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.
Suspect at large after Boulder bank robbery
Dec 16th
A male suspect wanted in connection with a morning bank robbery is still at large and police are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.
The robbery took place at Great Western Bank, 1900 9th St., around 9:28 a.m. The suspect demanded cash, and the teller complied. No one was injured.
The suspect left the bank and ran into the parking garage of the nearby St. Julien hotel, where he left clothing and a combination hat/wig that he had allegedly used in the robbery. The parking garage was closed for a time as police searched for the suspect.
The suspect was last seen running north on 11th from Walnut. A photo is attached. He is described as:
- A white male
- 200 lbs.
- 5’9” tall
- Long brown hair, with highlights
- No facial hair
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the Boulder Police Department’s Tip Line at 303-441-1974. 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.
Boulder proposes to close all outdoor public areas at night
Dec 16th
City manager proposes closing parks and recreation areas at night
Concerned about safety and health risks associated with encampments and other activities after nightfall, Boulder City Manager Jane S. Brautigam announced Friday that she is considering closing parks, parkways, recreation areas and open space between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The proposed rule, issued according to authority granted to her under city code, is subject to a 15-day period for public comment.
Members of the public may file written comments with the city beginning on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, when notice will be published in the newspaper, and ending on Jan. 2, 2012. The city manager will consider all comments before deciding whether to impose the rule as written or make changes to it. The rule would take effect once she submits a final decision to the City Attorney’s Office.
The proposed rule would not apply to individuals passing through the affected areas on foot or bicycle or in cases where permitted events are being held. In addition, it would allow police to consider personal property left behind during these hours to be abandoned.
While the most visible use of these areas in recent days have been protestor encampments outside the Municipal Building, the rule is not intended to curb free or constitutionally protected speech. Individuals would remain welcome to congregate in city parks during daytime hours for these and any other lawful activities.
“The City of Boulder values the rights of all of our community members, including those who wish to use our public property,” Brautigam said. “We need to ensure that all people are able to do so safely and work hard to protect our public spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“Closing our parks for a limited number of hours each night will help us address the important health and safety concerns while still providing for meaningful access during the day,” the city manager said. “I believe this is a balanced approach.”
Brautigam made the decision after consulting with City Attorney Tom Carr and Police Chief Mark Beckner and taking into account recent court decisions related to access to public property. Carr said the rule, which would impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, is similar to provisions for closures in other cities.
Copies of the rule are available for public review at Central Records on the second floor of the Municipal Building at 1777 Broadway. Individuals who wish to comment on the rule may send their written remarks by U.S. mail to Parks Closure Rule, City of Boulder Box 791, Boulder, CO 80306, or e-mail them toparksclosurerule@bouldercolorado.gov before or on Jan. 2, 2012.
Native Boulder sacred site to be cleaned
Dec 15th
Valmont Butte settlements reached; cleanup to begin
The City of Boulder, Honeywell International Inc. and Tusco, Inc. recently reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of $350,000, to resolve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) costs for its past investigations at the Valmont Butte.
The Valmont Butte property, located at the intersection of 63rd Street and Valmont Road in Boulder County, is comprised of an abandoned ore milling complex and associated tailings ponds. The city purchased the property in 2000. In 2004 and 2005, the EPA investigated the site and prepared a site assessment report.
The City of Boulder also recently reached settlements with Honeywell and Tusco to resolve their liabilities as past owners and operators of the Valmont Butte mill site. Under those settlement agreements, Tusco will pay $300,000 and the remaining costs for remediation will be split 50/50 between the City of Boulder and Honeywell, with the option to resolve the final allocation of costs between the city and Honeywell in an abbreviated, mini-trial process. Honeywell will also be responsible for covering the EPA costs.
The city is now preparing to move forward with cleanup activities at the property. These activities will include the consolidation of contaminated soils into the area of the primary tailings pond, the placement of an engineered cap over the contaminated soils, and the preservation or removal of buildings and structures. Work is expected to begin January 2012 and is expected to be complete in late summer 2012. When work is being conducted in sensitive areas, a tribal monitor and/or an historic archaeologist will observe the excavations.
More information about the settlement agreement and about the Valmont Butte is available at www.valmontbutte.net. For questions about the upcoming work at the Butte, contact Bill Boyes at 303-441-4125.
