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Tag: clear creek county

  • Brush fire sparks along I-70 in Colorado from house engulfed in flames

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    A Silver Plume house fire that sparked Sunday afternoon quickly spread to the nearby brush along Interstate 70, according to Clear Creek County officials.

    No one was injured in the house fire, but the home was engulfed in flames, Clear Creek County officials said in a 3:40 p.m. statement on social media. Drivers were able to see the flames from I-70 and called 911.

    Less than 20 minutes later, the flames had spread to the nearby wilderness and more units were called in to respond to the growing brush fire on the north side of the highway, county officials said.

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    Lauren Penington

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  • Fully engulfed Silver Plume home fire spreads to nearby brush

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    SILVER PLUME, Colo. — Firefighters battled a fully engulfed house fire in the small Clear Creek County community of Silver Plume that also sparked a small brush fire Sunday afternoon.

    No injuries were reported.

    Firefighters were called to the home around 2:50 p.m. to find the structure fully engulfed, with smoke and flames visible from Interstate 70, impacting traffic on a busy ski weekend.

    Several agencies, including Clear Creek Fire Authority, Evergreen Fire/Rescue, and Gilpin Fire, responded to the large blaze on the north side of the interstate.

    Hours later, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office reported that the blaze spread to nearby brush, causing a small brush fire.

    The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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  • Clear Creek County mother charged with concealing death of son who skipped court in assault case

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    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — A Clear Creek County woman was arrested Friday, accused of concealing the death of her 43-year-old son, who failed to appear in court on charges related to a hit-and-run case that injured a law enforcement officer last year.

    Phyllis Hull, 79, was arrested after Clear Creek County deputies, serving a failure to appear warrant, found the body of Aaron Family inside a home in the 400 block of Silver Lakes Drive in the Dumont area Friday evening, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.

    The sheriff’s office said Family appeared to have died days earlier from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death may have occurred before his Jan 21 court date, the sheriff’s office said.

    The coroner will confirm his identity and determine the official cause and timing of death.

    Family was facing multiple felony charges in connection with an Oct. 19 hit-and-run investigation that escalated into a pursuit and multiple assaults on law enforcement.

    Crime

    Deputy knocked down, patrol car rammed in suspect search

    Deputies say Family fled a Safeway parking lot crash in Idaho Springs, then reversed his vehicle during a traffic stop, knocking down an Idaho Springs Police Officer who was later hospitalized as a precaution.

    Family allegedly continued onto Interstate 70, where he rammed a sheriff’s patrol car into a center barrier, disabling it.

    Deputies eventually stopped him with stop sticks near Dumont, where he crashed by a vacant church and was taken into custody on several charges, including first-degree assault on a peace officer, vehicular eluding, driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving, among others.

    Family posted bond in December and failed to appear for a Jan. 21 court date, prompting the warrant, according to the sheriff’s office.

    Another arrest was made in connection with Friday’s discovery.

    The sheriff’s office said Kenneth Walcott, 79, was arrested on suspicion of accessory to a crime – first-degree assault.

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  • Colorado snowplow driver on administrative leave after fatal I-70 crash

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    The snowplow driver who lost control last week on Interstate 70 and swerved into oncoming traffic has been placed on administrative leave amid the fatal crash investigation, state officials said.

    State patrol officials hope to complete the crash investigation within four weeks, but “many factors play into that timeframe,” Colorado State Patrol spokesperson Ivan Alvarado said Monday.

    The driver of a van carrying a youth hockey team headed to Denver for the Western Girls Hockey League weekend died in the Thursday morning crash on I-70 near Herman Gulch, and eight people in the van were injured, according to state patrol officials.

    The Clear Creek County Coroner’s Office identified the driver killed in the crash as 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana Villegas from Chatsworth, California. His cause of death remained under investigation on Monday, Chief Deputy Coroner Nichol Nelson said.

    Lorenzana Villegas was the father of one of the players on the youth hockey team, the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, according to reporting from Denver7.

    A snowplow on westbound I-70 lost control in the snow shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday, crashing through the median and hitting a Toyota Tacoma in the eastbound lanes, state patrol officials said. The impact sent the Tacoma back across the median, where it hit a westbound BMW.

    State investigators said the snow plow then hit the Ford Transit van carrying the girls’ hockey team from California, sending the van down an embankment. The agency previously identified the vehicle as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

    Three adults and four juveniles in the van were taken to Denver Health by ambulance, hospital officials said in a statement.

    A fifth juvenile passenger was airlifted to a separate trauma center with critical injuries, according to the state patrol. No other injuries were reported.

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  • Ditch the shorts, pull out the shovel — winter weather is coming to northern Colorado this weekend

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    After a pleasant days-long stretch of warm weather often eclipsing the 70-degree mark, northern Colorado and metro Denver will see quite a change in conditions starting Friday night.

    Instead of breaking records for heat, temperatures will drop substantially and snow will begin falling in the far northern mountains tonight, spreading southward into the Interstate 70 mountain corridor and Summit County by late Saturday afternoon.

    By late Saturday night, the National Weather Service predicts areas of snow to develop along the Interstate 25 corridor and along the adjoining eastern plains, with travel impacts continuing into Sunday morning. Some of those areas of snow could start out as rain earlier Saturday evening before turning to snow.

    Just how severe those travel impacts will be in metro Denver are still in question.

    “There is considerable uncertainty with regard to the amount of snow, since we anticipate bands of snow,” according to a weather service bulletin issued Friday afternoon for the metro area. “Thus, some areas may receive very little or no snow, while others get a few inches.”

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    John Aguilar

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  • No injuries after alleged shooting spree in Clear Creek County; suspect arrested

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    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday the arrest of a man who they said went on a shooting spree last week. No one was injured.

    Justin Sanders, 34, was arrested Thursday in Clear Creek County after allegedly firing shots in two separate incidents.

    The first occurred around 3 p.m. at the Western Inn Mobile Home Park, located in the 2600 block of CR 308, where deputies said bullets were fired into a residential unit with two people inside—neither was injured.

    Following that first call, deputies issued a shelter-in-place order as they searched for the suspect, later locating the 34-year-old at Georgetown Lodge, where Sanders reportedly fired from a balcony at a person below, who was also unharmed.

    The suspect was taken into custody without further incident outside Georgetown Lodge, where an associate of Sanders was briefly detained but was released when it was determined he was not involved in either shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

    A motive for the alleged shootings was not divulged.

    Sanders remains in custody on $250,000 bail, pending charges that include two counts of attempted first-degree murder, prohibited use of a weapon, and possessing and discharging a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

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  • Guanella Pass cleared after reported suspicious person turns out to be outdoorsman

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    Reports of a suspicious person near Guanella Pass that had law enforcement searching the area Saturday morning turned out to be an outdoorsman who was in the area to fish, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office said.

    The sheriff’s office received reports of a man wearing camouflage and a mask and carrying a high-powered rifle near Naylor Lake and the Silver Dollar Lake Trail at around 11:35 a.m., officials said on social media.

    Deputies contacted the man wearing camo, a balaclava, a mask and carrying a rifle who told them he was in the area to fish — which is not illegal, the sheriff’s office noted. Deputies offered the man a ride back to the trailhead.

    “We appreciate hikers in the area who saw something and said something,” sheriff’s officials said on Facebook.

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  • Autumn crowds test Georgetown’s patience—and planning

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    GEORGETOWN, Colo. — It was another bumper‑to‑bumper day in the high country Sunday as thousands drove up to take in the fall colors.

    It comes just one day after Georgetown gridlock briefly shut down the small mountain community to visitors.

    Through the ups and downs of the fall foliage frenzy, preemptive measures have kept things under control for locals.

    Town leaders implemented a traffic management plan, featuring a one-way traffic flow in and out of Georgetown, along with barriers on residential streets to minimize the impact of visitor traffic.

    Local

    Leaf peepers gridlock Georgetown, forcing town to temporarily close to visitors

    For local businesses, leaf peeping season means more customers.

    “It’s always great to see people who return every year. So many familiar faces that come back each year,” said China Tipton at the Trading Post.

    “Some people either hang around to try to let the passage through Guanella [Pass] clear up a bit before they go up, and they’ll meander around through town,” added Kabian Fox at Georgetown Valley Candy Company.

    For over an hour on Saturday, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office cut off I-70 and Highway 285 traffic into the town.

    The only cars allowed during that time were those of residents with a valid ID.

    “It wasn’t moving. It was gridlock. I think that’s probably the best way to describe it. It was just gridlock,” said resident Gary Wilkins.

    Additionally, a power outage forced businesses to close for several hours or find alternative ways to operate.

    “We just started writing down all the transactions for people and adding up their totals, doing all the math on paper,” said Fox.

    When Denver7 drove up Sunday morning, the traffic flow on Interstate 70 and through Georgetown went smoothly.

    The slow-moving traffic gradually built up as the day went on.

    Town and county leaders have expressed their commitment to navigating any unexpected challenges as they work on making their plans for future seasons more robust.

    Business owners told Denver7 that they are looking forward to seeing how the changes continue to make a difference.

    “I, as a business owner, am grateful for the influx of people, the visitors. We’re always grateful to see them. So they, I guess, there’s a balance that they need to find,” said Tipton.

    Autumn crowds test Georgetown’s patience—and planning

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    Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Adria Iraheta

    Denver7’s Adria Iraheta shares stories that have an impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on education and stories in Arapahoe County. If you’d like to get in touch with Adria, fill out the form below to send her an email.

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    Adria Iraheta

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  • Shelter-in-place issued in Clear Creek County amid search for trespassing suspect

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    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — A shelter-in-place has been issued in Clear Creek County as law enforcement searches for a suspect believed to be associated with several trespassing incidents.

    In a social media post Thursday evening, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office said it has received three reports this week of a suspicious person trespassing on private properties in the area of Highway 103. Surveillance cameras captured the suspect wearing a black mask and carrying a firearm.

    At one property, the man reportedly told the property owner via camera surveillance that he was with the US Forest Service before disconnecting the camera.

    According to the sheriff’s office, the man is accused of trespassing on two properties on Peaceful Valley Lane in Idaho Springs between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday. He allegedly stole more than $2,000 worth of items from one of the properties and caused roughly $2,000 worth of damage.

    Between 9:20 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. Thursday, the man reportedly trespassed on a property on Ute Creek Road in Idaho Springs. The sheriff’s office said he was seen loading and cocking a firearm.

    The suspect is associated with a white Ford Escape SUV that does not have license plates.

    Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office

    In an update, the sheriff’s office said the suspect vehicle was spotted stopped along Highway 103 just after 6 p.m. Law enforcement responded to set up a perimeter, but the suspect drove off.

    After a “short pursuit,” the vehicle crashed near mile marker 3, according to the sheriff’s office. The suspect got out of the vehicle and ran away.

    Deputies are searching the area for the driver. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for a 1-mile radius near the crash.

    The Idaho Springs Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Golden Police Department are assisting with the search. Law enforcement is also using a drone and K9.

    Though it has not been confirmed, the sheriff’s office said it is “working on the assumption [that] this is the same suspect” from the trespassing incidents and that he may be armed.

    The man is described as a Black man with a slim build and nearly six feet tall. During the incidents, he was wearing tactical colors (green and black) and a tactical belt.

    If you see him, call 911.

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  • Fall foliage frenzy sparks Guanella Pass crackdown

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    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — Coloradans are already heading to the high country, hoping to catch those first golden leaves of the season.

    Before you load up the car, though, county leaders have a friendly reminder – take in the view, but do it safely.

    The first signs of fall are blazing bright on Guanella Pass.

    The Iluardo family drove from Denver to snap some family pictures.

    “We just came up here because the leaves are gorgeous,” said Natalia Iluardo.

    The Aumont family made the trek from Parker to hike and get an early start on leaf peeping.

    “There was hardly any traffic. It was luxurious traveling on I-70, just cruising at normal speed,” said Doug Aumont.

    Local

    🍁 Leaf it to Colorado 🍁 Your guide to the fall foliage frenzy

    But if you’ve gone leaf peeping on Guanella Pass in prior years, you know just how bad traffic can get.

    “There were people parked all up and down the street, and I know getting back home was like bumper to bumper the entire way,” Aumont recalled.

    The Park County Sheriff’s Office reports that it observed approximately 10,000 vehicles on Guanella Pass Road within three hours last year.

    “This is a narrow two-lane mountain pass, and it’s not capable of handling that type of traffic volume,” said Park County Undersheriff Steve Spodyak.

    It’s why Clear Creek and Park County officials are asking the public to “PEEP” responsibly by doing the following:

    • Parking in designated parking areas only. This includes parking lots, places with green “Parking” signs, or in pull-offs that are not marked “No Parking.” Parking is NOT allowed on the side of the roadway within 1/2 mile of the summit. Parking is also not allowed on the roadway itself. Vehicles parked in a pull-off must be completely off the roadway. No part of the vehicle can be on or in the roadway when parked.
    • Expecting heavy traffic. Know Before You Go by checking cotrip.org for traffic delays on I-70 (Hwy 285). Cell phone map apps should also show traffic delays along routes to Guanella Pass.
    • Exercising patience. Heavy traffic and delays can cause frustration, impatience, and aggression. Take a break by visiting a nearby park, shopping in town, or dining at a local restaurant.
    • Planning ahead. Consider visiting on a weekday (Monday – Thursday). Weekends have about 2.5x more visitors than weekdays. In the event of heavy traffic, bring plenty of water, food, and other necessary supplies.

    Although the leaves haven’t peaked just yet, safety measures are already being enforced.

    Denver7 spotted six patrol units keeping tabs on the road on Sunday morning.

    Those sheriff’s deputies are keeping an eye out for anyone blocking the roadway.

    Vehicles that are partially blocking the road could face a fine of $87.50.

    🍁 Watch Stacy Donaldson’a full fall foliage forecast in the player below |

    Stacy Donaldson’a full fall foliage forecast

    Any vehicles illegally parked on the roadway will be towed at the owner’s expense.

    Clear Creek County says transportation will be available for drivers of towed vehicles to the tow lot at Geneva Basin.

    These consequences are meant to reinforce public safety in nearby mountain communities.

    “Seconds matter in emergencies, as we all know. Any blocked road could be the difference between life and death in these situations,” said Park County Commissioner Jason Gemmer.

    Leaf peepers have already noticed the crackdown.

    “It was funny how they had a tow truck even parked out [on Guanella Pass Road] to remind you, hey, we’re going to tow you if you park illegally this year,” said Aumont.

    At the end of the day, county leaders said it’s all about keeping you safe for you to make the most of your fall memories.

    “Restaurants are open, stores are open, and if we spread it out, the experience for everybody will be much better,” said Clear Creek County Sheriff Matt Harris.

    Fall foliage frenzy sparks Guanella Pass crackdown

    Denver7

    Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Adria Iraheta

    Denver7’s Adria Iraheta shares stories that have an impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on education and stories in Arapahoe County. If you’d like to get in touch with Adria, fill out the form below to send her an email.

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    Adria Iraheta

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  • 12 Guanella Pass parking violators get towed as authorities crack down on illegal parking

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    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office stated that it towed a dozen vehicles on Guanella Pass on Sunday as it began recently implemented parking enforcement efforts.

    The sheriff’s office stated that the 12 vehicles were illegally parked on the narrow Guanella Pass Road, which can hinder access for emergency vehicles responding to an incident on the pass.

    Recreation

    Clear Creek County clamping down on illegal parking ahead of leaf-peeping season

    Deputies also issued 50 tickets for violations such as parking in no-parking zones or blocking the roadway.

    Parking violations will result in a $87.50 ticket, according to Jenny Fulton, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

    The sheriff’s office installed several “No Parking” signs along the route last month after hundreds of vehicles parked illegally last fall.

    “In recent years, it’s gotten pretty bad up there,” said Georgetown resident Gary Wilkins in July.

    A video posted to social media during the 2024 leaf-peeping season showed crowds of cars lining both sides of the narrow road.

    A designated parking lot at the summit is clearly marked with green “PARKING” signs for legal use.

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  • Westbound I-70 closed through Eisenhower Tunnel for vehicle fire

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    Westbound Interstate 70 is closed between Loveland Pass and Silverthorne because of a vehicle fire, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

    The highway is closed between exit 216 for U.S. 6 and exit 205 for Silverthorne, state officials said. That stretch of the highway runs through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

    Drivers should expect delays, according to the alert.

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    Originally Published:

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    Katie Langford

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  • Eastbound Interstate 70 closed at Silverthorne for tractor-trailer fire, multiple crashes

    Eastbound Interstate 70 closed at Silverthorne for tractor-trailer fire, multiple crashes

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    Eastbound Interstate 70 is closed for a tractor-trailer fire and several other crashes between Silverthorne and Georgetown, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

    The highway is closed between Silverthorne and Georgetown as of 1:20 p.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

    The tractor-trailer caught fire on eastbound I-70 near Georgetown, and multiple crashes with multiple injuries have blocked the highway.

    One five-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer sent three people to the hospital with injuries, according to state patrol. Their injuries do not appear to be serious, but “clean up will be extensive,” officials said in a post on X.

    There is no estimated time for reopening. Drivers can detour over Loveland Pass via U.S. 6, according to the CDOT.

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

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    Katie Langford

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  • Woman dies at Loveland Ski Area

    Woman dies at Loveland Ski Area

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    A skier died at Loveland Ski Area on Friday afternoon, according to resort officials.

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    Katie Langford

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