FEWER THAN HALF OF ICE ARRESTS ARE CONVICTS: REPORT

ICE Denver arrest of immigrant with prior convictions 

(Colorado Newsline) - Despite Trump administration rhetoric accusing Democrats of protecting violent criminals and drug-dealing immigrants, the administration’s arrests have been catching a smaller share of criminals overall, and a smaller share of people convicted of violent and drug crimes, than the Biden administration did in the same time frame.

While the Trump administration has caught more immigrants with convictions for drugs and violence, their share of the rising arrest numbers is smaller, as more people get swept up for minor traffic violations or strictly immigration crimes, according to a Stateline analysis.

Forty percent of the nearly 112,000 arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Jan. 20 through late June were of convicted criminals. That’s compared with 53% of the nearly 51,000 arrests for same time period in 2024 under the Biden administration.

[Photo: ICE Denver]

WILDFIRE SMOKE DRIFTING OVER FRONT RANGE

"Hazy skies are visible across the Front Range today due to wildfires burning in the Southwest," the National Weather Service said on social media. "Smoke aloft is expected to descend on Friday, increasing smoke near the surface & reducing visibility & air quality."

THREE THURSDAY ACCIDENTS

UPDATE

A pedestrian was struck by an auto and seriously injured Thursday in the vicinity of Evans Avenue and South Monaco Street in Denver, police said. Another accident with serious injuries occurred on northbound I-25 near Colfax Avenue. Police also reported a rollover accident in the 2800-block of North Colorado Boulevard.

FROM MOUNTAINS TO PRAIRIE: BUSTANG TURN 10

Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of Colorado's Bustang - the state-run express bus line.

Since its inception, Bustang's customer base is up fourfold.

"Bustang is a national model for how transit can work across urban and rural areas,” Governor Jared Polis said at an anniversary event.

This year, the state's transportation department added 25 new coaches - doubling the fleet, the governor's office said. 

[Photo: Office of Governor Jared Polis]

'I'LL DRINK TO THAT'

Consumer Reports says: "If you need to be outside when it's really hot out, aim to drink about a cup of water every 90 minutes. Ramp that up to a cup every half-hour if you’re working or exercising outside."

GULITY PLEA IN SHOOTING OF BRONCO JOSH REYNOLDS

A man pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree in a shooting that injured former Denver Broncos player Josh Reynolds

Burr Charlesworth is one of nine suspects charged in the Oct. 18, 2024, shooting near East Hampden Avenue and South Dahlia Street in Denver. He faces 8-12 years in prison, the Denver DA's Office said.

Reynolds had been partying at the Shotgun Willies strip club in Glendale prior to the shooting.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH DRIVING

"Colorado drivers stopped for impaired driving are found on average to have twice the legal limit of alcohol/drugs in their system," the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Thursday.

QUARTER CENTURY IN PRISON FOR 1-DAY CRIME SPREE

Career felon Jeremiah Mullins has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for a one-day crime spree in Westminster and Thornton, including the attempted kidnapping of a teenage girl, officials announced Thursday.

Further police investigation tied Mullins, 32, to a string of armed robberies and carjackings committed that same day - Oct. 25, 2024, according to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Police used surveillance footage, witness interviews and other evidence to identify Mullins, prosecutors said.

He will be eligible for parole in July 2043, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections.

It wasn't Mullins first brush with the law. He was busted for kidnapping in Arapahoe County in October 2019, according to media reports.

[Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections]

OVERNIGHT POLICE BEAT: ARREST IN PEARL STREET STABBING

UPDATE

Denver police report a person was stabbed Wednesday night in the 1700-block of North Pearl Street. Officers arrested a suspect, aged 29, for investigation of second-degree assault in the stabbing. In another incident, there were serious injuries in a single-vehicle wreck on westbound I-70 near Federal Boulevard Wednesday night, police said. Officers are also investigating the cause of death of a person found outdoors Wednesday night in the vicinity of Park Avenue and Wazee Street.

THUNDER BOOMERS ON TAP TODAY

"A few severe thunderstorms will be possible from the northern foothills eastward across the plains this afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service says. "Damaging winds and large hail will be the main threats."

DEMENTED DENTIST GUILTY OF KILLING WIFE WITH POISON

Aurora dentist James Craig has been convicted of murder in the poisoning death of his wife, Angela. The jury returned a verdict Wednesday after nine hours of deliberation. The lengthy trial featured 50 witnesses. Angela Craig died in 2023.

WEATHER SERVICE WARNS OF SEVERE STORMS IN DENVER AREA, FLASH FLOODS ON PRAIRIE

There's a threat of severe thunderstorms over the I-25 corridor and flooding on the prairie this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service cautions. "Some of the storms will produce heavy rainfall with flash flooding possible across Elbert and Lincoln counties, " which are to the east and southeast of the city, according to forecasters. "A few severe storms may also occur with large hail and damaging winds," forecasters say.

MISSING YOUTH LOCATED AFTER ALMOST 2 MONTHS

Jeremiah Jacobs, 13, has been located after going missing almost two months ago - and he's safe, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported Wednesday. Law enforcement has been concerned about his welfare, CBI said. The youth went missing on June 4 in the vicinity of West 12th Avenue and North Quitman Street in Denver, according to city police. He was on foot at the time.

DENVER TO SEND LAYOFF LETTERS TO CITY WORKERS

Facing a wide budget gap, Denver will send out dismissal letters to city workers during the week of Aug. 18, Fox 31 reports, citing the mayor’s office. Unions representing the workers have pledged to fight the municipal payroll cuts.

ALERT! 'MISSING ENDANGERED' RYAN DUNN LAST SEEN NEAR ADAMS COUNTY PARK

FLASH UPDATE - Richard Dunn has been located, CBI reports. He is safe.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued a Missing Endangered Alert for Ryan Dunn, 25, last seen at 1 p.m. Wednesday near E.B. Rains Park in Northglenn. "Mr. Dunn has a cognitive impairment and is non-verbal" and wears a special lime green vest identifying him as non-verbal, CBI said. He was attired in black shorts and a lime green shirt.  If seen, call 911 or the Adams County Sheriff Office at 303-288-1535. 

FIRE! GET OUT! FORGET ABOUT YOUR DAMN CARRY-ON LUGGAGE!

An aviation expert scolded the behavior of passengers who evacuated a burning airliner at Denver International Airport - with their luggage in tow.

"They’re endangering themselves,” the expert, Steve Cowell, told Fox 31. “They’re endangering the lives of the other passengers. At best, they’re going to stumble out of that airplane and not as quickly as they would have if they didn’t have that carry-on luggage.

"They’re possibly going to get injured," Cowell said. "They are impeding the evacuation because we don’t know if that airplane is going to be fully engulfed in flames.”

Five people were injured Saturday when a mechanical problem and fire forced Americans Airlines Flight 3023 to Miami to abort takeoff at DIA.
"Anything that you can do to get off that airplane, get away from that airplane as far as you can after you evacuate,” Cowell told Fox 31. “You’re going to help save your life, and you’re going to help save the lives of those around you.”

The worse-case scenario came to fruition here. On July 11, 1961, United Air Lines Flight 859 skidded off a runway at Denver's old Stapleton Airport. Eighteen people died in a fire that followed.

[Photo: Instagram]

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN

"Showers and thunderstorms will be likely on Wednesday and Thursday with heavy rain possible, especially on Wednesday," the National Weather Service says. "Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast on Friday." Highs in 80s.

TWO DEAD IN COLFAX SHOOTNG

UPDATE

Two people died in a shooting that's being investigated as "a domestic-related murder/suicide involving an adult female and adult male," Denver police said Wednesday. 

The tragedy was reported in the 1000-block of West Colfax Avenue on Tuesday, police said. Both people were pronounced dead at the scene of the crime.

In a separate case, Denver police investigated a shooting Tuesday night in the vicinity of Stuart Street and Morrison Road. One person was injured in that incident.

MOVE OVER MARY: DENVER ZOO HAS 2 LITTLE LAMBS

Two Rocky Mountain bighorn lambs were born this month at the Denver Zoo. Bighorns are Colorado's official state animal.

[Photos: Denver Zoo]

VEHICLE SHREADED ON HIGHWAY 285

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigated a rollover accident Tuesday on Highway 285 near Highway 8 and C-470.

[Photo: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office]

DOG GROOMERS CLAIM HAIRCUT

Colorado is suing PetSmart after a state investigation alleged the pet care giant "trapped dog groomers into illegal contracts that required them to stay with the company for years or risk paying thousands of dollars," Attorney General Phil Weiser said Tuesday. [Photo: Colorado Attorney General's Office]

ROCKIN' IN ROCKIES: BIG TOURISM BOOST

The Colorado Tourism Office said Tuesday travel added $28.5 billion to the state's economy last year and supported 188,510 jobs. “Colorado’s unparalleled beauty, endless adventure, and rich arts and culture offer something for everyone to love,” Governor Jared Polis said. 

MISSING TEENS LOCATED, CBI SAYS

UPDATE

Missing teen Deja Palfy is safe a day after disappearing, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday. Palfy, 17, was last seen at 6 p.m. Monday in Westminster. Additionally, Leah Black, 16, who went missing in Denver on July 4 "has been located safely," CBI said.

CONVICTION IN DOLLAR STORE MURDER; MAN ACTED AS OWN ATTORNEY

Anthony Dennis Grayson, who acted as his own attorney, was convicted Tuesday of first-degree murder in a fatal stabbing inside a Dollar Store in Adams County.

A jury returned the guilty verdict following a long-delayed, four-day trial in Adams County District Court, the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office said.

The stabbing of Alejandro Alvear occurred Sept. 1, 2016, at 7067 Pecos Street, near the Denver city limits, and Grayson, 51, now faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The DA's office said:

"Witnesses, including a store employee, stated that Grayson demanded money back from Mr. Alvear and threatened to stab him if he refused. The incident was captured on store surveillance video. Grayson was taken into custody at the scene and later charged." 

"The case experienced multiple delays due to issues related to the defendant’s competency. Ultimately, he was found competent to proceed and chose to represent himself at trial."

[Photo: Adams County Sheriff's Office]

BIKE, AUTO CRASH

A person was seriously injured Tuesday when a bicycle and auto crashed at Dunkirk Street and Maxwell Place in Denver, police said. 

COLORADO SUES DC ON FOOD STAMP POLICY

Colorado joined a lawsuit challenging Washington's demand that states surrender "personal and sensitive" data about millions of people enrolled in the federal food stamp program, Attorney General Phil Weiser said Monday.

HEARTBREAK: TRUCK KILLS WOMAN USING WALKER

UPDATE

A woman was struck and killed by a pickup truck Tuesday morning at Havana Street near Jewell Avenue in Aurora, police said. The woman, aged 72, was pushing a walker, 9News reports. The woman wasn't using a crosswalk and fell in traffic, Fox 31 reports.

HUNT MOUNTAIN LION IN BALSAM AVENUE ATTACK

Boulder police say a dog-devouring mountain lion is on the loose in the city limits.

The beast killed a family canine on a walk with its owners Friday night in the 2400-block of Balsam Avenue and fled. The owners weren't harmed in the sudden attack. "Though this type of attack is rare, mountain lions are common in Colorado," police said. "They are both territorial and solitary. When a mountain lion establishes its territory, it is often the only lion in that area." [Photo: Boulder Police Department]

MISSING INDIGENOUS TEEN ALERT

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued a Missing Indigenous Person Alert for alert for teenager Deja Palfy. Palfy, 17, of Lakota Sioux descent, was last seen at 6 p.m. Monday leaving the area of West 82nd Avenue and Barr Lane in Westminster wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and black/white Nike shoes, CBI said. She stands 5-foot-9, weighs 120 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair, CBI said. If seen, notify 911 or contact the Westminster Police Department at (303) 658-4360. Colorado inaugurated its Missing Indigenous Person Alert system on Dec. 30, 2022. "Native American and Alaska Native rates of murder, rape, and violent crime are all higher than the national averages," according to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"When looking at missing and murdered cases, data shows that Native American and Alaska Native women make up a significant portion of missing and murdered individuals."

'MY LITTLE TABLOID'

As published in TBN talkingbiznews.com

Semi-retired Bloomberg reporter Vinny Del Giudice has created an online tabloid, the Daily Sketch, covering the police beat, fires and human interest in the Denver metro area.

Del Giudice, 67, developed an interest in 1920s and 1930s style “Get me rewrite” journalism in grade school reading the New York Daily News and New York Post and watching old newspaper movies like “Call Northside 777” starring Jimmy Stewart.

“In graduate school I checked for work at the New York Post, New York Daily News and even to the old trashy Philadelphia Journal tabloid with no luck,” he said. “Then I hit the jackpot covering local news and the police beat in Washington, D.C. for United Press International in 1982.”

Del Giudice was promoted to UPI DC metro editor in 1984 and then moved to the UPI national desk. In 1990, he joined a fledging news agency called Bloomberg and helped build its coverage the U.S. economy, the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve from scratch. In 2012, he transferred to Bloomberg’s Denver bureau and retired this year.

“I plan to publish my little tabloid about a year or so,” Del Giudice said. “A following may develop. Right now, we’re averaging 2,500 reader visits a month. It’s not the Daily Mail, but we’ll see. I’m having fun.”

COOL DOWN

"A cooler, wetter weather pattern is expected across northeast and north central Colorado for the next three days," the National Weather Service predicts, likely accompanied by "late day showers and thunderstorms." Monday's temperatures danced around 100.

'ALL CLEAR' AFTER THREATS TO DIA FLIGHT

Authorities gave the "all clear" after two threatening notes were found aboard a Frontier Airlines flight that landed Monday at Denver International Airport, reports say. Flight 3406 originated at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

BEARS DEN FIRE 100% CONTAINED

The Bears Den wildfire in Douglas County is fully contained. "Crews remained on scene overnight with engines to ensure all hot spots were extinguished and no further threat remained to the community," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Monday. No injuries were reported. An evacuation order for the Bears Den Drive neighborhood was lifted Sunday after firefighters stopped fast-moving flames - fueled by brush and shrub oak - from reaching homes. Fire crews from West Douglas and South Metro succeeded in holding the dangerous blaze to one acre, the sheriff's office said. (Photo: Douglas County Sheriff's Office)

NOTHIN' LIKE HOME COOKIN'

The Denver Zoo's residents eat well. Keepers and nutritionists ensure everyone "gets exactly what they need to stay healthy and happy," the zoo said. "Every diet is carefully planned, prepped, and delivered with care. Food also plays a key role in enrichment, training, and is a big part of how our Animal Care teams build trust." [Photo: Denver Zoo]

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: TODAY'S TEMPS SEEN NEAR 100 IN CITY

Denver temperatures are forecast to peak at 98 degrees today and are likely to top 100 on the prairie east of the city, the National Weather Service said. The temperature at Denver International Airport is forecast to hit 99. Fort Morgan could see 101.

[Image: National Weather Service]

AUTO SLAMS INTO HIGHWAY WALL, EXPLODES IN FLAMES; 1 DEAD

A vehicle careened into a barrier wall along northbound I-25 early Monday and burst into flames "on impact," Adams County Fire Rescue said. A person died, 9News and Fox 31 reported. The fiery wreck occurred near 48th Avenue just after 4 a.m., fire officials said. The interstate was closed into the morning rush hour.

[Photos: Adam County Fire Rescue]

POLICE HUNT SUSPECT IN WEST COLFAX STABBING

A person was stabbed Sunday night at West Colfax Avenue and North Meade Street in Denver and the assailant fled the scene, police said. The victim is expected to survive.

I-225 WRECK IN AURORA

Aurora police investigated a fatal single-vehicle accident Sunday night on northbound I-225 near the Alameda Street exit, officials said.

FLOOD HEROES HOME AGAIN

Colorado Task Force 1 returned home Sunday after three weeks of searching for victims of deadly flooding that swept Kerr County, Texas.

The urban search-and-rescue unit consists of firefighters from 16 Front Range fire and rescue agencies. Task Force 1 has a storied history, including a response to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Other states field similar units.

[Photo: Colorado Task Force 1]

BLAZING HEAT FOR MILE HIGH CITY, MONSOON MAY FOLLOW

Denver's heatwave is forecast to roast the city "before a wetter monsoon pattern arrives midweek, with potential for heavy rain," the National Weather Service says. [Image: National Weather Service]

RATS? HIRE PROFESSIONAL 'HIT CAT'

The Denver Animal Sheter has outdoor "working cats" - like Velma - up for adoption to help homeowners and businesses struggling with rodents. Commit to providing them fresh food and water daily, medical care as needed and a safe place from predators and inclement weather.
[Photo: Denver Animal Shelter]

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY MOTORCYCLE, DIES

A motorcycle struck and killed pedestrian Saturday at South Logan Street and East Ellsworth Avenue, according to Denver police. The motorcyclist remained on the scene.

AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT ABORTS DIA TAKEOFF; 5 HURT

Five people were hurt Saturday when a mechanical problem and fire forced an Americans Airlines flight to abort takeoff at Denver Interational Airport, officials said. One person was transported to hospital.
Flight 3023 passengers slid down emergency chutes to evacuate the aircraft. The two-engine jet was bound for Miami carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, Fox 31 reported. The Denver Fire Department said crash crews "extinguished a fire after responding to the aircraft." The mechanical problem was blamed on a faulty aircraft tire. Passenger Shaun Wiliams told 9News: "About halfway to takeoff speed, we hear a big bang and a pop ... The pilot immediately started abort procedures for taking off. You could feel him start to hit the brakes." American Airlines said: “All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience.”

4 WOUNDED IN LODO SHOOTING; POLICE SEEK CLUES

UPDATE

Four people were injured in an overnight shooting in the Lodo bar district, Denver police said early Suday.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of 20th and Market streets, an area near Coors Field afflicted by late-night violence. 

"Three victims suffered nonlife threatening injuries and a fourth is in critical condition," police said. As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been announced. If you have information, call Metro Crime Stoppers (720) 913-STOP

2 AUTOS, 2 MOTORCYCLES, 1 ACCIDENT

Two autos and two motorcycles crashed Saturday at East 17th Avenue and North Pearl Street in Denver, resulting in serious injuries, police reported.

CAR VS. LIGHT POLE ON COLORADO BOULEVARD

Denver firefighters freed a person trapped in a car that careened into a light pole at 46th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The accident occurred Thursday. [Photo: Denver Fire Department]

FALLEN TREE EVERGREEN NO MORE

Firefighters survey uprooted tree that demolished backyard shed and struck home on South Dexter Street in Centennial on Friday. No injuries were reported. The home's roof was damaged.

[Photo: South Metro Fire Rescue]

SEALION LOVE

Denver Zoo sealions Ady, Luci, Maverick, Duke and Gunnison are cozying up in their renovated habitat. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

AUTOS HIT PEDESTRIANS

An auto hit and killed a pedestrian Friday night at East Iliff Avenue and South Parker Road in Denver, police said. The motorist remained on the scene. In a separate incident, an auto hit and injured a pedestrian at South Logan Street and East Ellsworth Avenue, police said.

ARREST 2 IN DEADLY PARTY SHOOTING

Police arrested and jailed Moises Elauterio Garcia, 43, and Xavier Gabriel Brionez, 21, on murder charges in connection with Wednesday's triple-shooting that killed a man and wounded two other people at a party in Lakewood, officials said Friday. Police identified the dead man as Jose Camacho, 36. The shooting occurred at the Winddrift Apartments at 1490 South Reed St. [Photos: Lakewood Police Department]

POLICE SEEK CHARGES IN CROSSWALK DEATH

Aurora police are seeking careless driving charges against a motorist who killed a 12-year-old scooter rider in a crosswalk on July 19. Police allege Christopher Ramirez-Rodriguez, 19, of Aurora, "failed to stop for the crossing’s red light and struck the boy" on East Iliff Avenue near the Cherry Creek Spillway Crossing. Ramirez-Rodriguez remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators. Passersby administered first aid to the boy before firefighters and medics arrived.

CRAZED SUPREME COURT ARSONIST PLEADS GUILTY; FACES PRISON

Brandon Olsen pleaded guilty to arson Friday in a bizarre nighttime invasion of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Denver DA's Office said.

Olsen - who was under the influence of drugs - broke into the downtown venue and "at gunpoint stole keys to the building from a security guard, started a fire on the seventh floor and then fired his gun several times through the building’s windows," the DA's office said. The court's fire sprinkler system flooded parts of the building. According to the terms of the plea agreement, Olsen faces up to 14 years in prison for the Jan 2, 2024 attack. He also agreed to pay restitution. [Photo: Denver Police Department]

STABBING REPORTED

Denver police report a person was stabbed Friday night in the 400-block of North Federal Boulevard.

PASTOR, WIFE ACCUSED OF FLEECING FLOCK; 'LORD' TOLD THEM TO SPEND $$$

Victorious Grace Church Pastor Eli Regalado and his wife Kaitlyn are accused of spending $1.3 million fleeced from their flock in a crypto-scam - including a home renovation they claimed “'the Lord' told them to do," the Denver DA's office said. 

A grand jury returned a 40-count indictment this week alleging the pair solicited nearly $3.4 million selling a worthless cryptocurrency dubbed INDXcoin by "promising exorbitant returns," the DA's office said.

It also alleges that "only a small amount of the proceeds went to the business venture and that the Regalados spent at least $1.3 million on personal expenditures, including a home renovation that they have allegedly claimed 'the Lord' told them to do," the DA's office said.

"As alleged, INDXcoin maintained zero value and all of the investors lost all of their money," the DA's office said.

Victorious Grace Church operated online.

COOL IT MR. SUN! SOLAR PANELS ABLAZE

South Metro firefighters extinguished a solar panel fire Friday atop a home at 10094 Eagle Valley Way in Douglas County, officials said. No injuries were reported. Flames extended to the home's attic. 

[Photos: South Metro Fire Rescue]

SEEK COLFAX AVE. HIT & RUN SUV WITH NEVADA TAG

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an urgent appeal to the public seeking an SUV with a Nevada license plate involved in a tragic Denver hit-and-run accident. 

The message reads:

"On 07/23/25 at 2245 hours, a dark blue 2006 GMC Yukon was involved in a hit-and-run accident, victim was seriously injured. The accident occurred at intersection of E Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street. The vehicle has a NEVADA License Plate # of 1888B0." 

Call Denver police 911 or (720) 913-2000.

GIRL, 15, MISSING SINCE JUNE, LOCATED

Police have located Valerie Ayala-Griego, 15, who went missing after boarding a bus in Lakewood on June 11, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Friday.

FIRE BUG? VERY SUSPICIOUS EARLY A.M. BLAZE

West Metro Fire Rescue crews battled flames early Friday in an abandoned building on Lamar Street near West Colfax Avenue - the fourth blaze at the same site this week.

 "Several 911 callers saw smoke and flames," West Metro said. "The building had been boarded up, but some of the plywood had been removed. The cause of the fire is under investigation."

No injuries were reported in the Lakewood blaze, which broke out at about 5 a.m.
"This is the fourth fire at this location this week," West Metro said. (Photo: West Metro Fire Rescue)

TIME FOR COLD ONE ON HOT DAY

On Thursday, the crews of South Adams County Engine 23 and Rescue 23 stopped for lemonade while returning to the firehouse from a call in Commerce City. The young entrepreneur looks satisfied, too. 

[Photo: South Adams County Fire Rescue]

PEARL ST. DOUBLE SHOOTING, 1 DEAD; ARREST IN FEDERAL STABBING

UPDATE

A double shooting in the 1600-block of Pearl Street early Friday killed one person and injured another, Denver police said.

"This is now being investigated as a homicide," police said.
In a separate case, Denver police arrested a suspect in a stabbing early Friday at South Federal Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue.

Benjamin Bastien, 42, faces charges of attempted robbery in the case, police said.

NATURAL GAS BLAST AND FIRE HURTS 5

UPDATE

A natural gas line exploded and burst into a towering blowtorch Thursday, injuring five people and threatening buildings and autos.

The blazing blast occurred on Highway 60 in Johnstown, Front Range Fire Rescue said. The injuries weren't considered life threatening. The road was closed for hours.

Reports said there was a construction crew near the gas line when it ignited just after 11 a.m.

Firefighters from Greeley, Windsor-Severance and Mountain View, along with other emergency services, rendered assistance.

[Photo: Front Range Fire Rescue]

POLICE CHARGE TEEN WITH VEHICULAR HOMICIDE IN 2 DEATHS

UPDATE

Aurora police arrested the teenage driver of a speeding Audi that ran a red light and plowed into another vehicle early Sunday, killing two people. 

Olvin Lidenis Carcamo-Meza, 18, of Aurora, was booked into the Aurora Municipal Detention Center on two charges of vehicular homicide.

Reports said he was traveling at speeds exceeding 120 mph.

Police provided this account of the tragedy: "Carcamo-Meza was driving north on South Airport Boulevard in a black Audi sedan when he failed to stop for a red light, striking a white Hyundai sedan occupied by the two victims that was traveling west on Alameda Avenue.

"A Toyota sedan, which was stopped in a turn lane, was struck after the initial collision. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries in the crash.

"Carcamo-Meza sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. He was arrested and booked Wednesday following his release from the hospital.

"Speed is being investigated as a contributing factor to the crash. Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol."

The accident occurred at 2:45 a.m. Sunday.

ICE NABS 243 IN DENVER RAIDS

Reports say ICE arrested 243 people in the Denver area from July 12 to July 20, including a murder suspect and others wanted on criminal charges ranging from human trafficking to illegal drugs. At least four are believed to be members of the violent Tren De Aragua gang.

METH BUST: BIG SCORE FOR HERO POLICE K-9

Bones, a Sheridan Police Department K-9 officer, helped score a major drug bust - a haul of almost 100 grams of meth plus fentanyl, a handgun and cash. "Bones hit on a vehicle after officers saw a meth pipe in the driver’s seat, in plain view" on July 14, police said. [Photo: Sheridan Police Department]

MMMMM ... BIRTHDAY HAY FOR GUNTHER

Gunther, the Denver Zoo's charismatic western lowland gorilla, is celebrating his 19th birthday with his companion, Kal. [Photo: Denver Zoo]

OH DOCTOR! POOR PROGNOSIS FOR PATIENT INSURANCE PREMIUMS

(Colorado Newsline) - Colorado health insurers have asked regulators to approve a 28.4% average increase to health insurance premium prices for next year, which would be the highest percentage increase since 2018. 

Democrats blame the federal tax break and spending cut bill recently passed by congressional Republicans and signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this month.

“We have been warning folks that the chaos being caused by the federal government for our health insurance markets was going to create real pain for Coloradans. These rate filings are a direct reflection of that,” Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said in a statement.

DENVER RAILROAD IN HISTORIC MERGER TALKS

Union Pacific, which serves Denver, and eastern railroad Norfolk Southern are in "advanced discussions" on a potential merger that would create the first US transcontinental line operated by a single company, officials said Thursday.

[Photo: Wikipedia]

HEALTH ALERT! BATS TEST POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN CITY

Two bats tested positive for the dangerous rabies virus in Denver so far this month - the first cases of the year, animal protection officials said.

The first bat was found in the Sloan Lake neighborhood July 8. The second bat was found in the Highlands neighborhood July 17.

"The viral disease affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if symptoms develop," Denver Animal Protection said. "What’s concerning is that bat bites may go unnoticed since bats have small teeth, making their bites difficult to detect.

"Bats are prevalent in Colorado and can make their way into people’s homes," officials said. "DAP picks up bats routinely throughout the summer, sometimes multiple times a week."

PROBE EXPLOSION IN ADAMS COUNTY; TESLA DESTROYED

Adams County fire officials are investigating the cause of a fire and explosion that damaged a home in the 6700-block of Morrison Drive - and destroyed a Tesla. "Crews quickly extinguished the fire limiting damage mainly to the garage," Adams County Fire Rescue said. The blast erupted at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, fire officials said, and no injuries were reported. [Photos: Adams County Fire Rescue]