THORNTON, Colo. Officials released the identity Thursday of four members of a Thornton family who were shot and killed in a suspected murder-suicide last week.

Police said a 33-year-old man is believed to have fatally shot the three other members of his family, the youngest 13, before turning the gun on himself. The shooting occurred sometime on Friday.

They were identified as David Robert Nelimark, 53; May Gnia Nelimark, 49; Joey King Vue, 33; and Asher Kieth Kub Nelimark, 13. The official cause and manner of their deaths were not released.

The bodies were discovered Friday night after a family member went to the home in the 13900 block of Harrison Street and found that "multiple individuals inside the residence were unresponsive," police said in a Saturday press release.

Officers arrived around 8 p.m., though police have not said at what time the shooting may have occurred that day.

It's not known whether police have had prior contact with the household, and details about what may have led to the shooting were not available.

Thornton police said they are deeply saddened by the tragedy and offered condolences to everyone affected.

"We recognize that incidents like this are difficult for neighbors and our entire community. Those in need of support are encouraged to seek available resources," a Thornton PD spokesperson said.

Officers added that there is no known threat to the community and that their investigation is ongoing.

The Thornton Police Department, its victim services unit, and its co-responder team are available to provide support and can be reached at 720-977-5150 or by calling 911 in an emergency.

Thornton City Council is considering an update to existing ordinance on e-bikes and motorized vehicles that would strengthen careless riding rules and clarify where certain vehicles can operate on trails and sidewalks.

The city said it's looking into changes after complaints and concerns from the community about dangerous riding behavior as well as confusion over existing rules.

They will fly by and its dangerous because they can run over you. The law should definitely do something to enforce just for safety reasons, Leroy Johnson, a Westminster resident, said.

Under the proposed changes, e-bikes with working pedals would still be allowed on trails and pedestrian paths, but riders would be limited to speeds of 20 mph or less.

E-bikes without working pedals would not be allowed on paths except for small balance bikes used by children under 6 years old, for example.

The amendment would also ban combustion-powered bikes, scooters and other motorized vehicles from trails, sidewalks and pedestrian paths unless its operated by police or authorized personnel.

Just people in general that just dont see them or hear them coming, it can be startling and absolutely cause an accident, Johnson said.

If approved Tuesday, the city said itll start a public education campaign about the updated rules and watch for any unintended impacts on people with mobility needs.

Reckless e-bike riding could result in a fine of more than $2,600.

THORNTON, Colo. A man in Thornton is believed to have fatally shot three members of his family before turning the gun on himself, according to the Thornton Police Department. A murder-suicide investigation is now underway.

The bodies were discovered Friday night after a family member went to the home in the 13900 block of Harrison Street and found that "multiple individuals inside the residence were unresponsive," police said in a Saturday press release.

Officers arrived around 8 p.m., though police have not said when the shooting occurred.

Watch the latest on this story in the video below:

Inside the home, officers found two men, a woman, and a juvenile dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators believe one of the men a 33yearold shot the three relatives before dying by suicide.

The identities of all four are being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office and notification to family, police said.

Police have not said whether they had prior contact with the household or released details about what may have led to the shooting.

Thornton police said they are deeply saddened by the tragedy and offered condolences to everyone affected.

"We recognize that incidents like this are difficult for neighbors and our entire community. Those in need of support are encouraged to seek available resources," a Thornton PD spokesperson said.

Officers added that there is no known threat to the community and that their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

The Thornton Police Department, its victim services unit, and its co-responder team are available to provide support and can be reached at 720-977-5150 or by calling 911 in an emergency.

Colorado Crisis Services

click here

THORNTON, Colo. A Thornton man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of homicide and abuse of a corpse in connection with a womans murder last week.

Joshua Pittman, 35, is accused of killing a 66-year-old unidentified woman at a home on W. 101 Street Ave., just east of Highridge Court Park in northwest Thornton, police said in a news release Tuesday.

Officers with the Thornton Police Department initially went to the home on April 24 to perform a welfare check, but upon entering the home and conducting an extensive search of the premises, they found the body of the lifeless woman.

Preliminary evidence after police started a homicide investigation identified Pittman as a person of interest in the case, but as the investigation progressed, officers were able to confirm Pittman as a suspect in the womans murder.

He was taken into custody Monday and taking to the Adams County Jail after turning himself in to the Northglenn Police Department.

He is now facing several charges, including murder, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse, according to police.

Thornton Police are investigating after authorities say they found a woman dead in a home in the 1900 block of W. 101st Avenue on Friday.

The death is being investigated as a homicide. Police believe the woman was killed sometime between 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 and 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, according to a Thornton Police release.

Police responded to a wellness check Friday after the woman hadn't been seen or heard from in several days, the release said. When police entered the home, they found her dead. No one else was in the home, according to the release.

Police did not provide any additional details on the manner of death and did not say whether any suspects have been identified. The woman's identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner and notification of her family, according to the release.

Officials noted that the investigation is ongoing and details could change. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department's tip line at 720-977-5069.

A fatal auto-pedestrian crash closed a portion of westbound Interstate 76 Friday morning, according to Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

Troopers were called to the area of westbound I-76, just east of Interstate 25 and south of Thornton, around 6:09 a.m. Friday.

The driver of a Peterbilt trash truck was headed westbound on I-76 when they hit a pedestrian walking on the interstate,the preliminary CSP investigation found. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene.

The westbound lanes of I-76 were closed for the crash investigation, as of 7:11 a.m. Friday, with no estimated time for reopening. Traffic was diverted to the lower junction.

Anyone who witnessed the crash but has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to call CSP dispatch at 303-239-4501 and reference case number 1D261510.

UPDATE | April 9, 2026 Zamien Rivas has been formally charged with first-degree murder.

UPDATE | April 3, 2026 The Thornton Police Department announced it has arrested 25-year-old Zamien Rivas in connection with this homicide case. Police say the victim and Rivas knew each other. Rivas was taken into custody on April 2 on a murder charge.

The department said the victim's injuries were from a stabbing.

...

THORNTON, Colo. Police in Thornton are investigating a homicide after a 29yearold man was found bleeding with a wound on Wednesday night.

Officers found the man near E. 88th Avenue and Grant Street just before 11 p.m. after responding to a report of someone bleeding, according to Thornton Police.

Officers provided aid to the victim until paramedics arrived. The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

His identity is being withheld pending confirmation and notification of family. His cause of death has not been released.

Police have made no arrests but say detectives are interviewing witnesses and pursuing leads.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Thornton Police tip line at 7209775069.

THORNTON, Colo. A Colorado mom and her two daughters are sharing their concerns after they said they were kicked off a King Soopers property in Thornton for selling Girl Scout Cookies on a Saturday in February.

Shuntail Taylor said her two daughters, 14-year-old Maliyah Thomas and 13-year-old Dallas Taylor, became Girl Scouts in January, just as cookie selling season began.

Taylor said the girls sold cookies at multiple different locations, including a King Soopers in Thornton. But when they returned to the same King Soopers on Feb. 28, a store manager and security guard approached them within 20 minutes of them setting up the table.

He came out very upset, asking us, what are we doing here," she said.

She explained they were selling Girl Scout Cookies and was asked if she reported it to somebody at the store. Taylor said she was told she did not have to do that.

Taylor said the manager began raising his voice, escalating the situation.

He was just basically saying we (needed) to leave. He was just saying, 'Y'all need to go,' Taylor said. I was like, 'Well, I can let you speak to our troop leader.' He was just so frustrated."

She said she also grew frustrated, and was uncomfortable with how he was talking to her in front of her kids.

"I was like, 'Youre only doing this because of the color of our skin,'" Taylor said.

Taylor said the security guard noticed the girls did not have on Girl Scout vests or sashes.

He was pointing out, 'Well, you don't have the vests on, or you don't have the proper attires to be out here.' And I was like, 'Well, we were told that you didn't need that,' Taylor said.

Taylor explained that because the girls just recently joined their troop, they did not have uniforms yet and their troop leader did not think it would be an issue.

"The crazy part about it was that we came (to) the store before and we were selling cookies," Maliyah said. "We were selling a lot of cookies. I just feel like he didn't want us there."

Taylor said she is in school to become a police officer and believes in authority, so when they were asked to leave, they did so.

"But it's about the approach of it," she added.

Denver7 reached out to King Soopers. A representative said they are looking into the incident.

Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) provided additional context regarding their cookie selling policies: According to the GSCO, Girl Scouts are required to wear a uniform, scout T-shirt, or membership pin at cookie booths. They confirmed the King Soopers location in Thornton was a designated cookie booth location until Feb. 22.

Taylor said Maliyah and Dallas sold cookies on Feb. 21 and returned on the date of the incident Feb. 28 after they said a different store manager told them they were welcome at the store any time.

Taylor said she was not aware the designated time frame expired, but with the presence of a security guard, and the store managers reaction, she fears this was less about cookies and more about race.

I can drive around here and show many of the troops they wouldn't have that uniform on, Taylor said. I forgive them. But I feel that they should treat everyone, no matter what race you are, the same.

Maliyah and Dallas said the incident has not discouraged them from wanting to continue in Girl Scouts and selling cookies.

I'm just going to have to push through. I'm not going to let that man stop me from what I love doing, Maliyah said.

The Girl Scouts of Colorado issued the following statement in response to the incident:

Residents in Thornton will have to cut down on outdoor watering after city leaders upgraded water restrictions due to drought conditions and record-low snowpack.

During a meeting Tuesday night, Thornton City Council voted unanimously to upgrade the city's drought watch in place since the beginning of this month to a Stage 1 drought declaration. Brett Henry, an assistant city manager for Thornton, said this is the first time the city has taken that step since 2012.

"I think most people are aware here in the Front Range that we've had a pretty bad winter, a pretty abnormal winter. If you've been up in the mountains, snowpack is pretty thin," said Henry. "For a lot of the Front Range community, snowpack is our drinking water the coming year."

He said the goal is to make sure the city maintains its water supply to have enough drinking water and water to fight wildfires over the next few years.

The upgraded drought status means residential and commercial water users are prohibited from outdoor watering before May 1. After May 1, outdoor watering will be limited to two days per week. The city's parks department and other large water users, like homeowners associations and commercial districts, have to cut down water use by 10%, according to the Stage 1 drought declaration.

"That allows them to really figure out where to prioritize their water needs. In other words, if it's looking grass, you know, it's not, not a functional purpose, they may cut back more. Versus sports fields, we still want to be able to hold activities, and that will require more water," said Henry.

Golfers at Thorncreek Golf Course, a city-owned golf course in Thornton, said the dry winter has been good for their game, but acknowledged the tradeoffs.

"I think everybody's a little surprised with how dry it's been, which is, it's fun because we get to play year round, but sure it's going to have consequences when it gets a little hotter out," said Austin Grant.

Thornton isn't the only city making adjustments.

The City of Broomfield, which is currently under a drought watch, made changes to its water use code on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 irrigation season. City council members unanimously approved new city rules that create separate requirements for irrigation of large parcels during non-drought conditions and require repairs to damaged irrigation systems causing water waste within 10 days.

During Tuesday's council meeting in Thornton, city leaders said this year's snowpack in the Upper South Platte and Clear Creek watersheds is at a record low level. Right now, the city said it's reservoir storage is at 83% capacity, which is normal for this time of year. However, city leaders said less runoff from snowmelt in the spring will lead to lower than average inflows used to refill reservoirs.

City leaders said current projections show 2027 reservoir storage targets will not be met unless water restrictions are implemented.

"We know that based on customer demand and certainly the abnormal dry temperature, warm temperatures this spring, we're really making sure that we'll have water available later in the summer and in the subsequent year if this turned into a prolonged drought," said Henry.

Henry said while there is no immediate water crisis, the Stage 1 drought restrictions help the city educate and remind the public about water conservation.

Thornton City Council is considering a Stage 1 Drought Response declaration as dry winter conditions raise concerns about water supplies. The proposed declaration is meant to reduce water demand now in order to protect supplies in the near future, city leaders told Denver7.

Right now, the citys reservoir is at 83% capacity. That number is normal, according to city leaders, and in good shape for this time of year. However, the city's drought management plan notes its restrictions are based on projected reservoir levels come July 1st.

We have a pretty good sense of how this year is going to shake out in terms of the inflows that we're going to get into our reservoirs. But if we have a really hot, dry springtime and then also a really hot, dry summer, that is going to continue to put strains on the reservoir supplies, City of Thornton Interim Director of Utilities & Infrastructure Emily Hunt said.

Under the proposed Stage 1 Drought Response, the city is targeting about a 10% reduction in water use. If approved, residents would not be allowed to water turf before May 1. After that date, watering lawns would be limited to two days per week for both residential and commercial properties.

At this point in time, this late in the season, we're really assuming that the snowpack doesn't recover. We're. assuming projected low inflows into our reservoirs. We don't really anticipate that getting worse. What can really exacerbate things is if water demand really goes kind of through the roof with this combination of a low snowpack and so that's why we move into potential restrictions, Hunt said.

According to the city's drought management plan, Stage 1 restrictions are for reservoir levels between 75% and 45%, and the specific restrictions that are put in place depend on the amount of water the city is looking to save.

Savings between 0% and 24% impact outdoor water use, but savings between 25% and 45% "likely prohibits outdoor irrigation with the exception to existing trees," according to the plan.

Denver7 asked the city how it monitors the regulations. City communications director Todd Barnes said it checks peoples water use and will usually have neighbors report it.

If youre caught, Barnes said staff will reach out to educate and provide resources.

Any violations after incur a fine starting at $100, and increasing $100 for each subsequent violation.

"My biggest concern is the water," said Al Kansteiner, who was cutting shrubs on his property in the area on Tuesday. "What if we dont have enough water for everybody? How low is it going to get?

Reservoir levels would need to reduce to 50% for Stage 2 restrictions to take place.

The last time that happened was in 2002, according to Barnes, when the drought management plans were considerably different.

Watch Sophia Villalba's report from Tuesday morning about what the city council is expected to address regarding Thornton's drought situation.

Thornton Parks & Recreation and other large water users would also be required to cut water by 10%. City leaders said irrigation accounts for about half of the citys total water demand, which is why outdoor watering is the focus of restrictions.

As our Parks Department is working to achieve the water savings that we're asking them to achieve, they're also balancing management of the landscape in order to make sure that we've got defensible spaces around the open spaces, and even in people's property, Hunt said.

Despite these proposed restrictions, Hunt told Denver7 that Thornton residents are usually water efficient.

They are really some of the lowest water users in the Front Range. We have a lot of trust in them, and I think they look to the city to provide them guidance, and we have confidence that we'll be able to meet this savings that we're shooting for, Hunt said.

The last time Thornton saw full drought restrictions was back in 2012. Right now, the city is under a drought watch.

What's so challenging is right now we've had a really dry winter, which means that our soil moisture is dry, our grasses are down here dry, and then you have hot temperatures. That is something that we are much more aware of moving into this drought than we were perhaps with the last one in 2012, Hunt said.

If the current dry conditions continue into next winter, carryover water storage from this year will be essential for water supplies next year.

We need enough to get us through the winter and into the next summer with a little bit of buffer, depending on what the snowpack looks like. Were really planning for that next year's storage right now, and how we manage year one of a drought really sets us up for the future, if we are going into a multi-year drought, Hunt said.

The proposed drought plan is set to be discussed at Tuesday nights Thornton City Council meeting.

This is a story about determination, told through the lens of a Girl Scout who refuses to let rejection slow her down.

I started in kindergarten as a Daisy, Lorelai Rish said.

On this snowy day, Lorelai sets up outside Texas Roadhouse, ready for any challenge.

But just because its snowing, it doesnt mean you can miss work, especially if it's a job youve had for 8 years and youre only 12 years old.

"Some people will say 'Im on a diet,' or 'I'm diabetic,' or 'I'm on a special diet,' or they've already bought some," Lorelai said. "I dont have a dollar on me. I take cards and PayPal "

She cant finish her thought before someone passes by and interrupts, sometimes politely declining.

But she never looks back.

Lorelai is one of Colorados top sellers. Her goal: 5,000 boxes. This weekend: 500.

The next morning, it's sunny outside a Sam's Club, though it's cold in the shade.

She pitches Thin Mints and life lessons.

"We do a cookie booth meeting where we rehearse. Ive dealt with rejection easily. Ill ask them, they say yes or no, and if it's a no, I say, 'Have a great day. Thats all I need to do. I dont have to make it into a big deal," Lorelai said.

Of course, that success has come through countless rejections along the way.

But shes always kind and understanding, and thats for the people who dont buy anything.

"Selling 5,0000 boxes is not easy, but Ill still accomplish it," she said.

Life lessons from a 12-year-old Girl Scout.

THORNTON, Colo. - Thornton was between emergency alert systems when Wednesday's grass fire forced nearby homes, businesses and a school to evacuate, the city's Fire Chief Steve Kelley shared.

This comes as more and more communities shift from using emergency alert provider CodeRED following a data breach in late 2025.

We utilize the IPAWS alert system through the state," Kelley said during a press conference Wednesday. "We did not do any other alerting.

IPAWS is a system operated by the state of Colorado.

Thornton FD is one of 11 agencies currently using the system, according to IPAWS website.

Kelley explained the city is working on rolling out a new alert system through Motorola called Rave.

According to emergency management and fire department officials in Thornton, a new system should be up and running in early March something Chief Kelley said is a top priority to keep people safe.

Our efforts were focused on preventing fire spread into the neighborhood which successfully occurred," Kelley said. "That is one of of the key takeaways from this incident."

As city staff get training on the Motorola system and information gets transferred from the old system to the new one in Thornton, some communities are already operating their own alert system, like in Jefferson County.

"The main one that we use within Jefferson County is our opt-in system lookout alerts," Jefferson County Emergency Manager Nathan Whittington said. "What that allows the citizens to do is go in register for those alerts that they want to receive."

Whittington says alerts are hyper personal.

Residents can elect what types of alerts they receive, and also opt to share personal information like if they own pets or are wheelchair-bound so first responders can best help, while also streamlining the info. The county also shares information on social media.

"10 years ago, social media never would have been a platform to go out there and say, this is a primary media where people are going to get information, push notifications, apps, different platforms out there," Whittington said. "We have to meet them where they are. We can't expect them to come to us."

And Jefferson County is already looking to new ways to make it easier for folks to get alerts Whittington says they just need the community to trust the process.

"I know people are hesitant about downloading more apps," Whittington said. "But this would be a specific Emergency Management application that they would have on them on their phone that they could bring up information, but allows us to push out different types of information to them as well, all at the same time."

Row after row of scorched steel

just a fraction of what was lost at Rol Race Motorsports in Thornton after a 10-acre fire broke out near W. 84th Avenue and Huron Street on Wednesday morning.

With

the smell of melted car parts still lingering in the air, Owner Jason Rol inspected the blackened, gutted frames of 148 cars on the lot of his performance BMW restoration shop Thursday morning,

less than 24 hours after the fire broke out near Pinnacle High School.

The fire, which started around 11:30 a.m., was aided by strong winds amid red flag conditions and grew to approximately 10 acres in size before it was contained.

It spread from the top of the hill that we can see through our fence, in probably less than 30 seconds, Rol recalled. It just felt like so much adrenaline.

Watch: Denver7's Adria Iraheta in Thornton

His first instinct, he told Denver7, was to grab a hose and start spraying vehicles many belonging to clients.

I have so many friends and customers vehicles over here that that are just irreplaceable, and I wanted to save them and do whatever I could, he said. I was just spraying what I could, thinking that I could stop this.

It wasnt long before the shop he worked so hard to build four years ago became engulfed in thick, black smoke.

My brother came over and shook me and said, We have to go, Rol said.

Approximately 100150 firefighters from 47 different agencies worked to battle the blaze for hours.

Rol estimated about $2 million dollars in property damage as he got a better look at the aftermath Thursday morning. The shop itself is a little worse for wear

but still standing.

Hes now tasked with figuring out what insurance will cover as he breaks the news to his customers.

It's really hard to come up with the words to say to people. I just start with, Have you seen the news? Rol said. That's all I can say. I had no control here.

Rol launched a GoFundMe to help his customers recoup some of those losses.

I just hope that we can kind of come together as a community and repair from all this, he said. It's going to be hard.

Thornton Fire crews remained on scene Thursday to make sure no hot spots rekindled the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Employees of Harmony Domes waited anxiously Wednesday to return to their Thornton manufacturing business after firefighters evacuated the area because of a fast-burning grass fire.

"The anxiety definitely is high," said Michael Eveland, who works at the company that manufactures glamping domes, tiny homes and villas.

The grass fire, captured on Colorado Department of Transportation cameras, sparked around noon.

Smoke from the blaze shut down Interstate 25 and led to the evacuation of businesses, homes and nearby Pinnacle Charter High School.

One Thornton resident told Denver7 he rushed door to door helping firefighters get neighbors to safety.

"I was just like, man, what do I do? How do I help somebody?" said neighbor Christian Rubi.

Agencies from across the area quickly gained control of the fire but warned the community the threat is not over yet.

The fire, aided by strong winds and burning amid red flag conditions, grew to approximately 10 acres in size before it was contained near a fence line on Elati Street close to residential property that the fire never touched, according to Thornton Fire Chief Steve Kelley, who provided an update to news media during a news conference later Wednesday.

"We lost no residential structures as a result of this fire," he said. "We did have damage to some businesses along the south side of the fire" that fire officials are continuing to evaluate, he added. "At this time, it does not appear that there was any damage to the structures."

In all, Kelley said four firefighters and one resident were injured as a result of the grass fire. None were considered critical injuries, the fire chief said.

As soon as Harmony Domes employees got the all clear, Denver7 walked alongside them back to their business.

Smoke had filled their main building, and what used to be a model glamping dome in the business' backyard is now just a shell. The dome's furniture was charred.

Pictures, provided to Denver7 by Harmony Domes owner Vas Kostiuk, show what the $70,000 model used to look like before the fire.

Harmony Domes is now left to pick up the pieces. The glamping manufacturer is in communication with their insurance company and will start the rebuild process.

"You come to work in the morning and never know what's going to happen," said Kostiuk.

As the business starts to clean up and crews investigate a cause, the community knows the fire risk is not over yet.

"It's always a worry, especially with these red flag days," Eveland said. "People just need to be... we don't know how this started, but people just need to be more careful."

THORNTON, Colo. People forced to flee a rapidly spreading grass fire in Thornton earlier Wednesday were allowed back home hours after the blaze sent a large plume of black smoke into the air that could be seen from miles away.

The fire near W. 84th Avenue and Huron Street started at around 11:30 a.m. and sent smoke drifting over Interstate 25, forcing state transportation officials to fully shut down the highway between Thornton Parkway and W. 84th Avenue for about two hours.

As it moved east, the blaze then forced city officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for residents along a green belt between a neighborhood to the north and businesses to the south, according to Thornton Fire Chief Steve Kelley, who said no Code Red alert was sent to people in the area because the city is transitioning into a new alert system.

Instead, he said Pinnacle High School and nearby businesses were immediately evacuated as a precaution as officers went door to door in neighborhoods to the northeast to alert residents of the danger.

The fire, aided by strong winds and burning amid red flag conditions, grew to approximately 10 acres in size before it was contained near a fence line on Elati Street close to residential property that the fire never touched, according to Kelley, who provided an update to news media during a news conference later Wednesday.

"We lost no residential structures as a result of this fire," he said. "We did have damage to some businesses along the south side of the fire" that fire officials are continuing to evaluate, he added. "At this time, it does not appear that there was any damage to the structures."

Though the fire is contained, crews will remain at the scene overnight working on hot spots to make the fire does not rekindle. Road closures in the area were also expected to continue through at least Thursday as suppression and containment operations continue, Kelley said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were impacted by Wednesday's evacuation orders, but a temporary shelter was established for affected residents at the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, located at 11151 Colorado Blvd.

During Wednesday's news conference, Kelley said it was his agency's understanding that Pinnacle High would resume classes Thursday.

In all, four fighters and one resident were injured as a result of the grass fire. None were considered critical injuries, the fire chief said.

Most of the Front Range, including the area where the fire is burning, is under a red flag warning for wind and low relative humidity. The warning expires at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Kelley said his department had not seen a fire like this in the City of Thornton "in at least six months," and said wind conditions contributed to its rapid growth and influenced the scale of the response.

But he said a key factor in limiting the fire's spread was not just the fire response, but the city's Parks and Recreations department maintenance of the greenbelt along with residents doing their part to make sure no dry fuels grow in their property.

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Kelley urged residents to follow burn bans and avoid igniting anything that could create sparks while those bans are in place.

"The Marshall Fire is, I think, on everybody's minds in the metro area, and our intent is not to allow that to happen again," Kelley said, as he talked about the magnitude in response to Wednesday's fire. "Our intent to get ahead of these fires so we don't have the spread of conditions like we experienced during the Marshall Fire. I think we're very fortunate today that we did not have an outcome similar," he added.

An estimated 100150 firefighters from 47 different agencies were involved in battling the blaze, Kelley said, including Thornton police and first responders from Westminster, Adams County, Northglenn, Federal Heights, and the Colorado State Patrol.

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. A 4yearold boy who was the subject of an Amber Alert Friday evening was safely recovered after the boy's father, accused of kidnapping the child, barricaded himself inside a random Commerce City home, according to police.

The suspect, Jeremy Chavez, was taken into custody around midnight, police said. He could face charges including second-degree burglary, child abuse, reckless endangerment, second-degree kidnapping, vehicular eluding, second-degree motor vehicle theft and domestic violence, police said.

We have removed the boy's name and photo from this story.

This started with an Amber Alert on Friday evening and ended with the suspect barricading in a home in Commerce City with the boy. Joanna Small, public information officer with the Commerce City Police Department, said the suspect is the boy's biological father.

According to the Amber Alert, which was issued around 6:30 p.m., the 4-year-old was "forcibly removed from his residence" by 45-year-old Chavez. The boy has "medical impairments," the alert reads, and requires medication that he does not have with him. Chavez is "known to be violent" and it is "unknown if he is armed," CBI said.

Hours later, the Commerce City Police Department told Denver7 they believed Chavez had forced his way into a home near E. 109th Avenue and Jasper Street, creating a barricade situation. The homeowners or renters, who were inside, fled out of the house and were safe.

Denver7's Claire Lavezzorio was at that scene late Friday night.

"Jeremy, come out of the house with your hands up. You are under arrest by Commerce City police," Lavezzorio heard police say over the loudspeaker at the scene.

In a brief press conference Friday night, Small explained that authorities were able to locate the stolen pickup truck and use stop sticks to bring it to a halt, but "no individuals were inside the vehicle when we recovered it. She confirmed the truck was recovered near the home around 109th and Jasper, which is why they suspected it was Chavez who was inside the home.

Denver7's Claire Lavezzorio asked if police would change their approach if they learned the boy was inside the home.

One hundred percent," Small answered. "If its a hostage situation, its going to be very different than if its just an individual in the house by himself. Without us having that information, we have to work the situation very carefully.

As of 11:45 p.m. Friday, they had not yet been able to confirm that.

Small said around midnight, Chavez, who was indeed in the home, was taken into custody. No other details about that are available.

The boy, who was also in the house, is safe.

THORNTON, Colo. A 27-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly biting and running over a Thornton police officer on Wednesday, the police department said.

Wesley Norton has been charged with second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, obstruction of a peace officer, false reporting of identifying information to police and reckless driving. The 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office filed those charges against him.

This case began just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 3. Officers with the Thornton Police Department (TPD) approached "an occupied suspicious vehicle" parked at a gas station near W. 88th Avenue and Huron Street, the department said. The vehicle did not have license plates.

The suspect provided false information to the officers, who asked him to get out of the car.

However, the man who was later identified as Norton started the car and drove away, dragging two officers for several yards, the department said.

One of the officers had significant injuries and "is believed to have been run over by the vehicle and bitten by the suspect," TPD said. The other officer had minor injuries.

Norton was arrested on Feb. 5 after he was identified.

This incident underscores the unpredictable and dangerous situations our officers face every day, said Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird. Their actions, from the initial encounter through the investigation that followed, reflect their professionalism and resilience in serving this community.

No other details were immediately available.

THORNTON, Colo. The suspect arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a 14-year-old boy in Thornton told investigators he was too embarrassed to stop, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Denver7 on Tuesday.

Police in Thornton identified the 23-year-old suspect as Jeremy Nobles.

He was arrested Sunday at his Northglenn home after the Saturday night high-speed crash that killed 14-year-old Jayden Marrujo, who was riding a small motorized bike northbound on Huron Street when he was struck from behind and ejected from his bike, according to the affidavit.

Paramedics transported Jayden to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Multiple witnesses told police they saw Nobles, driving a 2013 BMW 328i, going 5075 mph before the crash, according to the affidavit. Some witnesses in the documents described the impact as potentially intentional, but police said there was no evidence to substantiate these claims.

After the crash, Nobles allegedly continued northbound on Huron Street without stopping, leaving gouge marks, debris, and BMW parts at the scene, according to the affidavit.

Police said Flock cameras were able to track the BMW, providing enough data for authorities to issue a Medina Alert that was later canceled after Nobles arrest, according to police.

According to Nobles statement in the affidavit, the suspect acknowledged that he had a flat tire following the collision but claimed he hit a pothole, lost control, and believed he hit a pole or sign, telling investigators he didnt stop to look at his tire because he was embarrassed and didnt want to be liable for damage.

Nobles was arrested after police called his mother, the registered owner of the BMW, who then facilitated a conference call with the suspect, according to the affidavit.

Nobles was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of careless driving causing serious bodily injury or death and failure to remain at the scene of a crash involving death.

A GoFundMe was established to help Jayden's family, who described the 14-year-old as having a passion for sports and always willing to help others.

THORNTON, Colo. In performance spaces around Denver, laughter mixes with tears as a group of older adults sing, dance, and tell stories that hit close to home for other older adults. This is "Ain't Done Just Yet," a one-hour musical revue blending comedy with heartfelt reflection.

Its creator, Russell Lubliner, calls it a unicorn theres no senior entertainment like this anywhere.

Lubliners journey to the stage was far from traditional. In 2020, COVID19 shut down his Chicago pizza business in just 26 days.

I thought to myself, my business shouldnt define me, and neither should my age, he said.

With no musical background, Lubliner said he woke up one night and wrote lyrics to the shows title song: Aint done just yet we got a lot of juice left.

The revue tackles themes like ageism, isolation, and resilience.

One of the major themes is my aversion to ageism a lot of the seniors say our families really dont pay that much attention you see ageism in TV shows and in general attitudes. Thats unfortunate, Lubliner explained.

Audience member Edward Galston says its more than entertainment its generational connection.

Bring your grandchildren, bring your adult children even, and let them experience what we went through its very important to pass these feelings on. He added, When its over, on the ride home, theyll ask questions and now thats educational.

Performer Christine Shelton, who plays Tilly, a character struggling with dementia, says the role resonates widely.

Usually theres someone in the audience who knows someone struggling with dementia, she said.

For her and other cast members, being part of the show is a mental workout.

As an older person, memorization and going out of my box a little bit is good for my memory and keeps me sharp I try.

The songs are humorous and poignant, but always grounded in truth. One number addresses the loss of communication with family; another reflects a Vietnam veterans perspective. Lubliner says the goal is simple: Give older adults a reason to get out of their rooms and remind them theyre not alone.

Its nice to know we share a lot of the same experiences, and thats where it comes home, he said.

Lubliner hopes to grow Aint Done Just Yet into a music video that can be shared with seniors nationwide. Until then, audiences in Colorado will keep enjoying this spirited reminder that getting older doesnt mean the music has to stop.

You can learn more about "Ain't Done Just Yet" on their website.

Thornton residents gathered Wednesday night for a town hall meeting to discuss the use of Flock cameras in their community, weighing the benefits of crime-solving technology against privacy concerns.

The Colorado city joins the ongoing conversation about surveillance technology that has sparked heated debates across the country.

Thornton Police currently have 15 Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs) stationed throughout the city, plus one mobile unit. While the department says these cameras help investigators solve crimes, not everyone in the community supports their use.

"How much do you want freedom versus safety?," said Thornton resident Steven Mathias.

For Mathias, understanding data protection measures is crucial if the city plans to continue to use the technology.

"I think we need to be really serious about data custody and integrity," he said.

Resident Meg Moore stressed the importance of community involvement when making decisions about the technology and how its used.

"We all have a right to have input into how we are policed, into where our tax dollars go," Moore said.

Read Denver7's previous coverage on Flock cameras in Denver:

The town hall featured speakers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the creator of a crowdsourcing website, deflock.me, that tracks Flock camera locations across communities.

Several council members were also in attendance including Justin Martinez, who represents Ward I.

"My opinion is so far undecided," Martinez said, referring to Flock cameras.

On February 3, Martinez and other council members are expected to hear a presentation from Thornton Police about current camera usage.

Until then, those like Moore hope the community plays a major role in the future of Flock within their city.

"We've tried to create an environment here tonight where we can have that conversation, and we can meet each other at the same table, good faith conversation about something that impacts all of us," Moore said.

One person died, another person was injured, and multiple people are in custody after a shooting off Huron Street Wednesday morning, according to the Thornton Police Department.

The report of a shooting came into Thornton police shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Kylynn McTague, public information officer for Thornton police, told Denver7. When officers arrived, they found one 35-year-old man injured. That person was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries from gunshot wounds.

A suspect drove away from the scene of the shooting with three other people in the car, and Thornton police pursued, McTague said. The chase ended in the area of W. 56th Ave. and Federal Boulevard. There, they found another man injured inside the suspect's vehicle. He died, according to Thornton police. The three other people were taken into police custody.

The Adams County Coroner's Office will release his identity once family has been notified and an official cause and manner of death is determined.

The preliminary Thornton police investigation found the group attempted to force entry into someone's apartment, resulting in a confrontation with the occupants. That's when shots were fired. None involved officers, according to the the Thornton Police Department.

The southbound lanes of Federal Boulevard just after Interstate 76 near 56th Ave. closed due to a large emergency response, according to Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber. The northbound lanes remained open.

Luber recommended Lowell or Sheridan Boulevards to the west or Pecos Street to the east to get around the southbound Federal closure.

Huron Street was open near W. 96th Pl. past the apartment complex shooting scene, Luber said.

Southbound I-76 reopened around 10:49 a.m. Wednesday.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, according to Thornton police.

"I know we do have some community members concerned with schools nearby, but it is pretty contained to this apartment complex. Right now, they're inside the apartment building working, so aside from what you see behind me, everything else should be able to resume as normal," McTague said.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

Editor's note on Jan. 5 at 9:47 p.m.:

THORNTON, Colo. A 15-year-old girl who requires medication she does not have is missing, and the Thornton Police Department is asking for your help to find her.

The girl was last seen around 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 5 near the intersection of Jackson Street and E. 116th Avenue, according to a news release.

The girl "requires medication that she does not have with her, a Thornton police spokesperson said in the release. We are concerned for her safety.

The girl is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 126 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black and white cheetah print sweatsuit with a rainbow striped backpack. She has brown hair and eyes.

Police ask that if you see the girl or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 911 immediately.

THORNTON, Colo. Speed is being investigated as a contributing factor in the death of a motorcyclist following a crash in Thornton overnight, a spokesperson with the citys police department said Tuesday.

The individual, who was only identified by his age and gender, crashed in the area of East 120th Avenue just east of Holly Street at around 2 a.m. Tuesday. The rider was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. He was not wearing a helmet, Thornton police said in a news release.

The motorcyclists name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroners Office and notification to his family.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that has not yet been shared with investigators is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

THORNTON, Colo. A pedestrian died in a crash along E. 160th Avenue on Friday evening, the Thornton Police Department (TPD) said Tuesday.

Based on officers' preliminary investigation, they believe a 39-year-old man was driving eastbound when he struck a 36-year-old pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian died at the scene. She has not been identified.

The driver was not injured. He remained at the scene

The circumstances around the crash remain under investigation. Police said they have not arrested anybody in this case.

No other details were available.

Anybody who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

THORNTON, Colo. A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 in Thornton shut down all lanes of the highway going south for about two hours Tuesday.

Few details about the crash were immediately available, with police only saying they were responding to the area of southbound I-25 near 84th Avenue at around 11:45 a.m.

The southbound lanes were closed at Thornton Parkway while police canvassed the scene.

Police said drivers could re-enter southbound I-25 using the on-ramp at 84th Avenue but cautioned that travelers should expect significant delays" as police investigated the scene of the crash.

The southbound lanes of I-25 were back open by 1:13 p.m.

THORNTON, Colo..  Thornton police announced Wednesday that officers arrested a former paraprofessional with Mapleton Public Schools on child enticement charges.

Police arrested 47-year-old Michael Digiacomo in connection with the alleged incidents at Welby Community School, which occurred between March 13 and April 3, 2025, according to the Thornton Police Department.

Police said Digiacomo was placed on administrative leave on April 3 and terminated from the district on May 29.

In a press release, Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird emphasized the departments commitment to school safety.

We take any allegation involving the safety of our youth very seriously, Baird said in the release. We will continue to work closely with our partners at Mapleton Public Schools and the DAs Office to make sure the community is informed and supported as this case moves forward.

Investigators said other metro-area school districts previously employed Digiacomo, and they believe there may be additional victims, who they are asking to come forward.

Digiacomo was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of enticement of a child and internet luring of a child.

He has since posted bond pending court proceedings.

Sarah from Thornton writes,

I think nowadays, signs are just background noise to most drivers. I would bet a box of Pop Tarts that maybe 50% of drivers even know what these two signs actually mean. That said, the sign from 84

Ave. to southbound Interstate 25 indicates that two lanes merge into one. The sign on southbound I-25 just before the 84

Ave. merge indicates that a lane is added to the right. The right lane will continue to flow normally as merging is not required.

I asked Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) traffic engineers about the two seemingly conflicting signs. I was told the ramp sign, from 84

to southbound I-25 is signed correctly.

After the signals, vehicles are required to merge into a single lane before entering I-25," CDOT told me. "In this configuration, the right lane of the ramp must merge left so that all traffic combines into one lane, which then continues as a dedicated continuous merge lane onto I-25.

MORE: Read more traffic issues driving people crazy

This area has historically been the first spot during the weekday morning commute to slow down. Part of the reason for the slowdown is that drivers are merging over into through lanes sooner than they need to. That ramp lane is actually a continuous lane that would take a driver all the way down to Highway 36, nearly 1 full mile away. That would allow for ample time to merge over at a higher speed and possibly keep mainline traffic flowing better.

I asked CDOT about that as well. I was told, To improve driver expectancy and merging behavior, CDOT will look into extending a dotted white lane line from the signal head up to the physical gore area where the sign is with the appropriate lane reduction arrow marking in the right ramp lane. This would provide clear indication that the two-lane ramp narrows to one lane reducing last second merge.

We will have to wait to see if the new lane markings will change driver behavior and get traffic to flow better, but my same sentiment carries over from the signs to pavement markings. They are just background noise to most drivers.

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THORNTON, Colo. Police in Thornton are investigating after an e-scooter rider was fatally struck at a busy intersection last week.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 39-year-old man was riding an e-scooter westbound on W. 88th Avenue when a 22-year-old driving a Dodge Caravan traveling eastbound collided with the rider after trying to turn north at the intersection with Lipan Street.

The e-scooter rider was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the Dodge was uninjured and remained on scene. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the crash, according to a news release.

The e-scooters identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroners Office and notification to family.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that has not yet been shared with investigators is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

In a news release, a spokesperson for the police department encourages drivers to slow down and stay focused to help prevent future tragedies.

THORNTON, Colo. A man accused of stabbing a teacher on a crosswalk outside a Thornton school on Oct. 23 has been formally charged with attempted first-degree murder.

In addition to that charge, Damien Brooks, 31, also faces charges of first-degree assault and two counts of crime of violence.

According to an arrest affidavit Denver7 obtained, Brooks was recently released from prison but felt agitated and paranoid, according to his mother. She told police after the incident that her son told her, Theyre going to kill me.

He was placed on a mental health hold after allegedly breaking windows at a behavioral health services center in Colorado Springs, and his mother told police that she refused to pick him up because she didn't feel it was safe for him to be home, the affidavit reads.

Somehow, he was able to travel north to Thornton and arrived at his mother's house, which is across the street from Meadow Community School, around 2 p.m. on Oct. 23.

As soon as he arrived, he began saying the same things about people killing him and he mentioned he would 'rather go to prison' because he felt safer there, and 'I may as well kill someone to go back to prison,'" the affidavit reads.

In that same house, he asked a cousin for a knife, and she tried hiding all of the ones in the house, minus the one she was using for cooking at the time, according to the document. Brooks took the knife and the cousin fled to a bedroom, fearing for her life, the affidavit reads.

Just after this, the cousin saw Brooks approach a teacher, working as a crossing guard, outside the school and "make a 'stabbing' motion at the teacher, according to the affidavit.

Brooks' mother ran outside and called 911.

The victim later told police that he had been standing in the street directing traffic when somebody stabbed him from behind. He said he recognized the suspect because he had lived across the street, but did not know why he was targeted. He had two 1-inch puncture wounds to his chest and right side.

Other witnesses said they saw Brooks approach the victim before allegedly stabbing him two or three times while reportedly saying, Im going to jail, I may as well stab someone," or "Im going to jail, I may as well murder someone."

Moments after the stabbing, Brooks dropped the knife and knelt on the ground, the affidavit reads.

During the booking process, after learning about his charges, Brooks told the officer something to the effect of, 'I should have just killed him,'" and later said he felt 'remorseful,' according to the affidavit.

A bond reduction hearing and preliminary hearing was scheduled for Nov. 18.

UPDATE | Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 9:09 a.m. | Luis Coria was found safe, according to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has issued a missing senior alert for a 70-year-old man last seen around 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Luis Gabriel Coria, 70, was last seen near 12200 Magnola Way in Thornton.

Coria lives with cognitive impairment, which may make him confused, the CBI said. He is also in need of medications he does not have with him.

He was last seen wearing a red shirt, black shorts and black shoes. Coria has grey hair and brown eyes, he's 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds.

Anyone with information about Coria's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Adams County Sheriff's Office at 303-288-1535. The Adams County Sheriff's Office said Rampart Search and Rescue was out Monday night search for Coria but were unable to locate him. They will resume their search Tuesday.