DENVER (KDVR) — A Denver police officer is set to lose his certification after he pleaded guilty to body-slamming a man during the Nuggets’ post-championship celebration last year.
Adam Glasby pleaded guilty on Monday to third-degree assault and was sentenced to two years of probation, according to the Denver District Attorney’s Office.
The incident happened earlyon June 13, after thousands of Denver Nuggets fans had filled the streets to celebrate the team’s historic first championship.
The DA’s office said at the time that Glasby and another officer were working off-duty at a bar on Blake Street when a fight broke out. Glasby was accused of pulling a man from the fight and body-slamming him into the pavement, leaving him unconscious.
DENVER (KDVR) — On Saturday, Thornton police found human remains in a pond at Sage Creek Park.
The Thornton Police Department told FOX31 officers were called to the park, located near 128th Avenue and Jasmine Street, at around 12:15 p.m.
At this time, little information has been released other than officers were investigating human remains that were found. Officers said they are looking into the age and gender of the person.
Investigators will later determine if the case is a homicide and how the person died.
This is a developing story, and FOX31 will provide updates as they become available.
DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Transportation District is hosting a contest, calling all artists to help with a new bus design.
RTD is asking artists to submit a vibrant, one-of-a-kind entry in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
The winner of the contest will have their artwork turned into a bus wrap, as well as a $3,500 prize.
RTD said it is searching for bus wrap designs that “highlight the past, present, and future legacies of the civil rights and social justice movements in Colorado and nationally.”
“As a Black woman leading a major transit agency, it is incumbent upon me to ensure all people know that RTD is welcoming for its employees, customers and partners. This project provides artists with a rich opportunity to bring forth ideas that illustrate these principles and constitutional rights for public reflection and enjoyment,” Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s General Manager and CEO said.
Artwork submissions should focus on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with notable and historic achievements to bring about justice, fairness, equity and equal opportunity for all, RTD said.
“The bus wrap design shall interweave the intersectionality of diverse communities, lived experiences and personal identities to foster an appreciation and celebration of our social and cultural similarities and differences,” RTD said.
Anyone in RTD’s service district is eligible to apply, and those outside of the Denver metro area may request an exception.
60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act Bus Design Contest details
Submissions must include:
Narrative of the bus wrap design (300 words max) including:
How the design connects to the project
What you hope to evoke with the imagery
How you hope the design will engage the public
Using the design templates provided, complete the design as follows:
Rendering showing the bus wrap for the SS Full Side, CS Full Side, and BK Full Back.
Provide vector art or high-resolution (300dpi or higher) files to be scaled up to the full-size design. Please note the templates are not full size but are to scale so that any art placed over the templates will be accurately sized-up to cover the bus properly
The design must cover the entire area indicated in the template by the light green block, but up to 50% window coverage is allowed per side of the bus
No coverage on doors and driver windows
The template itself should not appear in the final art print file but can be used to demonstrate the intended design in a mock-up file
Resume
Imagery of any relevant previous work or portfolio
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — April is multiple birth awareness month, and Children’s Hospital Colorado is drawing attention to the challenges and joys families face during these rare pregnancies.
Ludmila Feitosa and Raphael Santiago, a couple from Brazil, moved to Colorado in June of 2023 so Santiago could start a clinical fellowship at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Shortly after, Feitosa learned she was pregnant, after experiencing a miscarriage a few months earlier.
“When we got there to do the ultrasound and see if there is everything okay, there is one baby there,” Feitosa said. “We went and saw the three babies.”
Feitosa said she remembered that moment well, including her husband’s reaction.
“Their dad was pale and I was passing out,” Feitosa laughed.
Even the day after, Santiago still didn’t believe it.
“I was like, ‘It wasn’t a dream?’ And she’s like, ‘no. It wasn’t a dream,’” he explained.
But, amidst the joy and happiness, the couple said there was a niggling of fear.
“We are physicians and we know there is more complications with multiple gestation in pregnancy,” Feitosa said.
Elisa was the last born of the three triplets (KDVR).
Aurora is considered by her parents to be the most talkative of the three (KDVR).
Ludmila Feitosa and Raphael Santiago say they might be open to one more baby (KDVR).
Having triplets is considered a high-risk pregnancy, according to Children’s Hospital Colorado.
“One of the — the biggest — risk [for multiple-birth pregnancies] is delivering early,” said Dr. Michael Zaretsky, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “Any risk that you can have with pregnancy like high blood pressure, diabetes — these are going to be multiplied for her.”
The family and doctors decided to have her wait as long as possible before delivering. Feitosa was scheduled to deliver the babies at 36 weeks, on Nov. 2. But, when she went in for a routine appointment, she was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia.
“Once we had the diagnosis of severe preeclampsia, it was time for delivery. And so we, you know, got her all set up for a C-section which is necessary in this case,” Dr. Zaretsky said.
Since it was so sudden, Santiago was performing surgery on another floor, unaware of what was going on.
“Someone stepped into the room and was like, ‘So, I believe that they are about to deliver your babies. I think you, you got to go.’ And then I look at my attending and he was like, ‘What are you doing here, go!’ So, I was able to find them before the delivery and then was able to be there with her,” Santiago remembered.
Dr. Franklin Chow performed the C-section, assisted by Dr. Zaretsky, who was the first to hold the babies.
“It is exciting even delivering one baby,” Dr. Zaretsky said. “I always have the honor of being able to hold each baby, and then I get to show the family each baby before cutting the cord and then handing off to the NICU team, which is an amazing team. So, I got to do this three times. And it just, it never gets old. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do in medicine.”
The delivery went smoothly until Feitosa began hemorrhaging shortly after.
“She went to surgery the same night and they were able to stop the bleeding,” Santiago said. “But it was scary.”
Now, all of them are happy and healthy and while it can be challenging at times, being a new parent to three babies instead of one, the family said they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There is a saying in parenthood that says, ‘The days are long, but the years are short’,” Santiago said. “I know it’s sometimes it’s exhaustive, it’s not easy at all but at the end of the day, when we see them… growing up like healthy, we are like, you know what, I think it doesn’t matter if we are tired I mean we can do it, let’s do it.”
Some teams see an immediate impact from an NFL draft class.
Others have to wait on a return.
The Houston Texans went from worst to first in their division last season after selecting quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge Will Anderson Jr. back to back with the second and third overall picks.
The Carolina Panthers ended up with the worst record despite taking Bryce Young No. 1 overall so they have to be patient.
The Chicago Bears are the leading contender to have a Texans-like turnaround after getting QB Caleb Williams with the first pick and wide receiver Rome Odunze at No. 9.
The Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders also had excellent drafts.
It usually takes three years to fairly grade a draft, but here are AP’s early grades on each team’s overall draft:
ARIZONA CARDINALS: A
Got the best receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (4) in the draft and upgraded the rush with edge Darius Robinson (27). CB Max Melton, RB Trey Benson and CB Elijah Jones highlighted the team’s five picks on Day 2. DB Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and OT Christian Jones are potential starters from Day 3.
ATLANTA FALCONS: C-
QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 was the most stunning pick of the draft because Kirk Cousins just received $100 million guaranteed. DL Ruke Orhorhor (35) and DE Bralen Trice (74) bolster the defense. Reached on some of their Day 3 picks after starting strong with DL Brandon Dorius in the fourth round.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: B+
CB Nate Wiggins (30) and DE Adisa Isaac (93) can make an immediate impact. OT Roger Rosengarten (62) had some first-round grades. CB T.J. Tampa and RB Rasheen Ali could become Day 3 steals.
BUFFALO BILLS: B
Traded out of the first round and saw three more receivers go before ending up with WR Keon Coleman (33). Got better value with S Cole Bishop (60) and DL DeWayne Carter (95) later in Day 2. OL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio and LB Javon Solomon are outstanding picks in the fifth round.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: B
Added playmakers to help Bryce Young with three of their first four picks, selecting WR Xavier Legette (32), RB Jonathon Brooks (46) and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders.
CHICAGO BEARS: A+
Getting QB Caleb Williams (1) and WR Rome Odunze (9) in the top 10 will help them compete for a playoff spot this season. OL Kiran Amegadjie (75) provides more protection Williams. Took Tory Taylor, the best punter in the draft, a little early in the fourth.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: B
OT Amarius Mims (18) has major upside but isn’t as much of a slam dunk as other linemen who went in the first round. Had a strong second day, getting DT Kris Jenkins, WR Jermaine Burton and DL McKinnley Jackson. TE Tanner McLachlan in the sixth has plenty of potential.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: B+
Getting DL Michael Hall Jr. (54) made it worth the wait for the last team to draft. WR Jamari Thrash is a sleeper in the fifth. LB Nathaniel Watson could be a steal in the sixth.
DALLAS COWBOYS: B
Traded down and still filled a major hole with OT Tyler Guyton (29). Addressed more needs on Day 2 with DL Marshawn Kneeland (56) and OL Cooper Beebe (73). Added depth and value on Day 3 with CB Caelen Carson and WR Ryan Flournoy.
DENVER BRONCOS: B+
Taking QB Bo Nix in the 20s instead of at No. 12 would’ve been ideal but they didn’t want to risk losing him. Made excellent picks the rest of the way with DE Jonah Elliss (76), WR Troy Franklin, CB Kris Abrams-Draine and RB Audric Estime. Franklin is a first-round talent who slipped to the fourth.
DETROIT LIONS: B
Traded up to get CB Terrion Arnold (24) and strengthened the pass defense even more with CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: B
OT Jordan Morgan (25) fills a need though they may have passed up more talented linemen. LB Edgerrin Cooper (45) and S Javon Bullard (58) will improve the defense. RB MarShawn Lloyd (88) and LB Ty’Ron Hopper (91) capped an outstanding Day 2.
HOUSTON TEXANS: B+
Hard to follow up a draft where they took C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. Top pick CB Kamari Lassiter (42) can step right in and play. S Calen Bullock (78) is cream of the rest of a crop that includes OT Blake Fisher (59) and TE Cade Stover.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: B
Made edge Laiatu Latu the first defensive player selected at No. 15 when he wasn’t the highest-graded prospect at his position. Traded back and got talented WR Adonai Mitchell, a first-round talent, with the 52nd pick. OT Matt Goncalves (79) and S Jaylin Simpson (164) are the best of a solid group on Days 2-3.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: B
Traded down to No. 23 and got a player many projected they’d take at 17 in WR Brian Thomas Jr. Filled defensive needs with DL Maason Smith (48) and S Jarrian Jones (96).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: A-
Traded up for WR Xavier Worthy (28) and took a shot on raw OT Kingsley Suamataia. TE Jared Wiley, S Jaden Hicks, OL Hunter Nourzad and CB Kamal Hadden give opponents more reason to fear the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: A-
Brock Bowers (13) is by far the best tight end in the draft but they already have Michael Mayer. Jackson Powers-Johnson (44) might be the top interior lineman in a strong class and OT Delmar Glaze (77) can be a steady starter. Nailed Day 3 with CB Decamerion Richardson, LB Tommy Eichenberg, RB Dylan Laube, S Trey Taylor and CB M.J. Devonshire.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: B+
Gave Justin Herbert protection and a playmaker with their first two picks: LT Joe Alt (5) and WR Ladd McConkey (34). Jim Harbaugh got his Wolverine in LB Junior Colson (69). Got a WR with the best genes in the draft in the seventh round when they took Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: B
Edge Jared Verse (19) was the first pick in the first round since Jared Goff in 2016. He fits a major need. So does DT Braden Fiske (39) after Aaron Donald’s retirement.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: B-
Edge Chop Robinson (21) has AP Defensive Rookie of the Year potential. OT Patrick Paul (55) doesn’t seem to fit the team’s preferred style of athletic tackles. WR Malik Washington is a sleeper in the sixth.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: B
QB J.J. McCarthy (10) isn’t the 10th-best player in the draft but they didn’t want to risk losing him. Moved up to get possibly the best defensive player in the draft, DE Dallas Turner (17). CB Khyree Jackson was great value in the fourth.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: C+
Drake Maye (3) isn’t a lock to become a franchise quarterback. Versatile WR Ja’Lynn Polk (37) went higher than expected. Day 3 was strong. Got OL Layden Robinson and WR Javon Baker in the fourth and CB Marcellas Dial and strong-armed QB Joe Milton in the sixth. TE Jaheim Bell in the seventh could be a steal.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: B+
OT Taliese Fuaga (14) is an immediate starter and fills a need. Traded up for solid CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (41). QB Spencer Rattler (150) once was a projected first-rounder and has upside. He highlighted an impressive haul on Day 3.
NEW YORK GIANTS: B+
WR Malik Nabers (6) fills a major void. Boosted the secondary on Day 2 with S Tyler Nubin (47) and CB Andru Phillips (70). RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. is raw but has potential.
NEW YORK JETS: B-
Passed up Bowers to get OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu (11) and then got Aaron Rodgers more playmakers in WR Malachi Corley (65) and RB Braelon Allen (134). QB Jordan Travis is coming off ACL surgery but has time to develop. “Mr. Irrelevant,” S Jaylen Key, has the skill set to be a core special teams player.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: A
CBs Quinyon Mitchell (22) and Cooper DeJean (40) are a significant boost to the secondary. Took a risk on developing LB Jalyx Hunt (93). WRs Ainias Smith (152) and Johnny Wilson (185) are excellent value. Got LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round could be a steal.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: B+
Gave Russell Wilson more protection with top two picks: OL Troy Fautanu and OL Zach Frazier. WR Roman Wilson (84) fills a hole in the slot. LB Payton Wilson (98) has first-round talent. OL Mason McCormick provides more depth.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: B-
WR Ricky Pearsall (31) was an odd choice unless Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel are getting traded. CB Renardo Green (64) and OL Dominick Puni (86) are ideal fits. CB Malik Mustapha (124), WR Jacob Cowing (135) and OL Jarrett Kingston headlined a nice Day 3 haul.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B+
DT Byron Murphy (16) and G Christian Haynes (81) could be the best players at their positions in this class. TE A.J. Barner (121), OL Sataoa Laumea (179) and CB D.J. James (192) are high value.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: A
Versatile OL Graham Barton (26) fills a major need and edge Chris Braswell (57) is a productive player. WR Jalen McMillan (92) is steady and RB Buck Irving (125) could be a steal.
TENNESSEE TITANS: B
RT JC Latham (7) will make the transition to the left side to protect Will Levis’ blindside. Gambled on DT T’Vondre Sweat (38) earlier than expected but he’s a big man who fits a need on the D-line. Came away with a talented group on Day 3, including LB Cedric Gray, WR Jha’Quan Jackson, S James Williams and LB Jaylen Harrell.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: A
Got their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels (2) and kept on adding. DT Johnny Newton (36) is a first-round player. Day 2 picks CB Mike Sainristil, TE Ben Sinnott, OT Brandon Coleman and WR Luke McCaffrey are building blocks.
DENVER (KDVR) — A driver was cited for careless driving after crashing into a parked semi, according to police.
The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that the crash happened in the 1200 block of South Vrain Street. DFD said the driver of an SUV struck a parked semi-tractor, and firefighters used extrication tools like hydraulic cutters, spreaders and ram tools to get the driver out of the vehicle.
Firefighters used a technique they call batwing to remove the entire side wall of the vehicle.
DFD said with this technique, firefighters typically start with the rear door and use “a series of cuts and spreads” from the back of the vehicle to the front, until both doors and the post in between can be removed.
A driver was cited for careless driving after crashing into a parked semi, according to police. The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that Firefighters used a technique they call batwing to remove the entire side wall of the vehicle. (Photo: Denver Fire Department)
A driver was cited for careless driving after crashing into a parked semi, according to police. The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that Firefighters used a technique they call batwing to remove the entire side wall of the vehicle. (Photo: Denver Fire Department)
A driver was cited for careless driving after crashing into a parked semi, according to police. The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that Firefighters used a technique they call batwing to remove the entire side wall of the vehicle. (Photo: Denver Fire Department)
A driver was cited for careless driving after crashing into a parked semi, according to police. The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that Firefighters used a technique they call batwing to remove the entire side wall of the vehicle. (Photo: Denver Fire Department)
The Denver Police Department told FOX31 that the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was cited for careless driving.
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin scored on the power play during a five-goal, third-period outburst and the Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 on Friday night.
Alexandar Georgiev stopped 22 shots to give the Avalanche a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series. Game 4 is Sunday in the Mile High City.
Trailing 2-1 in the final period, Colorado, the highest-scoring team in the league, began pouring it on. The Avalanche scored four times in a 10:24 span to energize the crowd and stun the Jets.
MacKinnon sparked the scoring run with the tying goal and Nichushkin knocked in the go-ahead tally with 15:21 remaining. Nichushkin’s goal came after Jets center Gabriel Vilardi was given a double-minor for hitting Devon Toews in the face with his stick and drawing blood. Toews left the ice with a towel held to his face.
Artturi Lehkonen and and Ross Colton added goals to make it 5-2. Toews, returning from a bloodied face, scored an empty-netter with 3:35 remaining to seal the win.
Casey Mittelstadt finished with three assists.
It was a third period where everything went wrong for the Jets, who were whistled for four penalties. Until then, the game was going their way, with Tyler Toffoli and Josh Morrissey scoring in the second period to make it 2-1.
Vezina Trophy-favorite Connor Hellebuyck continues to struggle in net and has now given up 15 goals in the series. He stopped 34 shots.
When horn sounded to end the game the players began to scuffle. There was blood on the ice as the teams skated off.
Colorado scored the first goal when Zach Parise knocked in a rebound midway through the opening period. It was the first time in the series the team that scored first has won.
With goals in two straight games, Parise is the first player 39 or older to score in back-to-back games since Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson during the 2013 conference semifinals, according to NHL Stats.
Georgiev has rediscovered his confidence. He gave up seven goals in Game 1, leading to speculation he might be replaced by backup Justus Annunen before Annunen was ruled out for Game 2 due to an illness. Georgiev allowed two goals in a Game 2 win and was dependable again Friday.
Georgiev was serenaded throughout the night with chants of “Geor-gie, ”Geor-gie.” The only one he might want back was the goal by Toffoli, who banked in a wrist shot from a difficult angle off Georgiev.
Both teams made changes to their defense. The Jets inserted veteran Nate Schmidt into the lineup over Logan Stanley, while the Avalanche saw the return of Samuel Girard, who’s been in concussion protocol.
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s newest draftee was the sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s now No. 1 in the Broncos’ eyes.
Former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix was introduced to the city in a press conference Friday afternoon, having been picked during the draft on Thursday night. On Friday, the team announced that their new QB would be sporting the No. 1 on his jersey.
Tremon Smith, a cornerback and kick returner for the team, previously wore No. 1 on his jersey. He will now wear No. 23, according to NFL.com.
The team announced new uniform numbers on Thursday for veteran additions and returning players who wanted to change their numbers. Former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson wore No. 3 on his jersey, but that’s gone to the new kicker Wil Lutz.
“I wasn’t shocked,” Nix told the Associated Press on Thursday. “I think the six of us, we’re all capable of playing at the next level. It’s going to be fun to watch everybody and see how they develop. I wasn’t shocked at all because I think this class of quarterbacks was very strong.”
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix poses for a portrait at the NFL football Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)
Also on the Broncos’ roster is Jarrett Stidham, who split his two starts last season after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, and Ben DiNucci.
Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but remains the highest-paid player on Denver’s roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024. That’s on top of the $85 million in dead cap charges they’ll absorb over the next two years.
Nix is the first player the Broncos have selected in the first round since 2021, when they chose cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.
DENVER (KDVR) — Former female law enforcement officers with the Denver Police Department spoke out during hearings on an advancing law enforcement misconduct bill, and on Thursday, said there needs to be changes from within for women to feel safe.
“We’re bringing attention to some very important issues that is facing our community and that is, not only a focus on legitimacy in our police department, but also safety for women and minority communities,” said Carla Havard, a former Denver police sergeant.
Havard was with the department for 25 years, retiring from her position last July.
“I retired so that I could have a little bit more freedom to legitimately challenge some of these narratives and certainly some of this propaganda that I’ve alleged has been out here,” Havard said.
Another woman also came forward on Thursday. She did not want her name or face printed but chose to go by “TC.” She said she was sexually harassed by a Denver police officer.
“This officer, in a way, was sort of grooming me. He pretended like he cared, he was compassionate, but in reality, it was a game for him,” she said.
Havard said this is a common thing she is hearing from many women still with the police department.
“You’re certainly the subject to offensive comments that have always been framed in the sense of being a joke. We’ve had situations where — that have been reported to me — where women have been physically assaulted, you know, their space not respected,” Havard said.
Former Denver police officers share their experiences with the force. (KDVR)
While she supports women doing what they are passionate about and joining the police force, she also advocates for more safety.
“Unfortunately, almost weekly we are faced with articles about police misconduct and issues with, oftentimes, with the woman being the victim,” Havard said. “And those are just ones that we know about.”
Women’s police academy set for this weekend in Denver
With a women’s police academy approaching this weekend, Havard said this needs to be stressed even more.
“As more and more women get into this profession, as they should, I think we have to be ensured that they are truly operating in a safe environment, not just in a statement form, but their actual workplace environments are safe,” she said.
The police department responded to the allegations in an email to FOX31, saying:
The Denver Police Department remains unwaveringly committed to increasing diversity and equity within its ranks and supporting officers of all races and genders. The Department is disappointed to hear that there are efforts to dissuade women from joining DPD, thus making it less diverse. That message is counterintuitive to an inclusive and progressive department, and the community and DPD know that a law enforcement agency can best thrive and provide public safety services when it reflects those it serves.
Denver Police Department
The police department also outlined a list of initiatives it has implemented to improve internal and external practices, including but not limited to:
The DPD Diversity and Support Bureau
Racial and Social Justice Academy
Multiple community academies including a Spanish-speaking Community Academy, Women’s Community Academy and Youth Community Academy
The Women’s Collective
A goal to have at least 30% of officers be female by 2030
Instituting respectful workplace training
Working with the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation to develop an Equity Action Plan
Continuing the LGBTQ+ liaison program for internal and external outreach
Creation of an Asian Community Outreach Hotline
Providing Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training
Creating the Before the Blue and Beyond the Badge orientation program
A mentorship program
A childcare stipend grant to assist with childcare challenges and better support employees
The department said these are not all the steps they have taken but provide an idea of the department’s direction.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — April 25marks five years since a truck driver lost control of his semitrailer on Interstate 70, causing a fiery explosion and crash that killed four people and injured many others.
Loved ones of the victims sat down with FOX31 to reflect on their efforts to make trucking safer. Currently, the Colorado Department of Transportation is wrapping up a safety project surrounding the emergency escape ramp the trucker passed before the deadly crash.
In the house Gage Evans and Bill Bailey made together, pictures and projects serve as daily reminders of the partner she’s been missing for five years now.
“He was my guy, he made me laugh every day,” Evans said. “He was heading home and he had just finished a morning of flying his RC planes.”
William “Bill” Bailey was killed at 67 years old: the age Evans is now.
“What’s hard for people to understand is the violence and the trauma that happens with a truck crash,” Evans said.
Widow turns pain into action and lobbies for change
When Evans reflects on that fateful day, she thinks about the truck driver’s path and decisions, details she learned much more about years later during the trial in 2021.
“His driving was faulty, he didn’t know how to drive in the mountains and he burned out his brakes and he did not use the runaway truck ramp,” Evans said, adding: “I want people to remember that this crash was not an accident.”
Evans is turning her pain into purpose, serving as an advocate with the Truck Safety Coalition in hopes of saving other families.
“Twice I’ve been to D.C. to talk to legislators about truck safety issues,” she said. “We have found that the best thing we can do is tell our personal stories. That has moved the needle in a couple of different ways. Underride guards is one example.”
CDOT is currently finishing up a safety project with the Mount Vernon truck escape ramp on I-70 eastbound near Genesee.
“We have much higher barriers, concrete barriers that separate the edge of the ramp from the adjacent embankment, which gives truckers a little more security when they’re using that,” CDOT spokesperson Tamara Rollison said. “If they miss the entry point, let’s say they’re going down really fast, they’ve lost control of their brakes and they missed the initial entry point, there is another entry point that they can get in to use this ramp.
“Plus, we will have better signage, we’ll have cameras, and we’ll just have better direction for them to let them know the ramp is available should they need to use it,” Rollinson said.
Work started last November and should finish by Memorial Day.
City officials said outreach workers met with people to help connect them with housing, and it will be offered through Mayor Mike Johnston’s “All In Mile High Initiative.” So far this year, about 1,480 people have been connected to housing through the initiative, according to the city dashboard.
The mayor’s office said a seven-day notice was given to people living at this encampment that the cleanup would happen on Thursday.
We are extremely proud of the work we’ve done to help thousands of Denverites move off the streets and into safe, stable housing, and continue to work around the clock to help more individuals move into units as they become available. Last week, we made the difficult decision to close the very large encampment near West 8th Avenue and Navajo Street due to significant public health, public safety and right-of-way concerns. Unfortunately, we were not able to provide All In Mile High transitional housing units to the people who had been living in that encampment due to the large number of people. As a result of that closure, a smaller group of unhoused residents moved south several blocks.
Earlier today, HOST outreach workers visited an encampment near 4th and Lipan to establish a by-name list. The 30 to 40 individuals on that list will be transitioned next week into All In Mile High units. As with past encampment resolutions that involve relocating people from the street to indoor solutions, this afternoon we posted the encampment with a 7-day notice of closure.”
City of Denver
In the statement, the city confirmed that the dozens of people at the encampment will be moved into housing.
GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — Golden City Council discussed restrictions to local tube rental businesses ahead of the summer, and there are concerns.
Golden City Council is considering shutting down local tube rental companies this summer on at least a few peak days. They are worried about overcrowding and safety on Clear Creek.
Beth Battilla, owner of Adventure West, told FOX31 she understands the need. As a Golden resident, she sees the crowds but has concerns about what it would mean for her business.
“It is really hard financially and it is really confusing to customers. I do understand the need to balance user groups, to balance the wants and needs and rights of the citizens who live here,” Battilla said.
The city is considering shutting down rental spots when river traffic is most crowded, but it would be limited to five days. These restrictions would not shut down the creek altogether but rather the rental and sales of tubes.
“The potential to shut us down up to five days for special events, if those were to be five peak weekend days, that would be hard on our business,” Battilla said.
In this photograph taken Tuesday, June 23, 2015, Carol Johnston, back, sits with her grandchildren, Olivia, front, and Anthony Villano as water rushes by in Clear Creek in Golden, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
From the council’s discussion on Tuesday night, it seemed as though their goal was to shut down the rental units at least once this summer on a peak day, like the Saturday during Buffalo Bill Days weekend, to gain data about how much these businesses contribute to the crowds.
“Trying to decide something as big as closing down an operation on their business day when we don’t have the data seems misplaced,” Ward 2 Council Member Paul Haseman said.
‘Are we creating a safe environment?’
Safety was another issue brought up in the discussion, as rental agencies have helmets and residents who recreationally use the creek normally do not.
“We leave it in the hands of the people who are just showing up to the creek, are we creating the safest environment?” Mayor Laura Weinberg said.
Adventure West says its business is about safety too.
“I’m very concerned that if nobody’s actively teaching and distributing or even requiring life jackets and helmets with such a large event coming to town, there could be a safety piece there,” Battilla said.
The council is set to vote on the restrictions in May. To watch the full city council study session discussion on the proposal, click here.
DENVER (KDVR) — If you arrive at Denver International Airport a few hours before a morning flight, you might have to wait. DIA is changing security checkpoint hours.
On Wednesday, FOX31 confirmed that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer operate checkpoints and bag scans between 1 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.
Usually, South Security is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Meanwhile, the other two security checkpoints close in the early evening.
However, DIA is announcing a change soon.
TSA told FOX31 that the changing times are to utilize resources and increase staffing during high-traffic times.
The change in security checkpoint times will only affect people getting to the airport several hours before their flights. Currently, DIA doesn’t list any flights leaving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Security checkpoint times
These are the current security checkpoint times at the airport, each varying in opening and closing hours, but they are soon subject to change:
During the opening, DIA officials announced plans going forward, which include opening an East security checkpoint that mirrors the West and eventually closing the South security checkpoint.
DIA plans to release more information on the changes soon, this post will be updated when more information becomes available.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and assist and the Colorado Avalanche scored four goals in the second period in a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night to tie the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Miles Wood, Zach Parise, Josh Manson and Valeri Nichushkin also scored for the Avalanche. Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves for Colorado, a bounce-back effort after allowing seven goals on 23 shots in the series opener.
David Gustaffson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 27 of 31 shots.
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Friday night in Denver.
DENVER (KDVR) — A Denver man was arrested by Larimer County law enforcement on suspicion of human trafficking, and investigators are worried he may have more potential victims.
Ivan Banuelos Gandara, 21, was arrested on felony charges of:
Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude
Four counts of soliciting for child prostitution
Two counts of sexual assault on a child
Enticement of a child
Internet luring of a child
Sexual exploitation of a child
Offenses relating to marijuana (a drug felony)
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office began investigating in late February this year after they were notified of a child sexual assault victim. The victim told deputies Gandara offered her cash and paraphernalia in exchange for sexual acts with himself and others.
“We have to protect our children from those that would seek to exploit their vulnerability,” said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen in a release. “We strive to foster a community where all children can feel safe, secure, and able to thrive.”
During the investigation, law enforcement identified at least one other victim.
Gandara was booked into the Larimer County Jail and given a $75,000 bond by the Larimer County Court.
Anyone with information about incidents involving Gandara should contact Larimer County Investigator Marcus Simelane at 970-498-5515. Those who want to stay anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or stopcriminals.org.
DENVER (KDVR) — Temperatures will be closer to seasonal averages on Tuesday, with some spotty afternoon and evening showers along the Front Range in the Denver weather forecast.
Weather today: Extra clouds, evening shower
The Front Range will see extra clouds on Tuesday, with cooler, but more seasonal, highs in the lower 60s.
There could be some spotty afternoon or evening showers, but they won’t linger long.
Pinpoint Weather: Daily forecast on April 23
Weather tonight: Partly cloudy
After an early shower, there will be extra clouds overnight. Low temperatures will dip into the low 40s with light winds.
Pinpoint Weather: Overnight forecast on April 23
Looking ahead: Spring showers, cooler weekend
Wednesday will be another mild afternoon with warmer highs in the middle 70s and mainly sunny skies.
Thursday has partly to mainly sunny skies with mild highs that make it to the middle 70s. There is a chance for a quick shower later on Thursday.
Pinpoint Weather: Rain accumulation by April 28
Friday brings more clouds into the forecast with highs in the upper 60s. Friday afternoon will have showers later in the afternoon that will linger overnight.
Showers stick around through most of Saturday, as highs are cooler in the upper 50s. This could bring some great moisture to the state.
Pinpoint Weather 7-day forecast for Denver on April 23
Sunday will have clearing skies throughout the day with seasonal highs in the lower 60s.
Plenty of sunshine is back for the start of next week with warmer highs in the lower 70s.
On April 16, Brighton Police Chief Matthew Domenico spoke with City Council about what he knew so far about the siren system.
“The system continues to degrade. We continue to have problems with it, and as of right now, those outdoor warning sirens are not working,” Domenico said at the meeting. “What we know now is the cost to get those sirens back up and functional is going to be really very significant.”
The sirens have almost exclusively been used for tornadoes.
“If our hazards and risks were to change, you know, we could always look at different opportunities,” said Stephanie Hackett, emergency management coordinator for the city.
CodeRed alert system signup encouraged for Brighton residents
Right now, Hackett said the city gets tornado warnings once every couple of years. But with severe storm season around the corner, the city is encouraging its community to sign up to receive emergency notifications, like CodeRed.
“The great thing about CodeRed is that it’s used by our public safety officials to provide a variety of information to the public in a really quick and timely manner,” Hackett said.
Brighton says their tornado alert systems are currently not working. (KDVR)
Right now, people in Adams County and Weld County can sign up to receive location-specific alerts including weather alerts, public safety alerts, criminal activity, water boil emergencies and more. Also, people can get the app, where they can receive alerts on the go.
For now, the city will continue to work with a vendor to determine the issues with the current outdoor warning system and their next plan of action.
“Once we get that information, we’re going to bring that to City Council to make an assessment as to what the future of our system is going to look like,” Hackett said.
The Broncos had not formally announced the trade as of Monday afternoon.
The team has been without an official quarterback since releasing Russell Wilson earlier in the year.
Zach Wilson was picked second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets. He served as the team’s starting quarterback until they acquired Aaron Rodgers, after which he was named as the backup quarterback.
However, after Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in his first drive, Wilson once again was promoted to starting quarterback for the team.
FOX31 is gathering additional information and will provide updates as they become available.
DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said a 6-year-old was found safe and a suspect was taken into custody after an Amber Alert was issued Sunday night.
An Amber Alert has been issued Sunday as the Aurora police department is searching for a vehicle that was stolen from a gas station with a 6-year-old inside. (KDVR)
An Amber Alert has been issued Sunday as the Aurora police department is searching for a vehicle that was stolen from a gas station with a 6-year-old inside. (KDVR)
An Amber Alert has been issued Sunday as the Aurora police department is searching for a vehicle that was stolen from a gas station with a 6-year-old inside. (KDVR)
An Amber Alert has been issued Sunday as the Aurora police department is searching for a vehicle that was stolen from a gas station with a 6-year-old inside. (KDVR)
DENVER (KDVR) — An organization is working to address the growing mental health concerns among law enforcement and further relationships within the community.
First responders are usually the first on scene in any disaster or emergency, many times also the first to provide emotional and physical support to victims.
While these duties are essential to keeping the community safe, the stress and trauma that comes with the job can really take a toll on mental health.
It’s a concern first responder expert Al Eskanazy is working to address.
“We are seeing trauma from these officers like never before,” Eskanazy said. “The trauma of the incident is not a one-off situation. Many officers face this situation 200 times a year.”
“We formed this foundation simply for the purpose of bringing communities of distress with law enforcement in non-legal matters, in a non-legal matter, to get to know each other,” Eskanazy said. “What it allows, is for a dialog to begin on a human being, human nature. It’s not a 30 mph police car driving by you with an anonymous robot inside. It’s a person.”
Dedicated to improving law enforcement relationships within the communities they serve, Eskanazy said the foundation hosts events all over the country and spearheads programs to treat mental health issues.
“We have 6,600 officers and first responders through our program in a little over 3 ½ years,” Eskanazy said.
And sometimes just a sign of appreciation goes a long way.
“When you see a police officer give them a wave, say, ‘Good afternoon, officer. Nice to see you.’ or ‘Thank you for your service.’ or a smile, don’t say a word, just give them a smile and a nod.’”
The Community Police Relations Foundation is a non-profit organization made up of citizens with a passion for uniting communities with local law enforcement.
