Jeff Anastasio
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Digital journalist, streaming media @DenverChannel formally @wfaa & @kens5. INFP, empath, a very human...human who bikes Denver daily
Articles by Jeff Anastasio
Colorado sees sixth reported bear attack of 2026 after angler injured near North Fork trail Original
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. – An angler was hospitalized with leg injuries after he was attacked by a bear on Friday evening near the North Fork trail parking lot, adding to a series of attacks recently reported.Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said the attack happened around 8 p.m. near the confluence of the Platte river when the man was walking back to the parking lot after fishing. “Multiple witnesses reported a subadult sow knocked the man to the ground and bit his legs.
CBI releases photos of truck, driver linked to Denver pedestrian hit-and-run crash
DENVER – Law enforcement is asking the public’s help in identifying the driver of a truck allegedly connected to a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in Denver early Saturday morning. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued a Medina Alert after investigators said a pedestrian was struck by a 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck at around 1:48 a.m. at 48th Avenue and Kalamath Street.The driver of the truck left the scene, said the CBI.
Strong-to-severe storms could bring hail, flooding and gusty winds to northeastern Colorado Saturday
DENVER – If you’re out and about during the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday, stay weather aware as there is a better chance of strong-to-severe storms in northeastern Colorado. Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo said high temps will reach the low 90s, and as monsoon moisture returns to Colorado, there is a marginal risk of severe storms across Colorado’s Front Range. ▶️ Lisa walks you though the storm timeline, in the video player below.
Broncos tailgating weather: Temps soar with isolated storm chance
DENVER – It’ll be hot if you’re tailgating at the Broncos preseason home opener tonight as temps hover near 90° before a slight cooldown this weekend. Denver7 chief meteorologist said to expect a pleasant evening once the game gets underway, but the high temp will soar to around 97 degrees before dropping down to around 90 degrees by 7 p.m. when the Broncos kick off the game against the Green Bay Packers.
2 people shot inside vehicle forcing Colorado Blvd closure in Thornton
THORNTON, Colo. – One person is dead and another injured in an early-morning shooting that has forced the closure of a portion of Colorado Boulevard. Thornton police said the roadway is shut down from East 100th Avenue to Thornton Parkway and will remain closed for an extended period. Little information is available, but police said there were two people found shot inside a vehicle which had crashed into a pole.
Denver micromobility trips rise as Veo introduces sidewalk speed reductions
DENVER – As the city balances the need for more transportation options with frustrations over sidewalk accessibility and improperly parked scooters, new numbers released Wednesday give a glimpse of how Denverites and visitors are adapting to Veo e-bikes and scooters. Veo said between May and June, there were 1.34 million trips – an increase of 12% year-over-year.
Motorcyclist shot, killed by Logan County deputies
LOGAN COUNTY, Colo. – A motorcyclist was shot and killed Tuesday by deputies in Logan County following a report of a “driving complaint,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. Little information was immediately available, but the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened around 2:28 p.m. Four members of the sheriff’s office were involved, and a firearm was found near the motorcyclist’s body, according to the agency.
Denver weather: A few severe storms possible on the NE Plains
DENVER – High temps on Tuesday return to the low 90s in the Denver metro, and if you’re lucky, an isolated shower will help cool things down for you later this afternoon. A few isolated showers are possible along the Front Range as Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo says some storms could become strong-to-severe on Colorado’s Northeastern Plains. ▶️ Watch Lisa's forecast in the video player below.
Westbound Hwy 36 closed in Westminster due to fuel spill
WESTMINSTER, Colo. – A fuel spill has forced the closure of a portion of westbound Hwy 36. According to the Westminster Fire Department, the westbound lanes are closed between Pecos Street and Federal Blvd as emergency crews respond to the diesel fuel spill. “We are coordinating with law enforcement, working on the clean up and getting the highway back open,” wrote Westminster Fire on social media. There was no other information available as to what led up to the fuel spill.
Colorado climate chat: Monsoon season is easing drought but heavy rain, mudslides and heat remain concerns
DENVER — In the July edition of Climate Chat, CPR host Ryan Warner and Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo discuss monsoon moisture, wildfire risks, mudslides, drought, snow drought research and Colorado’s late-arriving 100-degree heat. Also in this conversation: • Monsoon moisture is bringing heavier rain to Colorado’s mountains and helping firefighters battle active wildfires. • Burn scars remain especially vulnerable to mudslides and flash flooding during intense downpours.
Man shot, killed by Arapahoe County deputies after they say he attacked them with pole: Officials Original
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – A man was shot and killed by Arapahoe County deputies early Saturday morning after officials said the person struck a deputy with a metal pole. According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, a resident just after 6 a.m. in the 4700 block of East Caley Place called 911 to report a person “acting very suspiciously” in a neighbor’s backyard.
‘Leaving Colorful Colorado’ sign destroyed in crash in Western Colorado
FRUITA, Colo. – The Centennial State has one less 'Leaving Colorful Colorado' sign after it was destroyed during a vehicle crash on I-70 near Mile Marker 231 on Saturday. This is in far western Colorado. Lower Valley Fire District (LVFD) on social media posted that the sign was obliterated when an apparent blown tire set off a crash where the driver of a van lost control and was forced off I-70.
Wildfire in Douglas County prompts evacuation warning
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo – An evacuation warning has been issued for a wildfire burning near Jackson Creek Road and Rampart Range Road, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Officials on social media said the evacuation warning is for a 3-mile radius surrounding the fire and includes Devils Head Recreation Area. “An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and property.
Colfax Marathon returns to denver this weekend for 20th year
DENVER — While a weather change is exected to bring rain and cooler temps to the Denver metro over the next few days, the rain should mostly hold off during Sunday morning for the Colfax Marathon. The Colfax Marathon weekend is back with thousands of runners expected in the two-day event, happening Saturday and Sunday. Other races like the half-marathon and the Urban 10 Mile are still available, and spots for the marathon are filling up. More info. and how to register, here.
Man faces multiple charges after string of intentionally set fires, Castle Rock police say
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – Following several “intentionally set” fires reported across Castle Rock, police said a person of interest will face multiple charges including arson, trespassing, tampering and theft. On Friday, Castle Rock Police said 46-year-old Caleb Bishop remained in custody at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility in connection to fires set between May 12 and 13. Denver7 previously reported this week on fires that tore through Hideaway Bar & Grill at 600 Jerry Street.
Crash shuts down US 85 southbound near E‑470 in Brighton
BRIGHTON, Colo. – A crash on the southbound lanes of US 85 near E470 has forced the closure of the highway Friday morning. Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber said vehicles were stacking up in the area. “Large emergency response, I think we’re going to be closed for a while,” he added. US 85 southbound lanes are closed between E-470 and CO 22/East 124th Avenue, according to CDOT. To get around it, Luber said: "This crash and closure of SB 85 after 136th will be in place for a while.
I-225 SB lanes closed at I-70 due to 5-vehicle crash
AURORA, Colo. – Southbound lanes of I-225 are closed at I-70 due to a 5-vehicle crash near Smith Road. According to the Aurora Police Department, 2 people were taken to local hospitals. Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber said to expect congestion in the area and to take Havana, Chambers or Airport Blvd as alternative routes. As of 6 a.m., the Aurora Police Department has opened one lane of I-225. This story will be updated.
Frontier Airlines jet on takeoff hits, kills person on Denver International Airport runway
DENVER — A dozen people reported minor injuries and five were taken to hospitals after a Frontier Airlines jet on takeoff hit and killed a person walking across a runway at Denver International Airport Friday night, according to airport officials. The jet hit the pedestrian during takeoff around 11:20 p.m. Friday, according to DIA.
Missing hunter Kaden Sites found dead near Tabeguache Creek in Chaffee County after 10-day search
CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. — Ten days after a hunter went missing in Chaffee County, officials said the body of 27-year-old Kaden Sites was discovered Saturday near Tabeguache Creek. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office on social media said Site’s body was found in a wilderness area around 1.5 miles from his truck. Foul play was not suspected, and the cause of death was not released “Our hearts go out to the Sites family and friends this evening.
Body of missing hunter Kaden Sites found near Tabaguache Creek 10 days after disappearance
CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. — 10 days after a hunter went missing in Chaffee County, officials said the body of 27-year-old Kaden Sites was discovered Saturday near Tabaguache Creek. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office on social media said Site’s body was found in a wilderness area around 1.5 miles from his truck. Foul play was not suspected and a cause of death was not released “Our hearts go out to the Sites family and friends this evening.
Wildfire in Fort Collins prompts mandatory evacuations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A wildfire has prompted mandatory evacuations for a portion of far west Fort Collins. According to a NOCOAlert, the mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents west of Overland Trail and south of Elizabeth Street to Dixon Canyon Road. Voluntary evacuations have also been issued for an area between Overland trail and Taft Hill Road, south of Vine Drive and north of Horsetooth Road, according to authorities.
Yuma County wildfire forcing Highway 36 closure to the Kansas border
YUMA COUNTY, Colo. – A portion of Highway 36 is closed in far eastern Colorado near the Kansas border due to a reported wildfire. The Yuma County Office of Emergency Management posted on social media at around 9:15 p.m.: “Attention Yuma County residents: There is a large fire near Highway 36 by Idalia, close to the Yuma County/Cheyenne County line – If you live in this area, please stay alert.
Denver water restrictions: Share your concerns, how you are impacted
Colorado’s low snowpack and unusually warm, dry winter are shaping how residents live as communities look to water restrictions. Whether you’re a homeowner adjusting irrigation schedules, a business navigating water‑use limits or a farmer dealing with the impacts of drought conditions, Denver7 wants to hear directly from you. How are the drought and potential water restrictions affecting your daily life, your neighborhood, or your livelihood?
Winter burst to record-breaking warmth: Colorado’s two-season forecast in a week
DENVER – Colorado’s wild weather whiplash continues over the 48 hours and into next week as the warm temps, high fire danger give way to a blast of winter and snow by the latter part of the weekend. All of this happens before a dramatic warm up arrives in Denver and northeastern Colorado by the end of the week.
Englewood PD responding to reported shooting at HCA HealthONE Swedish hospital
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Law enforcement is responding to a shooting investigation at HCA HealthONE Swedish involving a Cherry Hills Village police officer, Englewood police told Denver7. There was no immediate information as to how the reported shooting unfolded or if there are any injuries. HCA HealthONE Swedish is located in the 500 block of E Hampden Ave. Denver7 has a news crew headed to the scene. Refresh this page for updates.
Cyclist in Boulder County killed in crash with dump truck: CSP
BOULDER, Colo. – A cyclist was killed in a crash involving a dump truck on Highway 119 on Friday morning. According to the Colorado State patrol (CSP) the crash happened near Niwot Road on Highway 119 around 11 a.m. An adult male was pronounced dead at the scene and there were no other reports of injuries. Very limited details were available and this story will be updated as Denver7 learns more.
'Defining moment': Denver Summit FC breaks attendance record at inaugural home match
DENVER – With 45,000 tickets sold, Denver Summit FC will break the single-game NWSL attendance record for the club’s inaugural home match, The Kickoff, at Empower Field, the team announced Wednesday. The game is set for March 28 at noon.The previous single-game NWSL attendance record was 40,091 tickets sold for a matchup between Bay FC and Washington Spirit in San Francisco last August.
Snow squalls possible in mountains, high winds and fire danger in NE Colorado
DENVER – Winter returns in a big way through Colorado’s High Country Tuesday with weather forecasters warning of potential snow squalls, or periods of “quick and intense” snow and wind which could create potentially dangerous driving conditions in the mountains.
Winter Bike to Work day likely to bring more cyclists with warmer temps Friday
DENVER — DENVER – With Colorado’s warm weather streak continuing, the name might include winter but there’s no snow or extreme cold temps in sight in the Denver metro area on Friday for the annual Winter Bike to Work Day. Organized by Way to Go, which is a program by the Denver Regional Council of Governments, Winter Bike to Work day encourages cyclists who swap vehicle rides for two wheels all while bringing together Colorado’s diverse cycling community.
Denver cyclists roll for unity and honor Alex Pretti, while demanding change Original
DENVER – Hundreds of Denver cyclists joined other Coloradans Saturday who gathered and rolled in unity to honor Alex Pretti while demanding an end to the recent ICE surge. Pretti, an ICU nurse and avid cyclist, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis last weekend. Across the country, "We Ride in Unity" events were held including in Boulder, Fort Collins, Wheat Ridge, Salida, Gunnison, among others.
Boulder County deputy arrested, faces domestic violence allegations
BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. – A deputy who has been with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office since 2019 faces allegations of domestic violence in connection with an alleged incident Monday night Longmont. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Deputy Peter Markusen turned himself into the Boulder County Jail on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued on charges including 3rd degree assault, harassment, domestic violence and child abuse, which are misdemeanors.
Brutal wind chills settle across NE Colorado plunging to -20° below in spots
DENVER – A blast of arctic air has settled across northeastern Colorado as dangerously low wind chills will be the main weather story this weekend with light snow expected in the Denver metro area over the next 24 hours. Friday’s high temp in Denver will struggle to reach 20 degrees and will remain below freezing until at least next Monday.
Winter's return: Sub-zero temps, snow settle into NE Colorado, including Denver
DENVER — Winter might really feel like it has finally arrived as a sharp drop in temperatures with lows dipping to around zero degrees and light snow arrives in Denver’s weather forecast potentially impacting the Friday commute. For at least 48 hours, Denver’s temperature will remain below freezing with snow picking up late Friday and overnight into Saturday then lingering through the morning hours.
As Alameda debate intensifies, Denver faces pressure over traffic deaths and Vision Zero goals Original
DENVER – As voices grow demanding the City of Denver rethink its decision to scrap the original plan to fix Alameda Avenue — one of Denver’s High Injury Network (HIN) corridors — the controversial topic will again take center stage Wednesday.
Denver police ask public’s help finding missing 12-year-old girl Original
DENVER – Denver police are asking the public’s help in locating a missing 12-year-old girl. Addie Williford was last seen near E. Florida Avenue and S. Birch Street on Friday. According to DPD, she was wearing an unknown style of shirt, green pants and cowboy boots. Williford has blonde hair, hazel eyes and stands at 5’ weighing around 100 lbs. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 720-913-2000.
Police arrest suspect accused of using homemade explosives to damage trash cans on High Line Canal Trail
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. – Police arrested an 18-year-old suspect investigators allege used small, homemade explosive devices in an effort to damage trash cans along the High Line Canal. Several incidents were reported over the last couple of months in the overnight hours on the trail, according to police, which previously released images of a suspect.
Wildfire in Sedgwick County in far NE Colorado triggering evacuations
SEDGWICK COUNTY, Colo. – An evacuation notice has been issued due to a reported grass fire in far northeastern Colorado. According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, a wildfire has been reported near I-76 and Highway 59, “extending south to County Road 18 and east to County Road 19,” wrote law enforcement on social media.
Pedestrian killed in crash with vehicle on S. Colorado Blvd Original
Limited information was available, but according to Denver Police, the deadly crash happened in the 1100 block of S. Colorado Blvd. It was not clear what time it happened, but DPD posted about the crash on social media at around 7:30 p.m. Denver7 will update this story with more details once we learn more.
Apparent carjacking, chase leads to law enforcement presence in Dougco
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. – An apparent carjacking in Centennial and high-speed chase extending into Douglas County has triggered a large law enforcement presence in Highlands Ranch Monday evening. Little information is available but the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office told Denver7 the incident started with a carjacking near S. Broadway and S. Lincoln Streets in Centennial. The suspect vehicle fled south leading to a high-speed chase with Douglas County deputies, said the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office.
Kenny Nguyen picked to fill vacant Colorado House District 33 seat
DENVER – The vacant Colorado House District 33 seat will be filled by Kenny Nguyen, Colorado Democrats announced Monday evening. Representative-elect Nguyen will fill the seat that was vacated by former representative William Lindstedt, who was selected to fill the Colorado Senate seat held by Faith Winter, who passed away in a car crash in November 2025.
Snow totals for Denver metro and across Colorado: First snowstorm of 2026
DENVER – After two rounds of snow in Colorado over the last 36 hours, the accumulations have piled up in the High Country and areas south and west of the Denver metro area. Around the Denver metro area, snow totals have ranged between a trace and 3 to 4 inches in spots, as of Friday morning. Here are the latest Colorado snow totals reported by the National Weather Service (NWS). Click here to watch the Denver7 live weather stream.
Telluride set to reopen this weekend as ski patrol strike comes to an end
TELLURIDE, Colo. – Telluride Ski Resort will reopen this weekend after the ski resort and ski patrol union came to an agreement ending a strike which began in late December. Telluride Mayor Teddy Errico told the Scripps News Group a deal had been made between both parties ending the strike. In a news release, Telluride Ski Resort added: “We are delighted that the two parties came to an agreement today.
Telluride set to reopen this weekend as ski patrol strike comes to an end
TELLURIDE, Colo. – Telluride Ski Resort will reopen this weekend after the ski resort and ski patrol union came to an agreement ending a strike which began in late December. Telluride Mayor Teddy Errico told Denver7 a deal had been made between both parties ending the strike. In a news release, Telluride Ski Resort added: “We are delighted that the two parties came to an agreement today.
Two rounds of snow possible in Denver. Here's what to expect over next 48 hours
DENVER – Two rounds of snow are possible in the Denver metro area over the next 36 to 48 hours, first developing in the mountains in the overnight hours into Thursday morning before bringing a chance of a rain-snow mix across the Front Range. For the Denver metro area, the second shot at snow later in the day on Thursday could bring more accumulations.
Fire in El Paso County triggers brief evacuation order on Thursday
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. – A fire burning off Highway 94 in El Paso County near a distribution center briefly triggered an evacuation order Thursday afternoon.
Winter weather advisory for the mountains as warm temps settle into Denver
DENVER – Unseasonably warm temps will remain across northeastern Colorado to start the new year as the mountains will see several inches of snow triggering a winter weather advisory for portions of the High Country to end the week. Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo said to expect highs in the upper 50s in the metro with more cloud cover on Thursday, but temps will remain around 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of year.
Skier dies after collision with tree on Aspen Mountain in Colorado
A skier died on Aspen Mountain in an accident, the resort confirmed to the Scripps News Group in Denver. The skier, who was wearing a helmet, died on Friday, December 19 after colliding with a tree. The skier was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital, according to Aspen resort. “Our deepest condolences are with the guest’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We are truly sorry for their loss.
APD: Teen 'person of interest’ in shooting death of 16-year-old also found dead
AURORA, Colo. – A teen “person of interest” in a weekend Aurora shooting where a 16-year-old was found dead in a driveway, died from a “self-inflicted injury,” said Aurora police. There was no other information available other than the teen was a 17-year-old male from Aurora and died in Denver. On Sunday morning at around 12:15 a.m., Aurora police responded to the 3400 block of S. Jebel Court and found a 16-year-old boy victim lying in a driveway with a gunshot wound. The teen died at the scene.
With winter storm comes increased avalanche danger this weekend in Colorado Original
DENVER – With the winter storm system rolling through Colorado and expected to bring several inches of snow to the High Country, officials are warning of an increased avalanche danger this weekend. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), the “most dangerous” area of concern is on The Park Range. “Be careful on slopes where you find more than 8" of new or wind-drifted snow. Avoid steep slopes where you see cracking or collapsing,” wrote CAIC on social media.
Skier dies after collision with tree on Aspen Mountain
PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. – A skier died on Aspen Mountain in an accident, the resort confirmed to Denver7. The skier, who was wearing a helmet, died on Friday, December 19 after colliding with a tree. The skier was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital, according to Aspen resort. “Our deepest condolences are with the guest’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We are truly sorry for their loss. We’d also like to thank our highly trained Ski Patrol for their swift and professional response.”
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