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.
City of Boulder to get tough on crosswalk violations—finally
Apr 6th
Police to step up crosswalk safety enforcement
Residents should be aware of three new laws
Beginning on Monday, April 9, 2012, the Boulder Police Department will be performing proactive enforcement at city crosswalks. As priorities allow, officers will target Boulder’s busiest intersections to make sure drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are following three new rules that went into effect in February.
The three amendments to the Boulder Revised code are:
- “Stop at crosswalk required” [7-4-77] stipulates that when one vehicle stops to yield for a person in a crosswalk, another vehicle cannot overtake and pass that vehicle.
- “8 mph speed limit for bicycles in a crosswalk” [7-5-5] establishes a speed limit of 8 mph for bicyclists during the immediate approach, entry and traversal of any crosswalk that spans a roadway.
- “Pedestrian obedience to traffic signal required” [7-5-15(f)] targets the use of flashing crosswalks (those with flashing yellow crosswalk signs) by requiring a person crossing to enter the crosswalk with the warning device activated.
The rules are intended to address some of the most frequent problems highlighted in “Safe Streets Boulder,” the city’s recent traffic study analyzing data from motor vehicle collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians. The data compiled during a 40-month period indicated that overall, the city’s street safety record is good, considering the high number of pedestrian and bicycle trips in Boulder.
“Most people are using common sense and following the law, but there are still some problem areas in town. We’re stepping up enforcement to educate citizens about the new laws. Ultimately our goal is to save lives and prevent more accidents,” says Cmdr. Carey Weinheimer.
The report found that crosswalks at intersections are the most common location for collisions and identified 15 of the most accident-prone spots. Police will focus enforcement efforts at those locations. Four of the intersections are along Broadway, adjacent to the University of Colorado campus. The University of Colorado Police Department will also enforce the city’s pedestrian ordinances and focus on high traffic areas of campus.
Possible penalties for violating the new laws are listed below:
- Stop at Crosswalk Required [7-4-77]: possible $300 bond, $125 mail-in fine and 4 point violation
- Speeding bicycles in Crosswalks [7-5-5]: possible $100 mail-in fine and 0 points
- Pedestrian Obedience to Traffic Signals [7-5-15(f)]: possible $50 mail-in fine and 0 points
Boulder police: photos of persons of interest in crimes
Apr 4th
Police attempting to identify three males who may have information in credit card theft, burglary
Boulder police are investigating a burglary that took place in the 800 block of 18th St. on March 18, in the early-morning hours. Three roommates admitted that they didn’t lock their door while they left the residence for a short period of time. While they were out, a credit card and some electronic items were stolen from the apartment.
The credit card was used at a local deli. Attached are three photos of the males Boulder police would like to identify and speak with. Investigators consider all of the men persons of interest in this case.
The first male is described as:
- White male
- Very short, buzz-cut hair, nearly bald
- Medium build
- Wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a CU logo & black pants
The second male is described as:
- White male
- Short, dark hair
- Black, long-sleeve shirt with a “SF” (San Francisco) logo & black pants
The third male is described as:
- Olive-skinned male
- Short, dark hair
- Gray long-sleeve shirt with an unknown logo at the shoulder
The case number is 12-3694. Photos of the men are attached.
Anyone with information about these men is asked to contact Detective Kristin Weisbach at 303-441-4474. 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 atwww.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.
#CU cops: Serial bank robber is busted
Mar 15th
The suspect was dubbed the “Face Off Bandit” by FBI investigators because he used fake beards as disguises, which he discarded as he fled.
The suspect who law enforcement officials believe is the so-called “Face Off Bandit” was arrested this afternoon as he was leaving a Wal-mart store in Thornton. The “Face Off Bandit” is believed to be responsible for six bank robberies in four jurisdictions, including Boulder, Golden, Thornton and Louisville.
Mark Steven Edwards (DOB 9/19/1961) faces three felony Robbery charges in connection with the Boulder bank robberies. Forensic evidence linked him to the robberies, and he was arrested on a Boulder Police Department warrant.
In Boulder, the first robbery occurred on Dec. 16, 2011 at Great Western Bank, located at 1900 9th St.
The second robbery took place at First Bank, located at 4770 Baseline, on Jan. 19, 2012.
Chase Bank, located at 603 S. Broadway, was robbed on Feb. 15, 2012.
The “Face Off Bandit” is also suspected of robbing a Wells Fargo Bank in Golden, Key Bank in Thornton and First National Bank in Louisville. These cases are still under investigation by police agencies in those jurisdictions.
In each of the Boulder robberies, the suspect entered the bank and walked directly to the teller, demanding money. Tellers complied with the suspect’s demand. No one was hurt.
The suspect fled on foot after each robbery, and police found discarded beards and other items believed to belong to the suspect.
Edwards is in custody at the Boulder County Jail. His bond has been set at $100,000.
The case numbers are: 11-16250, 12-858 and 12-2138.
The Boulder Police Department is grateful for the assistance that other law enforcement agencies provided during the investigations. Those agencies include: FBI-Denver, the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, the Louisville Police Department, the Thornton Police Department, the Golden Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, which executed a search warrant in unincorporated Adams County on behalf of the Boulder Police Department.
Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to contact Detective Heather Frey at 303-441-3369. 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.
