to a home on West Briarwood Avenue for help early on the morning of May 14, 2024.

Assistant prosecutor Michael Gannon said the attack inflicted "terror and trauma" on the woman.

[Photo: Arapahoe County Sheriff]

COPS SAY DOG ABANDONED, TIED TO POLE IN COMMERCE CITY

Commerce City police went to the aid of an abandoned dog that a Good Samaritan found tied to a utility pole.

The dog was placed in an animal shelter "where she’s bound to find a forever family who won’t mistreat her again," police said.  The dog is described as a "Mastiff mix."

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

STUDENT WITH GUN TACKLED AT OVERLAND HIGH SCHOOL IN AURORA

A student packing a loaded gun was chased, tackled and arrested Wednesday at Overland High School in Aurora. No shots were fired. No injuries were reported. The student faces weapons charges. At about 8:40 a.m., the student, age 16, "was spotted with a gun while in the hallways of the high school," police said. "Someone noticed the weapon, shouted out to alert staff members who then chased after the teen and tackled him to the ground."

A school resource officer detained the youth and recovered the "loaded weapon," and the school on East Jewell Avenue was locked down, police said.

TRUCK FIRE SPREADS ALONG HIGHWAY 50 IN FREMONT COUNTY

In Fremont County, a truck fire spread into brush along Highway 50 on Wednesday evening, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported. [Photo: Fremont County Sheriff]

ARREST AFTER SECOND FIRE AT BAR AND GRILL IN CASTLE ROCK

Police made an arrest after fire broke out early Wednesday at The Hideaway Bar and Grill in Castle Rock - the second blaze at the establishment in two days. The fire broke out at the rear of the restaurant at 600 Jerry Street and threatened a neighboring building, which sustained minor damage. The alarm came in at 3:51 a.m. and the fire was declared under control at 5:15 a.m. "An individual was taken into custody on other charges and is currently considered a person of interest," Castle Rock Fire said. Co-owner Robert Stroh told Denver 7: "It's kind of unbelievable, back-to-back. I've been in the business for 40 years. My wife has too. And, you know, we thought getting through COVID was a tough thing, but this is going to be even more interesting,"

No injuries were reported. South Metro Fire and Franktown Fire also responded.

VIEW ALONG HIGHWAY 125 IN THE ROCKIES

Majestic scene along Highway 125 north on Granby on Tuesday.

[Photo: Sam Del Giudice]

FIRE ROARS ON EAST HAMPDEN AVE. IN DENVER

A 2-alarm fire broke out Wednesday at an apartment building in southeast Denver. Crews reported heavy fire "throughout the building" at 8525 East Hampden Avenue, the fire department said.

One person was injured and transported to hospital. [Photo: Denver Fire Department]

SHELTER DOG GIVES BIRTH TO 4 PUPS AFTER EMERGENCY SURGERY

Razzle, a dog surrendered to a vet, delivered four puppies after an emergency caesarian section, the Denver Animal Shelter said.

All five have found new families.

Razzle was "struggling to give birth" and the surgery saved her life and the lives of her puppies, the shelter said. "Razzle and her family came to the shelter, where they got the care they needed and a chance to heal in a loving foster home," the shelter said. Razzle was adopted by her foster family.
[Photo: Denver Animal Shelter]

TESLA CRASHES INTO SCHOOL, BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN LONE TREE, 1 HURT

UPDATE

A Tesla electric vehicle crashed into a school and burst into flames Wednesday in Lone Tree.

The Primrose School at 9200 Teddy Lane was evacuated and one person was transported to hospital, South Metro Fire said.

A Hazmat team wrapped a protective cover over the Tesla after the fire was out due to risky battery material.

"There were a total of 100 occupants, 78 minors and 22 adults, that safely evacuated from the building," South Metro said. "We want to commend the staff for their quick, efficient actions."
[Photos: South Metro Fire]

WILD TURKEY HITCHES RIDE ON NORTH METRO FIRE ENGINE

A wild turkey landed Tuesday night on North Metro Engine 67 in Broomfield dutifully waiting for the next alarm.

[Photo: North Metro Fire]

BROKEN ANKLES: BRONZE STATUE CUT FROM BASE IN GREELEY PARK

A life-sized bronze statue was cut at the ankles and stolen from Glenmere Park in Greeley - in broad daylight. The Prize Catch was carried off at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday - the latest in a string of high-profile metal thefts, including the taking of two statues from outside a church in downtown Denver. "A white box truck was spotted in the immediate area at the time of the theft and is believed to be involved," Greeley police said. "We are asking local metal recyclers to keep a sharp eye out for bronze material that appears to be part of a statue," police said. If you have information or surveillance video, call Greeley police (970) 350-9605. [Photos: Greeley Police]

BEAR BROWSING BROOMFIELD

A bear visited the Anthem Ranch neighborhood in north Broomfield on Tuesday. It was spotted near Highway 7 and Lowell Boulevard - and on Bierstadt Loop, police said. [Photo: Broomfield Police]

PERSON SENT TO HOSPITAL FROM AURORA FIRE

In Aurora, fire broke out Tuesday at a home in the 13900-block of East Linvale Place. "The incident was under control within 20 minutes," Aurora Fire said. "One adult was transported to the hospital for evaluation." [Photo: Aurora Fire]

CORONER REPORTS ON RUNWAY DEATH

The runway trespasser killed at Denver International Airport stepped into the path of the jetliner. Medical Examiner Sterling McLaren said: "We determined the manner of death to be suicide.”  The pilot aborted takeoff; 12 people on the jet were hurt Friday.

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE TRAPPED KITTENS

In Colorado Springs, firefighters cut through drywall to a rescue pair of kittens trapped for three days in an attic. The kittens are alive and well. 
[Photo: Colorado Springs Fire Department]

TEEN ARRESTED IN SHOOTING THAT INJURED WOMAN, 86, IN COMMERCE CITY

Jeremiah Tyrae Herrera, 19, was arrested as a suspect in a shooting that critically injured an 86-year-old woman caught in crossfire in Commerce City, police said Tuesday. The woman was sitting in a car at 60th Avenue and Monaco Street on Monday afternoon and is expected to survive. Herrera, who was located after a search of the neighborhood, "is accused of firing shots at two individuals across the street and inadvertently striking the victim," police said. The teen faces charges of attempted murder as well possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. [Photo: Commerce City Police]