Crime
We moved Boulder Crime News and police blotter out of News and made it a primary category. Even though crime news is the highest in analytic s some readers complain because it ruins non violent news. Our readers and viewers prefer science, tech environmental and entertainment news. So crime news junkies now have your own bad news section here.
Murder investigation of CU student, Sid Wells, nears 30 years; suspect remains on the run (or dead)
Jul 31st
August 1, 2013 will mark the 30-year anniversary of the shooting death of Sid Wells, a 22-year-old journalism student enrolled at the University of Colorado. The case received prominent media attention because at the time of his death, Wells was dating actor Robert Redford’s daughter, Shauna.
Wells had been shot in the head, and was found dead inside his Spanish Towers condo by his brother on August 1, 1983. Police suspected Wells’ roommate, Thayne Smika, and arrested him a few months after the homicide when investigators linked him to the murder. However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA.
In 2011, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office agreed to review the case and approved an arrest affidavit for Smika. Unable to locate Smika, police are again asking for the public’s help finding him. Investigators believe Smika is living under an assumed identity and have contacted Smika’s relatives (several of whom still live in Colorado) in attempts to find out where he is and what identity he has been using. Smika’s relatives have not provided any helpful information to the Boulder Police Department.
Deputy Chief Dave Hayes, who was one of the first detectives to investigate the case in 1983, is hoping that someone can provide information about Smika’s whereabouts. “It’s past time for justice for Sid Wells and his family,” said Hayes. “Thayne Smika escaped a first degree murder charge, and has likely been living a life of freedom while the Wells’ family has been grieving for three decades.”
Investigators are still looking for Thayne Smika and are asking anyone with information about Smika or where he might be living to contact them. Detective Tom Dowd may be reached at 303-441-3385. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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CU police to Folsom Field burglar: We have your picture.
Jul 29th
On the evening of June 4, 2013, a suspect trespassed into the plumbing/metal shop offices on the east side of Folsom Field and stole 2 Samsung Galaxy 4G phones. He also rummaged around in a refrigerator and stole a bottle of water and some food.
On the afternoon of July 21, 2013, a man resembling the prior theft suspect entered the same area and stole 3 additional Samsung Galaxy 4G phones and $2 of cash from a desk. He again opened the same refrigerator and stole food.
The suspect is a white male in his mid-to-late 20s, approximately 5-foot-4-inches tall, 160 pounds, with multiple tattoos on his right forearm. He is wanted for two counts of felony burglary for stealing nearly $2,000 worth of items.
Those who have information on these crimes but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website athttp://www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
To get updates on crime alerts and other public safety information, see UCPD’s social media pages atwww.twitter.com/CUBoulderPolice and www.facebook.com/CUBoulderPolice.
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A week in the life of OSMP Rangers, dogs, dogs, dogs and other news
Jul 28th
• A report of a potential assault on Gregory Canyon Trail. A woman was kneed in the leg while trying to pass a couple of hikers who thought she was being rude. Suspects have not be found.
• A report of a campfire west of NCAR. Boulder Fire could see three foot flames close to Mallory Cave. Suspect/s was never found.
• A report of a dog bite on the Gregory Canyon trail. The dog bit the hiker while they were passing by on the trail.
• A report of a nine year old bit by a dog on the hand at the Bluebell Shelter.
• A visitor in the closure at Boulder Falls who had a warrant for his arrest. Rangers worked with Sheriff’s Officers on this person’s arrest.
• A report of an overdue hiker in the Mt. Sanitas area. Rangers worked with Sheriff’s Officers and RMR to locate the missing party.
• An injured hiker on the East Ridge trail of Mt. Sanitas who had sprained their ankle. Rangers worked with AMR on this call.
• A report of a grass fire on the Reynolds property. The fire was started by a vehicle and was quickly extinguished. The fire was about 30’X30’.
• A report of a party passed out at the Halfway House. The patient was there for a wedding, became overheated and passed out. Rangers helped AMR with this call.
Community Outreach
Reminder: Art Inspired by the Land – Art Show Opening Reception
Fri. July 26, 5 –7 pm
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department is excited to announce that we will host an art show in late summer at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery (1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder). This show will celebrate art created by the community and inspired by OSMP lands. Please join us for appetizers, quartet music from the Boulder Philharmonic, and beautifully inspiring community art celebrating your protected lands and wildlife. This reception is free and open to the public. The art show will run from July 20 – August 28 during normal library hours.
This year to date we have offered 184 educational programs with 8,600 people attending! (Requested hikes plus Natural Selections.)
Mountain Bike Patrol: Trail work last week on Spring Brook was a success. Thanks for everyone who came–Joel, John S, Dan, Jeremy W, Allison, Jeremy, John P, Paul, Steve, and Kyle.