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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Front Page

  • Burn restrictions levied across I-70 Corridor

    Burn restrictions levied across I-70 Corridor

    by Steven Vetter
    Managing Editor
    As wildfire season appears to be in full swing throughout the western half of Colorado, I-70 Corridor jurisdictions have implemented stricter burn restrictions to prevent a similar trend locally.
    Adams and Elbert county sheriff’s departments announced Level 2 burn restrictions July 11 with Arapahoe County following suit the next day. The stricter fire bans were the result of close coordination with fire department officials throughout all three counties, especially in the unincorporated eastern areas.
    Under the stepped up fire restrictions, all open outdoor burning is banned, except:
    • Charcoal or gas grills;
    • approved portable exterior fireplaces; and
    • outdoor welding or hot work.
    Prescribed burning of fields or fence lines will only be allowed when a signed permit from the presiding fire chief is obtained. The likelihood of a burn permit being approved during the ban is low. Fireworks and the use of educational rockets is also restricted until further notice.
    Limited burning of household trash is allowed, as long as it is done in a container that limits the amount of flame escaping.
    Residents caught violating the burn ban can face stiff fines. For example, in Arapahoe County, the first convicting could result in fines up to $500; $750 for the second violation; and possibly $1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

  • July 4th DUI Enforcement Cites 312 Drivers

    STATEWIDE — Law enforcement across Colorado were on heightened alert for impaired drivers over the Fourth of July weekend, citing 312 drivers during the latest The Heat Is On enforcement. The 312 citations are an increase from the 271 during last year’s enforcement.

     

    “Unfortunately, DUI arrests over the Fourth of July weekend increased this year,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Even one impaired driver is a tremendous hazard, and we thank our law enforcement partners for taking 312 impaired drivers off the road who were putting others in danger.”

     

    90 agencies participated in the enforcement period with the Colorado State Patrol (64 arrests), Aurora Police Department (39 arrests) and Colorado Springs Police Department (33 arrests) recording the most arrests.

     

    To date 2,983 impaired drivers have been arrested in the five The Heat Is On enforcement periods this year. The next enforcement period is the Labor Day Crackdown from August 19 to September 6. There are a total of 12 enforcement periods throughout the year.

     

    “It’s unfortunate that impaired drivers make the bad decision to put themselves and all others on the road in danger,” Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of CSP. “With Colorado law enforcement agencies working sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, I’m sure many alcohol related crashes were avoided over the holiday weekend.”

     

    To access CDOT’s The Heat Is On arrest database visit bit.ly/HIOarrests. Arrest data can be sorted based on law enforcement agency, county and enforcement period.

     

    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 12 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. More details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

     

  • Possible Explosive Found

    Possible Explosive Found

     

    ADAMS COUNTY — At 9:24am on July 04, 2016, deputies were dispatched to a report of a possible found pipe bomb at Barr Lake State Park 13401 Piccadilly Rd. When deputies arrived on scene Park Rangers stated a fisherman who had been fishing about 10 to 15 feet away from the shoreline, near the boat ramp caught an unknown object on their line and upon reeling it in saw what appeared to be a pipe bomb. The fisherman collected the object and turned it over to Park Rangers. Park Rangers placed it in a safe area and called the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

    When Deputies arrived they set up a perimeter around the device to keep the public at a safe distance and then called out the Adams County Bomb Squad.

    The Adams County Bomb Squad arrived, assessed the object and determined it could be a dangerous explosive device and rendered it safe. The remaining pieces of the object were collected for evidence. An investigation will be conducted.

    The Adams County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that if they see something suspicious or an object that looks like it could be dangerous to stay away and call law enforcement to investigate.

  • Fourth of July DUI Enforcement Begins Today

    288 Drivers Arrested Last Year

    STATEWIDE — The Fourth of July is a celebration of American liberties and independence — don’t lose yours by driving under the influence. This holiday weekend the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local police agencies will conduct increased DUI enforcement, aiming to protect Colorado roadways and remind motorists that impaired driving is illegal and carries serious consequences. The heightened statewide enforcement begins today, Friday, July 1, and runs through Tuesday, July 5.

     

    In 2014 there were 66 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 3 deaths during the Fourth of July holiday period.

     

    “CDOT asks Fourth of July celebrators to make responsible decisions and remember that only a few drinks can impair your ability to drive,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “There is no excuse for impaired driving considering the numerous options available for people to get around. Whether it’s public transportation, a designated driver or ride-hailing services, alternatives are readily accessible.”

     

    Last year, 288 impaired drivers were arrested by 99 participating agencies during the July Fourth enforcement period. The Aurora Police Department (27), Colorado Springs Police Department (20) and Denver Police Department (20) recorded the highest number of citations.

     

    “Impaired driving is an issue law enforcement has zero tolerance for,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be out in force, cracking down on drunk driving. Expect to see sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and increased vigilance in an effort to keep our roadways safe.”

     

    To access CDOT’s The Heat Is On arrest database visit http://apps.coloradodot.info/TrafficSafety/HEAT/index.cfm.

    Totals can be sorted based on agency, county, enforcement period, and patrol unit.

     

    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 12 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. More details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

  • Personal property appeals

    Personal property appeals

    File personal property appeals through June 30

    Business personal property owners may file valuation appeals with the Assessor’s Office June 15 through June 30, 2016. Appeals may be filed by mail, fax, drop-off, in person or online using our website.

  • CRIME ALERT

    CRIME ALERT

    ARAPAHOE COUNTY — The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance with identifying two woman suspected in at least two frauds in the area, as well as a male suspect being sought in connected Douglas County case.

    On Wednesday, June 1, a credit card from a wallet stolen at Whole Foods, 6853 S. York St, was used at Best Buy, 6707 S. Vine St., and withdrawals were made from the victim’s bank account.

    On Tuesday, June 2, a similar crime took place at Albertson’s, 7450 S. University Blvd. Credit cards from that wallet theft were used at the Apple Store, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive. Withdrawals were also made from this victim’s bank account.

    The first suspect is a white female, approximately 40 to 50 years old. She has a thin build and blond hair. The second suspect is also a white female about 40 to 50 years old with long dark hair.

    An additional case being investigated by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office involves our dark-haired female suspect and the male pictured here. This crime also occurred on June 2.

    The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with information about this crime or the identity of these suspects to please contact Crime Stoppers.

    Call METRO DENVER Crime Stoppers
    720-913-STOP (7867)
    Text to: 274637 (CRIMES) then title DMCS & enter your message.
    Crime Stoppers collects information on unsolved crimes or individuals wanted by the police.
    Callers can remain anonymous.

    The tip line is answered 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.

  • South Entrance of Denver International Airport Closed For Repairs

    South Entrance of Denver International Airport Closed For Repairs

    IMPORTANT NOTICE!

     

    Residents of the I-70 Corridor who want to go to Denver International Airport through the south entrance should be advised that 56thAvenue west of Hudson Road is closed for road repairs.

     

    To use the south entrance, go west through Watkins on Highway 36, north on Hudson Road, west on 26th Avenue, north on Monaghan Road, and west on 56th.

     

    Otherwise take E-470 or Tower Road to Pena Boulevard.

  • Armed Robbery 451 E. 58th Avenue Adams County, Colorado

    Armed Robbery 451 E. 58th Avenue Adams County, Colorado

    ADAMS COUNTY — On June 16, 2016 at approximately 10:24 AM two masked men approached a man in his vehicle as he was leaving the Merchandise Mart. The men robbed him at gunpoint. They were able to take an unknown amount of jewelry and flee in a dark colored minivan in an unknown direction. At this point, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and no further details are available.

     

     

  • Department of Corrections Confirms Offender Walk Away from Oakland Warehouse

    Department of Corrections Confirms Offender Walk Away from Oakland Warehouse

    DENVER —  The Colorado Department of Corrections confirms that at approximately 1:45 p.m., a minimum custody offender walked away from the CCI Oakland Warehouse.

     

    The offender is:

     

    John Nodine, DOC# 60675, white male, 56 years old, DOB 04/17/1960, 6’0” tall, 220 pounds, wears eyeglasses, has hazel eyes and has grey/balding hair (official departmental photo attached). Nodine is currently serving sentences for theft and burglary.

     

    The offender was last seen wearing a department issued green shirt with the letters “CCI” embroidered on the front and green pants.

     

    The Department of Corrections is working with state and local law enforcement officials to apprehend the offender.

     

    Anyone with any information on this offender should contact their local law enforcement agency.

     

     

  • Fugitive of Justice

    Fugitive of Justice

    BRIGHTON — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Isaiah Claypool, DOB 010494, a black male 6’8” 300lbs with black hair and brown eyes.

    Isaiah’s charges include a weapons charge from the ATF.

    Isaiah was released from the Adams County Detention Facility on 060116 after bonding on warrants from Denver and Douglas County. Isaiah had an additional warrant for weapons charges from the ATF. Isaiah could possibly be in the Denver area.

    If you know Isaiah’s whereabouts or see him or someone matching his description; please call 911, ATF Special Agent Jason Cole at 303-575-7699 or the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 303-288-1535.