COLD CASE: ROCKY FORD'S SANCHEZ-MESTAS MYSTERY; TEENS VANISHED IN NOVEMBER 1982

Sanchez

Mestas

When they vanished on Nov. 1, 1982, police suspected that Rocky Ford High School students Victoria "Vicki" Sachez and Yvonne Mestas intentionally left town.

They were 15. Today, they'd be 59. Are they alive? 

Their missing persons case is. 

Today's Rocky Ford police chief, Matthew Wallace, said he keeps the Sanchez-Mestas file close to his desk at police headquarters and collaborates with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on the 1982 mystery.

Media reports from almost a decade said investigators had developed a fresh lead. Nothing more was said. 

In a telephone interview this week with the Daily Sketch, Wallace declined to discuss specifics of that 2017 discovery or evidence developed since then.

"We're still working this case," the chief said.

Rocky Ford is located in Otero County in the Arkansas Valley where U.S. Highway 50 intersects with Colorado 71.

The teens were last seen on foot at the high school.

According to CBI, Sanchez "suffered from a broken elbow and has a surgical scar on her left arm which runs from the wrist to the inside of her elbow" while Mestas had a heart-shaped birthmark on her buttocks.

If you have information, contact the Rocky Ford Police Department (719) 254-3344

[Photos: CBI]

Age-enhanced images of Sanchez and Mestas

JAYWALKING LEADS TO METH BUST IN EVANS

A man initially stopped for jaywalking on Highway 85 in Evans was arrested Tuesday on a more serious criminal charge - meth possession. Police said the man - a resident of Greeley - attempted to flee after an officer learned of an active warrant for his arrest. The meth, estimated at 3.5 ounces or so, was discovered after he was frisked. As of Wednesday, the suspect faced new charges of drug possession and distribution, resisting arrest ... and jaywalking. A woman accompanying the man was released without charge, not even jaywalking.

KNEE-DEEP FLOOD RESCUE IN LA PLATA COUNTY

Knee-deep in muddy water, Sergeant Fender and K-9 Deputy Mohney of the La Plata County Sheriff's Office carried a senior evacuating his home during historic flooding in southwest Colorado "Sometimes a single picture tells a story better," the sheriff's office said. Bravo! [Photo: La Plata County Sheriff]

COPS ARREST GUNMAN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN WELD COUNTY TOWN OF AULT

Police arrested a suspect early Wednesday on charges of attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a firearm in the Weld County town of Ault, officials said. 911 callers reported hearing gunshots in the 400-block of Graefe Avenue at about 1:40 a.m. "Officers from the Ault Police Department and Eaton Police Department responded to the scene and quickly located and apprehended a 53-year-old male suspect who was still in possession of a firearm," officials said. The suspect was booked into the Weld County Jail. Residents who believe they may have video footage are asked to contact the Ault Police Department (970) 834-1336.

SHIRTLESS MYSTERY MAN FLEES I-70 CRASH ON FOOT

A shirtless mystery man wearing blue jeans ran from the scene of a crash on I-70 on Tuesday evening, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said.

A search by land and drone yielded no suspect. The sheriff's office advised residents to "keep their doors and windows locked." The accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of the interstate just before the Fall River Road exit. The man, believed to be white or Hispanic and weighing about 200 pounds, "went south across the creek and Stanley Road, and then up the mountainside," the sheriff's office said, adding: "Unknown if armed, or why he ran." [Photo: Clear Creek County Sheriff]

MOTORCYCLE RIDER DIES IN COMMERCE CITY

A vehicle crashed into the rear of a motorcycle in Commerce City, killing the rider, police said early Wednesday.

The accident occurred at Highway 85 and 112th Avenue. "Preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle rear-ended the motorcycle as they approached 112th," police said. "The driver is facing a number of charges as a result." The type of vehicle was not disclosed. [Photo: Commerce City Police]

MISSING CLIMBERS PLUNGED TO DEATHS AT WEST APOSTLE MOUNTAIN

Climbers Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, subjects of a dramatic search, plunged to their deaths at West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County due to a "catastrophic" equipment failure, the sheriff and coroner announced Tuesday.

"The autopsy showed that the cause of both their deaths was multiple blunt force injuries and their deaths were instant," an official statement said.

Their bodies were recovered Oct. 29 a mountain basin. They had been missing for several days.

An investigation by the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office showed:

“Jackson was beginning to rappel from a primary anchor point on a rock substrate. That anchor appears to have been backed up by a piton and a secondary anchor made of rock substrate. Kaden was attached via his personal anchor device to the same anchor points as well as the primary anchor point. The anchor had a catastrophic failure of unknown cause.

"Both then fell a substantial distance (exact distance unknown). It is unknown if the heavy snowstorm had a negative impact leading to the incident, but it did not play a direct contributing factor in their death.”

The men attended the Leadville campus of Colorado Mountain College.

BEAR WITHOUT BOARDING PASS VISITS AIRPORT AT MONTROSE

A bear bearing no ticket was coaxed off the ramp at Montrose Regional Airport on Tuesday.

No harm done. No major delays.

"He showed up without a boarding pass, didn't have the proper ramp credentials, and frankly, didn't seem to have any intention of catching a flight," airport officials said. They speculated that the scent of fresh baked goods at the airport cafe may have attracted the four-legged visitor. Montrose is served by American, Delta, United and Southwest airlines, according to the airport's website.

[Photos: Montrose Regional Airport]

NATIONAL GUARD RESCUES FLOOD VICTIMS, DOGS AND CATS IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO

UPDATE

The Colorado National Guard rescued more than 50 people, over 20 dogs and several cats from historic flooding in southwest Colorado, Governor Jared Polis said Tuesday. The state transportation department is inspecting damaged bridges and highways, the governor said. The Piedra River Bridge on Highway 160 west of Pagosa Spring sustained significant damage after its piers collapsed and will need to be rebuilt, Polis said. Flooding damaged a natural gas pipeline near the Piedra River, he said.
In Mineral County, emergency managers Tuesday reported flood damage forced a 33-mile shutdown of U.S. Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass from north of Pagosa Springs to South Fork. "Mud and rockslides up to six feet high have crossed the highway in several areas along the west side of the pass," the officials said. Regionwide, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported the following closures as of Tuesday afternoon:

CO 112 - Rio Grande Bridge in Del Norte (Mile Point 1)

CO 151 - South of Chimney Rock (MP 27 to 30)

CO 17 - New Mexico state line to Antonito (MP 0 to 39)

US 160 - Wolf Creek Pass to South Fork (MP 157 to 184.5)

US 160 - Piedra River Bridge to Pagosa Springs (MP 121 to 139)

US 285 - Rio Grande Bridge in Monte Vista (MP 52 to 56)

[Photo: Colorado National Guard, Mineral County Emergency Management]

Wolf Creek Pass in Mineral County

ASPEN FAMILY ABOARD TRAGIC FLORIDA JET

Four members of a young Aspen family were aboard a corporate jet that fell from the sky over Florida, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

The news agency identified the family as Adam Robinson, his wife, Helen Sharp, and their children, Emma 4, and, Charlie, 2.

There were seven passengers and two crew members aboard the jet when it crashed in a fireball Sunday on a highway near West Palm Beach. No one survived. 

The fight was bound for the Bahamas from Austin when the crew reported a sudden loss of control in bad weather.

[Photo: Social Media]

DOH! DASHCAM CAPTURES IMAGES OF COMMERCE CITY TRUCK THIEF

A dashcam mounted inside a stolen Dodge Ram snapped images of the thief, Commerce City police said Tuesday.

"We couldn’t have taken a better picture if we had posed him ourselves," they added.
The crook - still at large as of Tuesday - broke into a warehouse in the 6700-block of Brighton Boulevard and made off with $50,000 of copper wire and the truck last month. "He then dumped the stolen Ram about a mile away and fled in a silver sedan," police said. "During the commission of the crime he also caused extensive and expensive damage to the inside of the warehouse, the rear garage door and the front gate."

If you have information, contact Commerce City Police Investigator Dominick at jdominick@c3gov.com [Photos: Commerce City Police]

COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD 'MERCY FLIGHT' SAVED LITTLE BECKY SUE SADLER

In the pioneering days of aviation, a brave Colorado National Guard crew rushed serum over the Continental Divide - from Denver to distant Cortez - by dark of night and saved the life of little Betty Sue Sadler, 5, victim of botulism poisoning.

Colorado Governor Ralph Carr approved the urgent "mercy flight" by three members of the guard's 120th Observation Squadron to the southwestern corner of the state, a one-way trip of almost 300 miles.

The Sadler family's physician, H. R. Rasor, suspected home-canned cucumbers and peaches caused the lethal poisoning. The girl's little sister, age 3, died earlier that day - Nov. 4, 1940 - after eating the tainted food vegetables and fruit, the Rocky Mountain News said. The family drove to Cortez from their farm 30 miles northwest of town.

The physician appealed to the state trooper assigned to Cortez, Thomas Maier, for help. The trooper informed Joseph Marsh, the patrol supervisor in Denver, who then relayed the appeal to the governor.

Coloado's health secretary, Roy Cleere, procured the serum from Dr. Harry C. Evers, of 620 South Broadway in Denver - a veterinarian.

At that time, the common cure for botulism was derived from horse blood serum, according to the Smithsonian Institution. The equine-based formulation contained protective antibodies that were injected into infected patients.

The National Guard aircraft was waiting at the Denver's municipal airfield. It was piloted by Major Harrison Wellman, accompanied a crew of two sergeants, Joseph Moffatt and Samuel McGrew - and departed at 7:30 p.m., less than a hour after the request for help.

The craft arrived at Cortez at about 9 p.m., though shifting winds forced Wellman to circle the field for almost an hour as the aircraft's fuel dwindled.

In the meantime, the serum was dropped by parachute and rushed to the girl's bedside. Her doctor was waiting at the airfield.

During the drama, the governor telephoned local authorities in Cortez and requested the landing site "be outlined with automobile headlights and the runway marked with flares," the Rocky Mountain News said. Runway lights weren't all that common in 1940.

The rescue aircraft was most likely a newly delivered three-seat North American O-47 observation monoplane developed in the 1930s. Prior to 1940, the Colorado National Guard operated single-seat biplanes.

[Photo: Wikipedia]

1 IN 5 ON MEDICAID IN COLORADO; GOVERNOR SEEKS TO SET LIMITS

By Colorado Newsline

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released his final budget proposal on Monday, once again calling for the Legislature to significantly restrict Medicaid growth in the state.

The Democrat, who is in his last few months as governor, wants to limit program growth to 4.3% during the next budget year, compared to an expected 15% with current spending trends.

Medicaid costs have more than doubled since the 2021-2022 fiscal year and could soon eat up around 40% of the state’s entire general fund. It is propelled in part by rising healthcare costs and an aging population that needs more services. The health insurance program for low-income people serves around 1 in 5 Coloradans.

“Absent changes, Medicaid growth will crowd out everything else, including education,” Polis told reporters. “That would be unsustainable. Based on what I’ve seen, I don’t believe low-income Coloradans would be any healthier under this scenario.”

LINK

OH LEO! 1944'S LION ESCAPE AT DENVER'S CITY PARK ZOO

Pedaling his bicycle in terror and in shredded trousers, a youth named Marvin Sager, of 3234 Vine Street in Denver, raced to a drug store at East 22d Avenue and Downing Street shouting: “A lion is after me!"

"The druggist was disinclined to believe the boy’s almost hysterical story, but finally he summoned police," the Rocky Mountain News said.

It wasn't a hoax. "Leo the Lion" escaped City Park Zoo that July 5 in 1944 and tore Sager's trousers with its claws during its brief urban flight. A zoo attendant failed to lock the cage. The lad escaped serious injury.

Denver Police Captain Joseph Trinier led a squad armed with riot guns and tear gas to scene of the emergency.

Hiding in shrubs, the roaring year-old beast - who weighed in at 175 pounds - evaded the mob, which "had grown to include State Highway Patrolmen, detectives and other armed volunteers," the News said.

"Resorting to frontier range land methods, the officers yelled and herded the terrified lion back into his cage," the newspaper said.

Once it was over, poor Leo the Lion may well have been more frightened than poor Marvin Sager.

The fate of the careless zoo attendant is lost to history.

[Photo: Stock image]

GARAGE ROOF CAVES IN AS FIRE DEVOURS HOME IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

UPDATE

A garage roof collapsed as flames engulfed a home Monday in unincorporated Jefferson County.

The blaze was reported at 1:33 p.m. at 7762 West Quarto Drive. One person was treated by paramedics at the scene. The cause was under investigation. "Tragically, multiple cats died because of the fire," South Metro Fire said. "Our condolences go out to the family during this difficult time." Crews from South Metro Fire and West Metro Fire answered the alarm. [Photos: South Metro Fire]

COPS ARREST TEEN SUSPECT IN BOULDER'S HALLOWEEN SLAYING

UPDATE

Boulder police arrested a suspected gunman in a fatal shooting at a Halloween night house party that claimed the life of a University of Colorado student and injured another.

Omar Perez, 18, of Thornton, was booked into the Boulder County Jail on Monday. Perez is not a student at the university. Police withheld his mugshot.

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said: "Good community tips led to the suspect’s identity within 24 hours and then we coordinated with our partners at Thornton Police, Westminster Police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to safely take him into custody.”

The suspect was charged with murder in the first degree-extreme indifference, assault in the first degree-extreme indifference and attempted murder in the first degree-extreme indifference.
The Boulder Daily Camera first reported the arrest.

"Though additional charges are possible for other individuals involved in this incident, detectives believe this suspect is the only shooter," police said.

The shooting that occurred at 11:28 p.m. Saturday in the 700-block of Marine Street. Police had been at the address earlier in the evening and cited the residents for holding a "nuisance party." The gunfire erupted after the party broke up. A neighbor reported hearing three shots.
Police said: "The families of the two victims are requesting privacy and do not wish to speak to the media." The victims are both males, aged 19. The injured student remained in hospital on Monday. According to jail records, Perez stands 5-foot-10, weighs 141 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair.

EAGLES ENJOY 'DOWNTIME' IN EASTERN COLORADO

While on patrol duty on Monday in Morgan County in eastern Colorado, Deputy Dillon Heisel snapped this amazing portrait of a pair of bald eagles perched along the South Platte River "enjoying a little downtime," the sheriff's office said. [Photo: Morgan County Sheriff]

'SIGNIFICANT' AND 'HISTORIC' FLOODING IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO

UPDATE

The National Weather Service said "significant and historic flooding" inundated southwest Colorado and southeast Utah on Monday.

Evacuations were ordered and roads washed out as in this photo, courtesy of La Plata County government.

The American Red Cross established emergency shelters at Durango and Pagosa Springs. 
"With the ground completely saturated, standing water is expected to remain in many areas," the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office said. "The ground can no longer absorb much additional water, and runoff has limited places to go."

The Pagosa Springs Police Department said: "Current projections indicate that the San Juan River is expected to reach a height of nearly 17 feet. This projected river level is approximately 2 feet higher than the flooding experienced last week."
In Delta County, the sheriff's office reported: "Heavy rain on Sunday night on the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre Plateau has caused multiple creeks across the county to have high flows."  

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe said: "Evacuations have been issued along the San Juan River from Hogback to Four Corners due to rapidly rising water levels." Montezuma County Search and Rescue reported: "The upper Dolores River at the town of Dolores is 0.5 ft above flood stage, flowing over 8500 cfs. ... The 'moderate flood' stage is about 10,000 cfs, which is approximately equal to the historic 1911 flood." (CFS stands for cubic feet per second.)

The Durango Police Department warned of "multiple" road closures.

Colorado Emergency Management said: "Dam Safety Engineer's from the Colorado Division of Water Resources are inspecting dams daily in the area impacted by the flooding in Southwest Colorado. Physical assessments are being done as rapidly as possible." [Photo: La Plata County Government, Drango Police]

The scene at Duragno on Nov. 2, 2026

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE IN COLORADO SPRINGS

 

Two residents were displaced after fire broke out Saturday at 897 San Antonio Place in Colorado Springs, the fire department said. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation. [Photo: Colorado Springs Fire]

WELD COUNTY MURDER SUSPECT CRASHES AUTO, FLEES ON FOOT

A suspect in a murder near Greeley crashed his vehicle after a police chase and fled on foot, the Weld County Sheriff's Office said.

The fatal shooting occurred after a fight broke out at a Halloween party early Sunday at a residence in the 2200-block of East 16th Street. One man died and another injured.

The sheriff's office identified the murder suspect as Mamre Bojorquez, 20. His vehicle crashed at on Highway 34 near Highway 85 after the state patrol gave chase. The sheriff's office said: "If anyone knows of Bojorquez’s whereabouts, please do not approach him. Please call local law enforcement immediately." [Photo: Weld County Sheriff]

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO TRAGEDY: COPS HUNT GUNMEN IN HALLOWEEN PARTY MURDER

Law enforcement hunted statewide for a pair of wide-eyed suspects in a deadly shooting that followed a rowdy Halloween night house party in Boulder.

Two male University of Colorado students were hit in the burst of bullets. One student, 19, died and the other student, also 19, was clinging to life.

Based on chilling video, investigators hunted for a man with short, dark hair and facial hair, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt underneath a black jacket - and another with short, dark hair, wearing a black shirt with "Art the Clown" (a fictional mass murderer) on it and a silver-colored chain necklace. It was believed they fled the city. Police also sought several people of interest, including a female partygoer wearing antlers, in the shooting that occurred at 11:28 p.m. Saturday in the 700-block of Marine Street. The two-story dwelling is located on a street corner. The Boulder Daily Camera reported a neighbor said he heard three shots.
Police had been at the address earlier in the evening. At that time, "officers contacted the individuals who live there and cited them for having a nuisance party," police said. "Following police intervention, the party ended, and hundreds of attendees left the area. A smaller group remained inside the home.

"Detectives believe a group of individuals later attempted to force their way into the house," police said. "Shortly after that scuffle, shots were fired inside the home, striking the two victims." The Daily Camera said beer cans and broken bottles littered the yard after the party.

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said: “We are doing everything in our power to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”
If you have information, contact the Boulder Police Department (303) 441-3333 and reference case 26-10148. [Photos: Boulder Police]

ALL SAFE AFTER OVERNIGHT HOUSE FIRE IN LITTLETON

Flames erupted early Monday at a home in Littleton, South Metro Fire said. Everyone escaped without injury. "Crews located a fire on the back deck that extended into the home" at 7294 South Bannock Drive, officials said.

[Photo: South Metro Fire]

MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING BROTHER IN SOUTHERN COLORADO

Steven Boyles, 61, was arrested as suspect in the murder of his brother, Kevin Boyles, 59, in Las Animas County, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Sunday.

A friend of the victim discovered the body Friday at a residence in the 13700-block of Winterhawk Drive in Trinidad. The suspect was arrested Saturday and booked into the Las Animas County Jail.

"Initial scene investigation and interviews led CBI special agents to determine that Mr. Boyles' death was a homicide," officials said.

GOOD SAMARITAN RESCUES 7 PUPPIES NEAR HUGO

A Good Samaritan saved seven puppies dumped on a rural road east of Hugo in Lincoln County, the sheriff's office said. "The puppies appear to have been intentionally abandoned, which is a criminal act," the sheriff's office said Friday. "Thankfully, a community member took them in and provided them with a safe place to stay." They were huddling near County Road 43 and County Road 2W. If you have information, contact Corporal Snover at asnover@lincolnsheriff.net [Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff]

KILLER GUNMEN STORM BOULDER HALLOWEEN PARTY, SHOOT UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO STUDENTS

 

UPDATE

Police launched a dragnet for two killers who stormed a Halloween house party in Boulder and shot two male University of Colorado students.

One student, 19, died and the other student, also 19, was clinging to life.

Based on chilling video, investigators hunted for a man with short, dark hair and facial hair, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt underneath a black jacket - and another with short, dark hair, wearing a black shirt with "Art the Clown" on it and a silver-colored chain necklace. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said: “We are doing everything in our power to find those responsible and hold them accountable.” The deadly shooting occurred at 11:28 p.m. in the 700-block of Marine Street. Police had been at the address earlier in the evening. At that time, "officers contacted the individuals who live there and cited them for having a nuisance party," police said. "Following police intervention, the party ended, and hundreds of attendees left the area. A smaller group remained inside the home.

"Detectives believe a group of individuals later attempted to force their way into the house," police said. "Shortly after that scuffle, shots were fired inside the home, striking the two victims." If you have information, contact the Boulder Police Department (303) 441-3333 and reference case 26-10148. [Photos: Boulder Police]

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE CATS, KITTENS IN THORNTON

Firefighters rescued and treated two cats and six kittens at a house fire in Thornton.

Wednesday's blaze broke out in the 9900-block of Garfield Court, Thornton Fire said. The owners weren't at home. No human injuries were reported.
"Crews quickly extinguished the fire, containing it to the garage," officials said. In Aurora, meantime, fire tragically claimed the lives of five dogs, one cat and several reptiles Wednesday in the 4600-block of South Kalispell Way, officials said. No human injuries were reported in the Aurora blaze.

[Photos: Thornton Fire, Aurora Fire]

TEAMWORK: DRIVER SAVED AFTER C-470 CARDIAC ARREST

Lance Rogers is alive today thanks to a quick response by Jefferson County deputies and West Metro firefighters and medics.

Rogers "suffered cardiac arrest while driving on C-470 with his wife, Margie," the sheriff's office said. "When Lance became unresponsive, Margie took hold of the steering wheel, safely stopped their vehicle and called 911. "Deputy Dana, Deputy Graser and Investigator Gonzalez arrived first and immediately started CPR," the sheriff's office said. "West Metro Engine 11 and Medic 13 arrived shortly afterward and continued lifesaving care. While transporting Lance to the hospital, firefighters and paramedics restored his pulse. "After heart surgery and rehabilitation, Lance has made a full recovery and is home with Margie," the sheriff's office said. "Together with Margie’s quick actions, the teamwork of our deputies and West Metro’s firefighters and paramedics helped bring Lance home to the people who love him." The incident occurred Aug. 28. [Photos: Jefferson County Sheriff]

HARD LANDING AT CENTENNIAL AIRPORT

A small aircraft veered off a runway while landing Wednesday at Arapahoe County's Centennial Airport.

The pilot - the only person aboard the Cessna 180 - "safely exited the aircraft prior to our arrival," South Metro Fire said. No injuries were reported in the mishap on Runway 17R. [Photo: South Metro Fire]

'GUT PUNCH': TWO MISSING CLIMBERS DIED, SHERIFF SAYS

Searchers located the bodies of missing climbers Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, on Wednesday in the snow-packed basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, Sheriff Andy Rohrich said. Foul play is not suspected. The two adventurers were found near each other. The case is under investigation.

“Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family," Rohrich said. The men, students at Colorado Mountain College, were on a weekend journey in the High Country.

[Photo: Chaffee County Sheriff]

WORKER HURT IN EXPLOSION AND FIRE IN LOVELAND

An explosion and fire ripped through a townhouse under construction in Loveland, injuring a worker.

Wednesday's blast occurred in the 3200-block of Trailside Drive, according to Loveland Fire Authority. "Several workers were inside at the time of the explosion," officials said. "One worker was transported to Medical Center of the Rockies by Thompson Valley EMS.

"Firefighters worked for approximately 1.5 hours to bring the fire under control," officials said. "Due to concerns about the structural stability of the building, crews were unable to safely enter the affected portion of the structure.

"The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation, with assistance from the Loveland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives," officials said. [Photo: Loveland Fire]

FAKE BOMB FORCES EVACUATION OF STATE CAPITOL

UPDATE

A fake bomb forced the evacuation of the Colorado state capitol building on Wednesday, the state patrol said.

A man, 32, was arrested as a suspect.

The suspicious device - which was "designed to look like an explosive device" - was discovered on a windowsill outside the Capitol's east entrance, the patrol said.

The Denver bomb squad determined the item "was found not to be a threat to the public," the patrol said. 

The fake bomb was found at about 10:34 a.m. and Lincoln Street and 14th Avenue were closed to traffic during the incident.