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Articles by John Bears
Boulder County Libertarian Party chair ID'd as man found dead in Longmont home
By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Ralph Shnelvar The Boulder County Coroner's Office has identified the man who was found dead Tuesday in a house on Chestnut Drive in Longmont as Ralph Shnelvar, the chair of the Boulder County Libertarian Party. His body was found after police were called to the Chestnut Drive on a possible report of domestic violence.
Boulder County Libertarian Party chair ID'd as man found dead in Longmont home
By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Ralph Shnelvar The Boulder County Coroner's Office has identified the man who was found dead in a house on Chestnut Drive in Longmont on Tuesday as Ralph Shnelvar. Shnelvar's wife had called 911 after a domestic violence incident in the home and said that he was suicidal and had access to firearms. The report prompted a large police response.
Boulder County Libertarian Party chair ID'd as man found dead in Longmont home
By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Ralph Shnelvar The Boulder County Coroner's Office has identified the man who was found dead Tuesday in a house on Chestnut Drive in Longmont as Ralph Shnelvar, the chair of the Boulder County Libertarian Party. His body was found after police were called to the Chestnut Drive on a possible report of domestic violence.
25K Boulder County ballots outstanding, clerk's office says
Jim Piggot gest an "I Voted" sticker after dropping his ballot off Monday at the Boulder County St. Vrain Community Hub in Longmont. Officials with the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder's Office say about 40,000 ballots haven't been counted yet. ( Lewis Geyer / Staff Photographer ) Boulder County election workers had tallied 152,172 ballots as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, less than 24 hours after polls closed in the 2018 midterm elections.
Two more bodies found in oil and gas tanks believed to be missing girls
Frederick man accused in death of wife, 3- and 4-year-old daughters By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Shanann Watts, center, and her children, 3-year-old Celeste (left) and 4-year-old Bella, were reported missing out of Frederick. Sources tell Denver7 that her husband, Chris, confessed to killing his family and has been detained by law enforcement.
Two more bodies found in oil and gas tanks believed to be missing girls
Frederick man accused in death of wife, 3- and 4-year-old daughters Frederick police recovered two bodies on Thursday afternoon believed to be Bella and Celeste Watts, less than 24 hours after their father was arrested on suspicion of murdering them and their mother. Police announced earlier Thursday that they had recovered a body believed to be that of the girls' mother, Shanann Watts, on property owned by Anadarko Petroleum, where her husband, Christopher Watts was previously employed.
Longmont police arrest suspect in early morning sexual assault on a child inside home
A man suspected of breaking into a Longmont house early Tuesday morning and sexually assaulting a child once inside was arrested in Thornton about 14 hours later. The suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Rodrigo Ignacio Albarran-Estrada, also known as Julio Carra, according to a news release from the Longmont Police Department. Sgt. Matt Cage said that police had been looking for the suspect most of the day Tuesday. He confirmed shortly before 6:30 p.m. that police had taken him into custody.
Stranger broke into Longmont home before dawn and sexually assaulted child, police say
Rodrigo Ignacio Albarran-Estrada, aka Julio Carra, arrested after daylong search By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Rodrigo Ignacio Albarran-Estrada (Courtesy photo/Longmont Police Department) A man suspected of breaking into a Longmont house early Tuesday morning and sexually assaulting a child once inside was arrested in Thornton about 14 hours later.
Stranger broke into Longmont home before dawn and sexually assaulted child, police say
Rodrigo Ignacio Albarran-Estrada, aka Julio Carra, arrested after daylong search By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Rodrigo Ignacio Albarran-Estrada (Courtesy photo/Longmont Police Department) A man suspected of breaking into a Longmont house early Tuesday morning and sexually assaulting a child once inside was arrested in Thornton about 14 hours later.
Broomfield structure fire caused by faulty wiring
North Metro Fire Rescue District investigators determined that a fire that destroyed a Broomfield home Wednesday was accidentally caused by faulty electrical wires outside of the home. Two adults and three young children were inside the home on the 7000 block of W. 119th Place when the fire broke out in the backyard shortly after 11 a.m. They escaped uninjured, but some of their pets died in the fire, according to a news release.
Broomfield structure fire caused by faulty wiring
North Metro Fire Rescue District investigators determined that a fire that destroyed a Broomfield home Wednesday was accidentally caused by faulty electrical wires outside of the home. Two adults and three young children were inside the home on the 7000 block of W. 119th Place when the fire broke out in the backyard shortly after 11 a.m. They escaped uninjured, but some of their pets died in the fire, according to a news release.
Officials seeking witnesses in I-25 crash that killed 1, injured 4 east of Longmont
By Mitchell Byars and John Bear Staff Writers Investigators on scene of a van rollover crash on I-25 Tuesday morning. (DenverChannel 7) The Colorado State Patrol is seeking witnesses to a Tuesday morning fatal crash on Interstate 25 east of Longmont that left one person dead.
Officials seeking witnesses in I-25 crash that killed 1, injured 4 east of Longmont
The Colorado State Patrol is seeking witnesses to a Tuesday morning fatal crash on Interstate 25 east of Longmont that left one person dead. Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis said that a 2011 Chevy passenger van was in the left lane of northbound I-25 at 8:33 a.m. Monday when the driver tried to change lanes and the rear of the van hit the front of a 2006 Chevy sedan in the next lane.
Boulder County spared large hail Tuesday, but the damage was already done
Residents of Boulder County spent Tuesday surveying the aftermath of a storm on Monday that dropped 3-inch hailstones, leaving cars with broken windshields and dented hoods. Russell Danielson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said that 1.25-inch hail was reported in south Longmont and south of Hygiene, and 1-inch hail was reported two miles northwest of Niwot. "It was worse yesterday, for Boulder County at least," Danielson said.
Joy beats back the rain as Boulder County graduates celebrate
Gloomy skies and persistent rain could do little Saturday to dim the joy of hundreds of high school graduates as the commencement season hit full stride in Boulder County. Boulder High School's ceremony was a bit soggy thanks to Saturday morning's steady dousing, but still filled with advice, cheers and optimism as more than 480 graduating seniors received diplomas.
Lockout lifted at Boulder's Eisenhower Elementary after search for 'upset' man
By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers Breaking news banner. Police Line Do Not Cross. Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer July 6, 2017 (Matthew Jonas / Staff Photographer) EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Eisenhower Elementary Principal Brady Stroup's name. The lockout at Eisenhower Elementary School in Boulder has been lifted following an incident where police were looking for a man who banged on doors and windows at the school before noon on Thursday.
Coroner IDs 62-year-old woman killed in Louisville during windstorm
Lucinda Spencer, of Lafayette, was struck while moving into a new residence By Madeline St. Amour and John Bear Staff Writers A memorial has been left for Lucinda Spencer at the spot in Louisville where she was struck by a tree limb during Tuesday's windstorm. The 62-year-old later died of her injuries.
No sign of Rita Gutierrez-Garcia after police search Longmont's Golden Ponds
Mother of 3 has not been seen since Sunday A diver searches Golden Ponds in Longmont on Saturday morning in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Rita Gutierrez-Garcia. Authorities were using several boats and a drone to search the water. ( Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer ) Longmont police on Saturday morning began a search of Golden Ponds Park southwest of Hover Street and Third Avenue in connection with the disappearance of a Longmont woman a week ago, but came away empty-handed.
Golden Ponds Park focus of search for missing woman
Rita Gutierrez-Garcia has not been seen since Sunday Longmont police on Saturday morning began a search of Golden Ponds Park southwest of Hover Street and Third Avenue in connection to the disappearance of a Longmont woman a week ago but came away empty-handed. Rita Gutierrez-Garcia, 34, has not been seen since she went out with friends and family to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
2 people taken to hospital after fire in abandoned building in Boulder
Firefighters are seen outside a burning building near 30th Street and Pearl Parkway in Boulder this afternoon. ( John Bear / Daily Camera ) Boulder firefighters have been able to contain a structure fire at the intersection of 30th Street and Pearl Parkway in which two people were transported to the hospital. The fire was reported around 1:40 p.m. at 3225 Prairie Ave.
2 people taken to hospital after fire in abandoned building in Boulder
Firefighters are seen outside a burning building near 30th Street and Pearl Parkway in Boulder this afternoon. ( Jeremy Papasso / Staff Photographer ) Boulder firefighters have been able to contain a structure fire at the intersection of 30th Street and Pearl Parkway in which two people were transported to the hospital. The fire was reported around 1:40 p.m. at 3225 Prairie Ave.
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Broomfield teen Natalie Bollinger
The Adams County Sheriff's Office announced late Thursday night that a suspect had been arrested in the death of Broomfield teen Natalie Bollinger — who, coroner's records reveal, was fatally shot in the head. Joseph Michael Lopez, 22, was booked into the Adams County Jail at 2:20 a.m. Friday, according to sheriff's records. Sheriff's officials have not yet released Lopez's photo, nor have they detailed what charges he's facing in the December death of Bollinger, 19.
Longmont seeking public input on police's use of drones
'We want to make sure the community understands how we plan to use them' A member of the Boulder Emergency Squad prepares to deploy a drone over the scene of a fatal two-car crash at the intersection of Isabelle Road and U.S. 287 in November. ( Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer ) Longmont police has budgeted $42,000 to purchase and equip four drones that they say can be employed for a variety of uses, including traffic investigations and missing persons cases.
Longmont seeking public input on police's use of drones
'We want to make sure the community understands how we plan to use them' A member of the Boulder Emergency Squad prepares to deploy a drone over the scene of a fatal two-car crash at the intersection of Isabelle Road and U.S. 287 in November. ( Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer ) Longmont police has budgeted $42,000 to purchase and equip four drones that they say can be employed for a variety of uses, including traffic investigations and missing persons cases.
Small grass fire burning north of Longmont now contained
Firefighters battle a grass fire near N. 115th St. and Vermillion Road north of Longmont on Wednesday. (Lewis Geyer/Staff Photographer) The Boulder County Sheriff's Office announced on Twitter that a grass fire burning near North 115th Street and Vermillion Road has been contained. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office tweeted that the fire at one point was estimated to be several acres in size. Officials said no structures were threatened, but asked residents to stay away from the area.
Neighbor who found victim of fatal Longmont stabbing: 'I tried to help her'
DA to weigh whether to charge 15-year-old suspect as an adult Michael Brown was doing dishes in his second-floor apartment at The Shores at McIntosh Lake in Longmont on Saturday evening when he heard thumps outside. Going to investigate, he saw a young woman lying at the bottom of the stairs leading to the third level and asked if she was OK. When she didn't answer, he said, he came closer, saw blood and turned her over.
Neighbor who found victim of fatal Longmont stabbing: 'I tried to help her'
DA to weigh whether to charge 15-year-old suspect as an adult Michael Brown was doing dishes in his second-floor apartment at The Shores at McIntosh Lake in Longmont on Saturday evening when he heard thumps outside. Going to investigate, he saw a young woman lying at the bottom of the stairs leading to the third level and asked if she was OK. When she didn't answer, he said, he came closer, saw blood and turned her over.
Witness tries to help woman fatally stabbed in Longmont; 15-year-old faces murder charge
Michael Brown was doing dishes in his second floor apartment at The Shores at McIntosh Lake on Saturday evening when he heard thumps outside. Going to investigate, he saw a young woman lying at the bottom of the stairs leading to the third level and asked if she was OK. When she didn't answer, he said, he came closer, saw blood and turned her over. "I saw there were multiple stab wounds in her chest," he said, adding that he's a former Navy corpsman with some medical training.
Neighbor who found victim of fatal Longmont stabbing: 'I tried to help her'
DA to weigh whether to charge 15-year-old suspect as an adult Michael Brown was doing dishes in his second-floor apartment at The Shores at McIntosh Lake in Longmont on Saturday evening when he heard thumps outside. Going to investigate, he saw a young woman lying at the bottom of the stairs leading to the third level and asked if she was OK. When she didn't answer, he said, he came closer, saw blood and turned her over.
Louisville bank robbed by cycling bandit for second time this year
Police are investigating a bank robbery which occurred Saturday at the Bank of the West on South Boulder Road in Louisville. The same bank was also targeted earlier this year. ( Matthew Jonas / Staff Photographer ) Police today are investigating a bank robbery on South Boulder Road in Louisville involving a suspect who wheeled away from the scene on a bicycle. It's the second time that bank has been targeted this year. According to police, the Bank of the West, 865 S.
Louisville bank robbed by cycling bandit for second time this year
Police are investigating a bank robbery which occurred Saturday at the Bank of the West on South Boulder Road in Louisville. The same bank was also targeted earlier this year. ( Matthew Jonas / Staff Photographer ) Police today are investigating a bank robbery on South Boulder Road in Louisville involving a suspect who wheeled away from the scene on a bicycle. It's the second time that bank has been targeted this year. According to police, the Bank of the West, 865 S.
'I don't believe this': Longmont woman makes it through harrowing night in Hurricane Irma
Longmont resident Rose Chamberlain said she walked out into the streets of Providenciales this morning, saw the destruction Hurricane Irma caused the Turks and Caicos Islands and cried. "Oh my God. It's still raining a little bit but it's almost gone," Chamberlain said in a video she filmed of the house where she and Parker resident Kelsey Loren weathered the hurricane as the sun rose over the islands. "The whole roof is gone. The deck is gone. I don't believe this.
George Tiba again found guilty of sexual assault in Boulder retrial
For the second time in four years, a Boulder County jury on Friday found George Tiba guilty of sexually assaulting a Boulder woman he met at a downtown Boulder bar in 2013. Tiba, 52, was found guilty of sexual assault on a physically helpless victim and sexual assault on a victim incapable of appraising her condition after about two hours of deliberation late Thursday and early Friday.
Boulder police responding to 'disturbance' off Thunderbird and Osage
Police investigate a 'disturbance' at an apartment complex in south Boulder on Thursday (Matthew Jonas / Staff photographer) Boulder police are responding to a "disturbance" at the Harper House apartments at the corner of Osage and Thunderbird drives. Boulder police spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly said there may be some mental health issues involved, but did not have any other information on the nature of the disturbance.
In Beth Buglione, Nederland hires Colorado's first female high school football coach
Beth Buglione is the new football coach at Nederland High School, and is believed to be the first woman to hold a high school football coaching job in Colorado. ( Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer ) Beth Buglione never set out to be a trailblazer.
In Beth Buglione, Nederland hires Colorado's first female high school football coach
Beth Buglione is the new football coach at Nederland High School, and is believed to be the first woman to hold a high school football coaching job in Colorado. ( Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer ) Beth Buglione never set out to be a trailblazer.
Climber rescued after 25-foot fall in Boulder Canyon
Boulder County crews rescued a climber who fell between 20 and 25 feet near Boulder Falls on Wednesday evening. The climber, identified by Boulder County sheriff's officials as 29-year-old Molly Berkenhoff, of Arvada, was climbing the Old School route of the Bell Buttress around 7:37 p.m. Wednesday with two other climbers when two pieces of rock fell out and caused her to fall, according to a news release. She suffered a broken ankle and possible lower spinal fractures.
Train derails in east Boulder, prompts precautionary evacuations
Train cars are across the track at 63rd Street after a train derailment in Boulder on Tuesday afternoon. (Paul Aiken/Staff Photographer) Boulder police have advised drivers to avoid Arapahoe Avenue between 55th Street and 63rd Street after a BNSF train has derailed. Police said on Twitter that hazmat teams are headed to the area. However, police later said that the spilled materials do not appear to be hazardous.
CU Boulder police arrested suspect in Norlin Library sex assault
University of Colorado police announced Thursday evening that they had arrested the suspect in a sexual assault at Norlin Library earlier in the day. CU police said on Twitter that Lamin Njie, 23, was arrested shortly after 5 p.m. after university staff called police when they spotted the man. Police did not say where Njie was located.
Officials: Wagonwheel Gap Fire northwest of Boulder is 66 percent contained
Wagonwheel Gap Road resident T.C. Johnstone and his family received a rude awakening on Friday morning. "We woke up and smelled smoke," Johnstone said. "We got the dogs and cats in the car and the next thing you know, the street was full of fire engines." A fire that broke out along the road in an area of the foothills to the northwest of Boulder on Friday morning — bolstered by winds that reached about 70 mph — led to temporary evacuations of 157 homes in the area.
'He was kind of cute': Bear hangs out near Varsity Lake on CU campus
A small black bear was camped out most of the day on Thursday in a ravine north of Varsity Lake on the edge of the University of Colorado's Boulder campus. Reports of the bear first started coming in around 10:30 a.m. Thursday after it was spotted walking over the bridge across Varsity Lake before wandering into a heavily-wooded ravine between the lake and University Avenue. The bear at various points climbed up into a tree, but also was spotted wandering around on the ground.
Boulder shuts roads near Baseline and Foothills following 'shots fired' call
Boulder police have shut down roads in the area of Foothills Parkway and Baseline Road as they search for a man who is believed to be armed following a report of shots fired in the nearby neighborhood, according to dispatchers. Foothills is closed at least from Baseline to Arapahoe Avenue. There is a heavily armed police presence in the area, and police have requested the SWAT team and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office's armored Bearcat vehicle.
Boulder County Coroner identifies one of two men killed in crash
The Boulder County Coroner's Office has identified one of two men killed in a two-vehicle crash at U.S. 287 and Plateau Road in Longmont as Allen Leszczynski, of Aurora. Leszczynski, 46, died at Boulder Community Health, according to a news release. Leszczynski was driving a green Subaru Outback northbound on U.S. 287 shortly after noon when he crossed into the southbound lane and struck a green Honda Accord, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
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