TRUE CRIME: COLORADO'S ROBIN HOOD

Charles D. Waggoner, president of the Bank of Telluride, cleverly "robbed" several major New York banks of $500,000 to rescue his tiny institution from insolvency on the eve of the Great Depression.

Without firing a shot, Waggoner also saved his customers from economic ruin - and earned the moniker "Colorado Robin Hood."

In a series of complex transactions Waggoner - through his understanding of the intricacies of inter-bank transfers - made it impossible for the New York banks to recall money once it was released it through legal channels.

The money fleeing New York allowed Bank of Telluride to pay its debts though Waggoner wound up serving time in federal prison for masterminding the scheme.

Waggoner - standing to the left in the photo - didn't spend a dime of the money on himself.

[Photo: Denver Public Library]

HOUSE FIRE RAGES ON REMOTE RED DOG ROAD

Firefighters extinguished a house fire near the top of steep, winding Red Dog Road in Carbondale. There were no fire hydrants and crews shuttled water to the blaze, which broke out Saturday. No one was hurt, Carbondale Fire said. [Photo: Carbondale Fire]

FIRE DESTROYS BARN IN WELD COUNTY

Fire destroyed a barn early Sunday near Weld County Roads 31 and 20, Fort Lupton Fire said. Platteville-Gilcrest Fire also responded. "Sadly, one goat perished in the fire," officials said. "No other injuries were reported." [Photo: Fort Lupton Fire]

BATTLING BERTHOUD BLAZE

Firefighters battled a house fire Sunday on County Road 15 south of Berthoud, officials said. There was no mention of injuries. [Photo: Berthoud Fire Protection District]

LOST NANNY GOAT-ING HOME AFTER GIVING BIRTH

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office has reunited a lost goat - who gave birth "in somebody else's barn last night" - with her owners, officials said Sunday. The blessed event occurred in Penrose. Nanny and neonate are doing well.

[Photo: Fremont County Sheriff's Office]

BASEMENT FIRE IN NORTH DENVER; NO INJURIES

Firefighters battled a basement fire at a home in North Denver. "The fire was quickly contained with no injuries reported," the fire department said. The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon. [Photo: Denver Fire]

MOB TOWN: SHOT, BOMBED AND CONVICTED

The years 1973 and 1974 were cruel to Mrs. Pauline Smaldone, a convicted bookmaker and estranged wife of Denver mobster Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone.

She was shot and critically injured, bombed and tried on gambling charges in federal court - in that order.

No arrests were made in the shooting or bombing. No motive was established. Nobody knew nothing. Mrs. Smaldone was a survivor, though, and lived until age 91. She is buried at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge. 

At age 49, Mrs. Smaldone took three bullets outside her home at 2997 Pierson Way in Lakewood. The date was July 6, 1973. A few months later, Jan. 10, 1974, she escaped injury when the home was bombed. The same week, Mrs. Smaldone was indicted on gambling charges. Convicted in May, Mrs. Smaldone got probation. 

The larger Smaldone family established control over Denver's underworld - mainly gambling - in the 1930s. The main players were Pauline's husband "Chauncey" and brothers, Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone and Clyde "Flip Flop" Smaldone. Assorted relatives partook.

Recalling the bombing in an interview with journalist Dick Kreck, Mrs. Smaldone said: "When they bombed the house I never went back. I just fixed up the house and sold it."

In a strange turn, former University of Colorado football player John "Skip" LaGuardia, a Smaldone family associate, was shot dead outside his home in Lakewood two weeks after Mrs. Smaldone was shot. They lived blocks apart. That case went cold too.

[Photo: Find A Grave, police files]

Mrs. Smaldone (right)

BRAVE COPS, FIREFIGHTERS SAVE DRIVER OF SINKING AUTO

 

A drone view shows Colorado Springs police officers and firefighters plunging into Prospect Lake to save the driver of a sinking auto - in what city officials called an "extraordinary display of teamwork and courage." The driver was in critical condition. Two firefighters and two officers were treated at hospital for hypothermia and minor injuries after Thursday's incident. Rescuers "continued searching the submerged car after reports that a child might also be inside," the fire department said. "Their coordination, trust, and willingness to risk everything for others are unmatched," the department said. Dive teams responded to the lake to perform an extended search, the fire department said. [Photo: Colorado Springs Fire Department]

BIG THANK YOU TO PRAIRIE FIRE HEROES

Eastern Colorado Bank presented a $5,000 donation to the Smila, Limon and Hugh fire departments for battling the 5,000-acre County Road 169 prairie fire that broke out Tuesday near Matheson in Elbert County and raced into Lincoln County.

[Photo: Simla Fire]

OUT OF CONTROL IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

A car crashed through a fence and slammed into a house near Sweet Clover Way and Sedge Way in Doulgas County, the sheriff's office said. Medics assessed one patient. South Metro firefighters propped up the shattered wall after the auto was towed. [Photo: Douglas County Sheriff's Office]

ALONE IN ERIE

This pooch was found wandering the streets of Erie - near the Safeway supermarket - on Friday morning, police said. 

[Photo: Erie Police]

DEATH PROBE SHIFTS GEARS IN COMMERCE CITY, COPS SAY

A murder investigation into the death of a young woman found on a Commerce City sidewalk has uncovered evidence the victim took her own life, police said Friday.

The body of the woman, age 23, was found by a passerby early Thursday in the 6200-block of Glencoe Street with what appeared to be "head trauma," police said. Police announced a homicide probe shortly after the tragic discovery Thursday morning - but then said that as of Friday morning the death case was "now being investigated as a potential suicide." They provided no further details.

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

COPS STOP GUN THIEVES IN THORNTON

Police arrested three suspects accused of breaking into autos and snatching a gun in Thornton.

"Even though they tried to run, all three suspects were taken into custody," police said. "Stolen items, including a firearm, were recovered." The suspects were bundled into police cars just after midnight on Feb. 10 near the 9000-block of Gale Boulevard. No injuries were reported. Police also said: "Never leave firearms unsecured in your vehicle. Responsible storage helps prevent theft and keeps weapons out of the wrong hands!" [Photo: Thornton Police]

FIRE HITS SNOWMASS SKI RESORT IN ASPEN

Fire broke out at the Snowmass ski resort, scorching the Sundeck Restaurant atop Aspen Mountain. 

Aspen and Roaring Fork firefighters reached the blaze via the Silver Queen Gondola and snowcats.
"An outstanding job was done by Aspen Snowmass employees, as well as their whole operation to get our people up there,” Aspen Fire Chef Jake Andersen said. The Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol also responded.

No injuries were reported in Thursday's blaze. The cause of the fire was under investigation, officials said.

[Photo: Aspen Fire]

BIG ARVADA BLAZE: CAT RESCUED, ANOTHER HID, DOG AND OWNER ESCAPED

Firefighters rescued a cat from a raging house fire in Arvada, found a clever feline taking refuge in the basement - and accounted for their owner and a dog, who escaped without harm.

The big blaze started in the yard, climbed a wall and extended inside the home near Pomona High School on Thursday before hose crews gained controlled, Arvada Fire said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
"Thankfully, all parties involved in this incident are safe— one resident and dog self-evacuated, crews rescued one cat from the second floor, and a second cat was later found safe in the basement," officials said.
Firefighters also saved a neighboring home, which was "exposed to heat from the fire," officials said.

[Photos: Arvada Fire]

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF BOULDER COP

Justin Lyle Radley-Sharpe, 36, has been charged with attempted murder in the beating and choking of a Boulder police officer, prosecutors said Thursday. The attack occurred Feb. 9 at an apartment complex in the 1800-block of 22nd Street while the officer was investigating a report of a man threatening another person. Backup officers used a Taser to subdue the suspect. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said: “I am thankful that our officer will be okay." Police provided this account: "When the officer tried to stop the suspect, he began to fight with the officer, who called for backup. During the struggle, the pair fell to the ground and the officer was knocked unconscious after his head hit a rock. The suspect landed on top of the officer and proceeded to twice punch him in the head.

"The officer fought back and the suspect then began choking the officer. After dispatchers were unable to reach the officer on his radio, they quickly sent additional officers who arrived, tased the suspect and took him into custody."

COLD CASE: DRIVE-BY SHOOTING AT ADAMS COUNTY HOUSE PARTY

Denver North High School senior Alaina Martinez and seven others were gunned down in a drive-by shooting at a house party in Adams County.

Martinez, 17, was the sole fatality in the hail of bullets in a tidy neighborhood on Dakin Street, near Denver, on Oct. 15, 2022, at 3 a.m. 

The cheerful youth was a triple Cinco de Mayo baby, according to her obituary - born May 5, 2005, and was preparing to take classes through a University of Colorado Denver pre-collegiate program.

Martinez had dreams of a career in veterinary medicine and "was so passionate about animals that she would volunteer to walk some of the neighborhood dogs," her obituary also said. And she liked anime and Minecraft.

The drive-by death car, a dark blue Chevy Tahoe, opened fire as teens poured from the home into the yard. Some of those in the yard pulled guns and returned fire - in all perhaps three dozen shots.

A neighbor told 9News a fight may have preceded the bloodbath.

The Adams County Sheriff's Office posted a $5,000 reward for information in the tragedy. Sheriff Gene Claps said: "No piece of information is too small and could be what we need to help solve this case.”

If you have information, call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (720) 913-7867. 

[Photo: National Gun Violence Memorial]

MAN PULLED FROM AURORA BLAZE DIES

A man found inside a blazing Aurora home died at a hospital, fire officials said Thursday. The fire broke out in the vicinity of East 22nd Avenue and North Altura Street on Wednesday and the cause was under investigation. No other injuries were reported. Earlier Wednesday, a person died at a fire in an apartment building in Littleton. [Photos: Aurora Fire]

RURAL RESCUE: TRUCKER FREED FROM MANGLED WRECK ON I-70

Rural rescuers freed an injured trucker trapped in the twisted cab of a semi early Thursday on eastbound I-70 near Limon in eastern Colorado, the Limon Ambulance Service said.

Limon Fire and Hugo Fire responded with medics and the trucker was "safely extricated from the vehicle despite challenging conditions" at Mile Marker 364, ambulance officials said

"Incidents like this highlight the strength of interagency collaboration in rural Colorado," officials said. "When seconds matter and resources are limited, teamwork makes all the difference." [Photos: Limon Ambulance]

JUDGE STOPS STATE FROM PUNISHING INMATES WHO DECLINE PRISON JOBS

A Denver judge ruled the Colorado Department of Corrections violated the state’s ban on involuntary servitude following a class action lawsuit from people incarcerated in Colorado, according to Colorado Newsline. 

Judge Sarah B. Wallace said in her ruling that the department cannot threaten or impose isolation for more than two days and cannot charge people with offenses under the prison disciplinary code for refusing to work. Current department policies allowing punishment for refusing to work violate the Colorado Constitution. 

The plaintiffs, led by Harold Mortis, said the state punished incarcerated people who refused to participate in mandatory work programs. Incarcerated people can lose privileges and “earned time,” which accelerates parole eligibility, and can be sent to restrictive housing if they refuse to work. 

MURDER IN COMMERCE CITY: WOMAN FOUND DEAD ON SIDEWALK

UPDATE

A young woman was found murdered early Thursday on a sidewalk in Commerce City, police said.

She suffered head trauma.

A passerby found the woman's body at about 4:30 a.m. in the 6200-block of Glencoe Street, police said. Detectives sought information from neighbors.

[Photo: Commerce City Police]

DOODLES WANDERING ON WESTERN SLOPE

Two friendly male doodles - without collars - were found wandering Wednesday in rural Mesa County off roads B ½ and 28 ½ and taken to the animal shelter. [Photo: Mesa County Lost and Found Pets]

TRUCKER KILLED ON I-76 IN BRIGHTON

A trucker was thrown from his vehicle and fatally injured after it rolled on its side Wednesday on I-76 in Brighton.

Police said: "The initial investigation indicates that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt." He was pronounced dead at Platte Valley Medical Center.

The accident - involving a box truck - occurred on the westbound side of the interstate near East Bromley Lane blocking traffic. The trucker was 24. [Photo: Brighton Fire]

THREE METRO DENVER HOME APPLIANCE FIRES IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

UPDATE

An appliance fire damaged a residence in Aurora on Wednesday night - just hours after appliance fires struck homes in Denver and Jefferson County.

The Aurora appliance fire - near North Fairplay Street and East Montview Avenue - displaced two residents, officials said.

The Denver appliance fire occurred in the Hilltop area. In unincorporated Jefferson County, a dryer fire damaged a home at 5556 West Hinsdale Place, South Metro Fire said.  No injuries were reported in any of the fires.
Denver fire officials said: "Electrical appliance fires can spread rapidly — ensure appliances are properly maintained and never ignore unusual smells, sparks, or tripped breakers."

[Photo: Aurora Fire]

AUTO INJURES PEDESTRIAN AT DOCTOR'S OFFICE IN LITTLETON

A motorist accused of "driving erratically" in the parking lot of South Denver Cardiology at 1000 Southpark Drive in Littleton struck and critically injured a pedestrian on Wednesday, police said. [Photo: Littleton police]

LITTLETON FIRE TRAGEDY: PERSON PULLED FROM FLAMES DIES; MEDICS TRIED TO SAVE LIFE FOR 40 MINUTES

Firefighters and paramedics worked valiantly to revive a person pulled from a burning apartment in Littleton - but the victim died, South Metro Fire said Wednesday.

The blaze broke out shortly before midnight at 5531 South Delaware Street and Littleton police said a "large amount of smoke" was pouring from the apartment when their officers arrived. Fire officials provided this account: "Upon arrival, Engine 11 encountered heavy smoke coming from a garden-level apartment. Fire crews-initiated evacuations of the building, clearing five of the six units. During a primary search, firefighters from Station 12 located and rescued an occupant from the apartment where the fire originated. "Crews immediately began life-saving efforts and continued care on scene for more than 40 minutes. Tragically, despite their efforts, the individual could not be revived."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.
In a separate incident Wednesday, Aurora firefighters rescued a seriously injured man from a fire in the vicinity of East 22nd Avenue and North Altura Street. [Photos: South Metro Fire]

HUNDREDS OF POUNDS OF WEED DUMPED IN WELD COUNTY

 

For the second time in six months, deputies discovered trash bags full of weed in Weld County - and the latest haul totaled 427 pounds, the sheriff's office said Wednesday. The latest mystery discovery was made on Friday the 13th at a dumpster in the 15000-block of Weld County Road 6. The person who called deputies "advised there were more trash bags of a similar nature to the west of the location," the sheriff's office said. "Deputies drove Weld County Road 6 to look for the bags and found approximately six more trash bags containing suspected marijuana leaves." In August, deputies made a similar discovery near Weld County Road 20 and Colorado Boulevard.

[Photo: Weld County sheriff]

DENVER HOUSE FIRE STARTED IN DISH WASHER, NO INJURIES

Denver firefighters battled a house fire that started in a dishwasher on Wednesday.

No injuries were reported in the blaze in the Hilltop area.
Fire officials said: "Chief 3 arrived first on scene with Engine 5, reporting fire in the kitchen area. Engine 19s secured a water supply, and Truck 19 conducted primary and secondary searches — all searches were negative." The officials also said: "Electrical appliance fires can spread rapidly — ensure appliances are properly maintained and never ignore unusual smells, sparks, or tripped breakers." [Photos: Denver Fire Department]

COPS ARREST TWO IN DOZENS OF BURGLARIES TARGETING HISPANIC BUSINESSES

Detectives arrested two suspects in dozens of burglaries targeting Hispanic businesses across the Denver area and seized guns, stolen vehicles and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, the Commerce City Police Department announced Wednesday. The pair are accused of committing at least six high-dollar burglaries in Commerce City and as many as three dozen total across the Denver region. "Thieves began targeting and terrorizing primarily Hispanic businesses back in November, using stolen vehicles to get to the scene of their crimes overnight, then prying or ramming doors to gain entry to our local shops and restaurants," officials said. "They stole safes, broke into ATMs, and in one case even tampered with laundry machines to access the money inside them," officials said. The suspects were arrested Friday.

[Photos: Commerce City police]

DANGEROUS DUST STORMS ON TAP AGAIN

The National Weather Service in Pueblo warned of dust and snow casing "deteriorating conditions" beginning on Wednesday afternoon. Brownout conditions caused a deadly pileup on I-25 Tuesday in Pueblo. Forecasters also issued a Red Flag fire warning.

DEATH COUNT IN I-25 TRAGEDY RISES TO 5

UPDATE

A fifth person died in hospital of injuries sustained in the giant I-25 pileup in Pueblo, the state patrol said Wednesday.

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene of Tuesday's crash involving 29 passenger vehicles and seven semis during a dust storm and near zero visibility. Twenty-nine people were transported to hospital.

A motorist told Fox 31: "I’m still in kind of shock. Everything happened so fast."

All the casualties occurred in northbound lanes. Debris was scattered across the interstate. The cleanup went on for more that 13 hours.

The patrol said the deceased victims were Colorado residents.

Governor Jared Polis said: "I’m grateful to the Colorado State Patrol and first responders who worked quickly in dangerous conditions."

[Photo: Colorado State Patrol]