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.
Boulder police: Two Boulder police officers resign; internal investigation continues into elk incident
Jan 22nd
The two Boulder Police Department officers involved in the death of an elk on New Year’s Day have resigned their positions, effective immediately.
Sam Carter and Brent Curnow both turned in letters of resignation to Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner. Chief Beckner has accepted their resignations.
Although both officers are no longer members of the police department, the internal personnel investigation into the circumstances and their behavior on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2, 2013 will continue.
Sam Carter (left) and Brent Curnow
Both officers faced termination for their actions on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2, 2013.
“The Boulder Police Department does not tolerate this kind of behavior,” said Chief Mark Beckner. “Police officers and other members of this department will be held accountable for their actions and behavior, and we want the community to know how seriously we take this breach of trust,” said Beckner.
The department hopes to complete its internal investigation quickly. In a separate criminal investigation, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office charged Carter and Curnow with multiple crimes last Friday.
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Boulder police: BMW driver attempts to lure female teen into car
Jan 22nd
Boulder police are increasing patrols after a teenage girl told investigators that an unknown man tried several times to lure her into his car. The incident occurred at 5:17 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2013 in the area of Broadway and Spruce.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late forties. The victim said he had dark skin and eyes, thick eyebrows and was wearing a dark green long-sleeve shirt. He was driving a newer model, light silver BMW 5-series four-door sedan. A composite sketch of the suspect and a photo of a similar car are attached.
The victim went into a nearby business to ask for help. The business owner saw the BMW, but was not able to see a license plate. The suspect left the area at that time and police are trying to locate the male and the associated vehicle.
Although this is the first time Boulder police have been made aware of the suspect, the victim said that yesterday’s incident was not the first time the suspect had approached her. She said that approximately four weeks earlier, a man who she believes is the same suspect tried to persuade her into his car near Viele Lake. The victim says that three weeks ago, the same suspect began honking his horn at her as he was stopped at a red light, trying to entice her into his car at Broadway and Alpine. All three times the victim says she ignored the suspect and continued walking.
Police remind community members to call 911 immediately if they see anything or anyone who seems suspicious.
Some good safety tips to remember include:
· Walk in groups and in well-lit areas.
· Make sure children know to never, ever get into a car with a stranger.
· If a stranger approaches a child, run away and yell for help.
· If a stranger tries to take a child, the child should yell, “Help! This isn’t my mom” or “This isn’t my dad,” and try to get away. Bite, kick and scratch if necessary.
· Report suspicious incidents immediately.
The case number is 13-868.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tom Dowd 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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Boulder Chief of Police: Department supports charges against officers who killed elk; apologizes to community
Jan 18th
Statement from Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner:
As you know, Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett has announced that his office will file charges against the two Boulder Police officers involved in the shooting death of the Mapleton elk on January 1st. The officers face three felony charges in addition to a number of misdemeanor charges.
The Boulder Police Department fully supports the decision of the district attorney to pursue charges in this case. It’s the right decision, and the Department has assisted and cooperated fully with the Colorado Division of Parks & Wildlife and the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.
Officers Sam Carter and Brent Curnow have been on paid administrative leave since January 3rd, while the case has been investigated, as dictated by department policy and contractual due process.
Effective immediately, I have placed Sam Carter and Brent Curnow on unpaid administrative leave.
We realize that this case has hit a sensitive nerve in the Boulder community, and I want to reassure our community that I understand their concerns and that I intend to hold these officers accountable for their actions.
While the criminal investigation has (mostly) wrapped up, there is still an internal personnel investigation underway at the Boulder Police Department. This investigation is different and separate from the criminal investigation, and has to do with whether these officers may have violated rules, policies or procedures. We needed to proceed cautiously with the internal investigation because we didn’t want to interfere with the criminal investigation. The Boulder Police Department provided some of the evidence for the criminal case and cooperated fully with investigators.
We hope to move quickly now to complete our internal personnel investigation. Once that is finished, there is a review process that includes a combined community and department member review panel which will provide recommendations to me on the final disposition. If the allegations are sustained, the discipline for such allegations – including being untruthful – would typically be termination from employment.
We apologize for this unfortunate incident. We want our community to know that we take their concerns very seriously and that we’re working hard to correct this situation.
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