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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • Arrest warrant issued for father of four missing children

    CENTENNIAL – Arapahoe Sheriff Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for violation of a child custody order for Howard Myles, 47, the father of four children, ages 4-9, who have been missing from Centennial, Colorado since June 30. Investigators believe Myles took the children and may be headed to Louisiana where they are from. They also believe the children’s mother, Clarissa Gardette, is with them. There are active warrants for her arrest as well.

    The children were living in a foster care home and Howard Myles had a weekend visit with them, per court order. He picked up the children at 3:45 p.m. on June 30 and was supposed return them on July 2, but failed to show up. Gardette has supervised visits only.

    Investigators are actively looking for Myles and Gardette in conjunction with the above warrants and to return the children to safety. The children are believed to be in immediate danger due to a history of neglect, child abuse, drugs, domestic violence, weapons charges and previous dangerous situations they have been placed in.

    Investigators are also releasing new photos of the children and their parents, in hopes the public will recognize them and contact their local law enforcement agency. Investigators believe Myles may be headed out of state with the children. He has ties to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as Dallas, Texas.

    On July 2, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Child Alert with descriptions of the children, their father and the vehicle they may be in. If you have any information on this crime, please call our dispatch center at 303-795-4711 or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 720-913-STOP (720-913-7867). You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.Missing ChildrenHeaven, Israel, Jehoward, Jyrone

  • Mosquitoes in four Colorado counties test positive for West Nile virus

    STATEWIDE (July 6, 2023) —  State health officials are reminding Coloradans to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus after finding mosquitoes with the virus in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties. This is the first time this season that mosquitoes with the virus have been detected in Colorado. Local health officials in all four counties found the mosquitoes during routine monitoring for West Nile virus. Some local health agencies, including in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties, test mosquitoes for West Nile virus throughout the summer when mosquito activity is highest in Colorado.


    While most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. Talk with a health care provider if you develop severe headaches or begin experiencing confusion.


    West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September. To protect yourself:


    • Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents, visit the

      EPA’s information webpage

      . Always follow label instructions.
    • Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.


    In addition to eliminating standing water around your home weekly, you can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.


    You can find additional data going back to 2003 on CDPHE’s West Nile virus webpage, which is updated weekly throughout the season.

  • Mosquitoes in four Colorado counties test positive for West Nile virus

     

    STATEWIDE (July 6, 2023) —  State health officials are reminding Coloradans to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus after finding mosquitoes with the virus in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties. This is the first time this season that mosquitoes with the virus have been detected in Colorado. Local health officials in all four counties found the mosquitoes during routine monitoring for West Nile virus. Some local health agencies, including in Boulder, Delta, Weld, and Larimer counties, test mosquitoes for West Nile virus throughout the summer when mosquito activity is highest in Colorado.


    While most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. Talk with a health care provider if you develop severe headaches or begin experiencing confusion.


    West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September. To protect yourself:


    • Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents, visit the

      EPA’s information webpage

      . Always follow label instructions.
    • Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.


    In addition to eliminating standing water around your home weekly, you can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.


    You can find additional data going back to 2003 on CDPHE’s West Nile virus webpage, which is updated weekly throughout the season.

  • Chatfield State Park swimming access closed due to E. coli levels


    LITTLETON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed swimming access from the swim beach area at Chatfield State Park due to elevated E. coli levels. Bi-weekly water quality testing showed unsafe bacteria levels above Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requirements, Thursday morning. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli presence.

    Park employees are placing signs notifying visitors of the closure at the entrance, bathrooms, beach area and other visible portions of Chatfield. Boating access and hand-launched vessels will not be restricted during the closure.

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Jefferson County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • Cherry Creek State Park swim area closed due to high E. coli levels


    AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed the natural swim area at Cherry Creek State Park due to unsafe E. coli levels. Thursday morning, routine daily water quality testing revealed higher than allowable levels of the bacteria, as determined by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards. The swim area will remain closed until water sample testing shows a decrease in E. coli.

    Signs have been placed along the swim beach notifying park visitors to the closure. Although the area is closed to swimming, beach access and other water-related activities, like fishing and paddle boarding, are allowed. No other areas of the park are affected.

    “While these closures are not common, we test the water often to make sure the public is safe while enjoying the reservoir,” said Cherry Creek State Park Operations Manager Larry Butterfield. “The elevated bacteria levels can be caused by fecal waste from wildlife, run-off from urban areas, or excessive run-off from rain, and the park has seen heavy rainfall this year.”

    CPW notified CDPHE and the Arapahoe County Health Department of the testing results. Regular water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by the CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health during the swimming season to ensure public health.

    The park’s website and CPW Northeast Region Twitter account will announce when the swim area will reopen. Read more about CDPHE’s guidelines for swim beach monitoring on the department’s website.

  • Bennet, Daines Reintroduce Bill to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species Across the West

    Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act Strengthens Preventative Efforts to Protect Water Infrastructure and Ecosystems from Invasive Mussels
    Denver — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) reintroduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, legislation to slow the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Colorado, Montana, and other Western States. 
    “We have to do everything we can to protect our rivers, lakes, and waterways that are vital to our local communities and outdoor recreation economy,” said Bennet. “This legislation invests on the front end to reduce the spread of invasive species in Colorado – saving money for taxpayers and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.”
    “As Montana’s voice in the U.S. Senate, I’ll always work to preserve what makes Montana the last best place — that means protecting Montana’s wildlife and ecosystems. Invasive species like zebra mussels threaten our native species and obstruct important hydropower projects and irrigation. It’s critical we pass this bipartisan bill and empower Montana’s local communities with the tools and resources they need to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species,” said Daines.
    Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures – like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations – are key to limiting their spread. 
    Specifically, the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act would:
    • Strengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation explicit authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations;
    • Provide all federal agencies who participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force the same authorities to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, eliminating problematic differences between the various agencies; and
    • Ensure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding. 
    “With the discovery in the last year of a limited infestation of zebra mussels at Highline Lake near Grand Junction, CO, Senator Bennet’s legislation is needed now more than ever,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We commend Senator Bennet’s continued championship of legislation to expand collaboration between state and federal partners, which will be critical to preventing these harmful species from further taking root in western waterways.” 
    “This is a classic: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Doug Kemper, Executive Director of the Colorado Water Congress. “The spread of invasive mussel species continues to be a risk to water bodies throughout the nation and will have a significant impact for all water supplies and infrastructure, including the water projects that were built by the Bureau of Reclamation. Colorado has been proactive in developing and expanding the inspection and decontamination program over the last 14 years and has brought different stakeholders and interests together to support and commit to the protection of water infrastructure and reservoirs against infestation. This bill will provide the necessary authorization, funding, and allow additional partnerships to be developed to support these programs on federal reservoirs, where the inspection and decontaminations are highly effective at preventing the spread of mussels. We applaud the efforts of Senators Bennet and Daines to face this threat head on with a bill to authorize a clear and consistent role as a federal partner in federal water resource projects.”  
    “Aquatic invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to fisheries, western waters, and important economies at all scales. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Bennet and Daines to take action and elevate a sense of urgency. Facilitating coordination across management jurisdictions and working with stakeholder partners to improve processes for inspection and decontamination of watercraft is critical to address the spread of invasives like zebra and quagga mussels. These species have already overwhelmed native aquatic life in many waters and because they are extremely difficult to eradicate once established, they pose an outsized threat to the ecological balance of intact ecosystems,” said John Gale, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
    Bennet secured provisions in the 2018 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the 2022 WRDA to protect Colorado’s watersheds from invasive species by directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish, operate, or fund watercraft inspection stations in a number of Colorado river basins, and increasing and extending authority for the Corps to combat invasive species. Bennet first introduced this provision as an amendment to the 2016 WRDA.
    Following the August 2017 detection of quagga mussel larvae in the Green Mountain Reservoir, Bennet led the Colorado delegation in sending a letter to then-U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging a rapid response. In 2010, Bennet introduced the Invasive Species Emergency Response Fund Act to establish a loan fund for Western states to combat invasive species.
    The legislation is also supported by: Ute Water Conservancy District, Pueblo Water, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Aurora Water, Northern Water, and Colorado Springs Utilities. 
      
    The bill text is available HERE.

  • CPW offering reward for tips in elk poaching investigation

    Area near Pike National Forest Road 146 where carcass was dumped

    COMO, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help to identify who killed a large bull elk and dumped its carcass June 26 in Park County. CPW believes the elk was shot sometime between June 24-26 in the area between Como and Hartsel.

    Wildlife officers were alerted to a bull elk carcass which had been dumped alongside Pike National Forest Road 146, just east of the Buffalo subdivision. The elk had been shot with a high power rifle and only the meat along the spine, or the backstrap, had been removed. One of the antlers was cut in half and left beside the carcass.

    The elk was killed out of season, and the majority of the meat from the elk was left to waste, in violation of state hunting regulations.

    Officers would like to speak with campers in the Tarryall area during that time or residents of either the Indian Mountain or Buffalo subdivisions who may have information about the crime.

    “This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said District Wildlife Manager Ian Petkash. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”

    Information can be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or . A $1,000 dollar reward is being offered for tips in this case. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

    Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.

     

  • Investigators seek public’s help identifying shoplifters in viral video

    CENTENNIAL – Arapahoe Sheriff Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying two shoplifters in a viral video being shared on social media. You can view the video HERE. Investigators have already identified and arrested the driver, Jorge Pantoja, 32, the man in the green shirt. See attached booking photo. Pantoja is currently in custody at the Adams County Detention Facility on unrelated felony charges. He has also been charged with:
    CRS 18-4-406 Theft/Shoplifting – Class 2 Misdemeanor

    Investigators are still trying to identify the other two men in the video, both white males wearing blue shirts and jeans. See attached photos. One of them goes by Robert, he has dark brown hair, a mustache and wears glasses. The other goes by the name Bugsy and is wearing a blue shirt with a Superman logo and a baseball cap.

    Investigators say the theft happened on June 18, 2023, around 6:40 p.m. The suspects stole approximately $400-$500 worth of laundry detergent and Downy Unstopables from the King Soopers grocery store at 5050 E. Arapahoe Rd. in Centennial. Investigators located the registered owner of the vehicle who stated he loaned the car to a friend. The driver was then contacted, arrested and stated he picked up two other males at the Light Rail station at I-25 and Belleview and offered them an opportunity to make some money. The men told the driver their names were Robert and Bugsy.

    The person who shot the video posted it to Instagram and the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of it when it was sent to us the next day. Investigators also want to speak with the person who filmed the theft. The video currently has millions of views and has been posted and shared on social media by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, a rapper/actor with more than 80 million Instagram followers.

    The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado law. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    If you think you can identify the other two men in the video, please contact our Investigations Tipline at 720-874-8477 or email .

     

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife enforces sober boating and Operation Dry Water this Fourth of July
    DENVER – Boaters heading out onto the water this weekend will see additional Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers enforcing boating under the influence (BUI) laws as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.

    This enforcement operation is timed closely to July 4 each year to educate boaters on the dangers of boating under the influence and reduce the number of waterway accidents. Dangers include:

    • Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, which can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion.
    • Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion are added factors in a boating environment. All of these intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.
    • Alcohol can be dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication on board can cause injuries from slips, falls overboard and other dangerous accidents.

    “Boating is a favorite pastime of Coloradans and visitors alike, but we want to make sure that everyone is enjoying their time on the water responsibly,” said Flatwater Criminal Investigator Brian Phillips. “Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boating deaths in the country. We encourage boaters to boat smart, boat safe and boat sober.”

    Operation Dry Water operations will include increased patrols and checkpoints. Penalties for boating under the influence include receiving fines, having your boat impounded, potential jail time and losing boating privileges. Boaters with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above the .08 state limit should expect to be arrested for BUI.

    In Colorado, boaters must also take into account the risks that unpredictable weather can present while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions include strong wind gusts that can knock a paddleboarder or kayaker into the water and cold water temperatures that exist year-round.

    Boating Safety:
    Life jackets save lives. Last year was the deadliest year on Colorado waters, and the majority of fatalities occurred because people did not wear a life jacket. CPW advises the following boating safety tips before heading out onto the water.

    • Wear a life jacket.
    • Be aware of weather and water conditions.
    • Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
    • Paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
    • Follow boating speed limits and maintain a proper lookout to avoid hitting floating debris in waterways.

    River and Stream Safety:
    As of today, there have been 11 Swiftwater-related fatalities in Colorado.

    • Wear a life jacket​ and helmet.
    • Dress accordingly: though the air temperature may be hot, the water is very cold.
    • Check and scout the rapids and unknown sections of the river stretches you intend to run.
    • Water levels can rise quickly and without notice from heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains.
    • Do not underestimate the power of currents and overestimate your swimming abilities.
    • Don’t paddle in conditions you are not comfortable and confident paddling in.
    • Raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
    • If you fall into swift water, do not attempt to stand up because your foot might get stuck in a rock. Point your feet down the river and swim to shore as soon as possible.
    • Never leave children unattended by a river.

    For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • July Fourth Weekend brings increased DUI enforcement

    Statewide Traffic Safety – $10 discounts offered on Uber rides statewide

    Statewide — As Coloradans prepare for a long weekend of travel and celebrations, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies are kicking off the Fourth of July Weekend DUI enforcement period. The goal of the campaign is to remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads and encourage safe and sober rides. The elevated enforcement period runs July 1-5.

    In the last five years, 52% (23) of all roadway fatalities (44) during the Independence Day holiday reporting period involved suspected impaired drivers.

    To save lives this holiday weekend, CDOT, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Uber are providing Uber ride credits as a safe and sober alternative to impaired driving. The $10 ride credits are available statewide, valid while supplies last and can be redeemed using the code “SAFE4JULY” in the Uber app from June 29 at 5 p.m. through July 5 at 11:59 p.m. To apply the credit directly to the Uber app from a mobile device, click here.

    “Summer is in full swing, and the roadways are getting full. So be sure to make a plan for a sober ride if alcohol or marijuana is a part of your day’s activities,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP. “When you drive impaired, you put yourself and others at risk. Driving impaired is never the right choice. It’s selfish. Get a sober ride.”

    There were 1,486 DUI arrests during the Fourth of July holiday period from 2019-2021. The recent Summer Blitz enforcement period concluded with 300 arrests, bringing the reported DUI arrests total during 2023 enforcement periods to 2,655.

    The heat is on fourth of july

    “Make a plan each time you go out,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “We typically see a spike in impaired driving during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Don’t become a statistic — plan for a sober ride home, and you won’t have to worry about driving impaired.”

    Just one drink is enough to impair you — according to the National Highway Safety Administration in 2021, there were 2,226 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07. During the holiday weekend, Coloradans can be prepared with sober rides home by:

    • Using ride or transit services
    • Calling a sober friend
    • Designating a sober driver
    • Using ride-hailing services to your destination and leaving the car at home

    “Studies have shown Uber can help reduce alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities and it is more important than ever to provide Coloradans with more options so they can plan ahead, make better choices and avoid impaired driving,” said Harry Hartfield, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Uber. “We’re proud to partner with CDOT to help keep Colorado roads safe and help people make smart choices.”

    For yearly impaired driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

    About The Heat Is On

    The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.