Fugitive Search Closes Neighborhood

Commerce City - Officers and detectives from the Commerce City Police Department conducted a search of a neighborhood Thursday afternoon that began with a foot pursuit of a wanted suspect.  A 23 year old Commerce City resident is wanted for a Domestic Violence/Attempted Murder incident that occurred recently.

Officers attempted to contact the suspect in the 6400 block of Niagara St, when the he ran from the officers and jumped fences to get away.   A perimeter was quickly established, and numerous other officers assisted in the search for the suspect.

A second location was also searched, in the 5700 block of Niagara St, after the first area search was unsuccessful.  Ultimately, the suspect was not located, although leads as to his whereabouts are still being investigated.

At the time of the incident, Kemp Elementary and Kearney Middle School were placed in lockdown mode.  The lockdown was in effect from approximately 3pm until 5:30pm.  The Reverse-911 system was also utilized to inform residents in the area of the original search to stay inside their homes, and of the lockdown situation at the schools.

Police release new video in prosecutor's murder investigation

Adams County Investigates Drug Allegations

In March 2012, Adams County began an internal investigation in response to information that controlled substances were being distributed among several county employees in the Human Services Department. County officials promptly informed law enforcement and a criminal investigation began.

Former DARE Officer Sentenced

The 17^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Aurora Police Department announce that former Aurora DARE Officer, Michael Mangino (DOB:  03/28/1961) was sentenced for sexually exploiting an adolescent girl in March 2011.

On April 24, 2012, Mangino pled guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child (F6).  Mangino was charged while he was an officer with the Aurora Police Department for having sexually explicit pictures on his cell phone of a 15 year old girl he had in his custody.  Mangino has since been dismissed from the Department. 

Attorney General announces indictment of two individuals involved in internet dating scam

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has obtained an indictment of Tracy Vasseur (DOB: 7/10/1971) and her mother, Karen Vasseur (DOB: 10/19/1938), of Brighton for their roles in a “Nigerian internet romance scam.” The indictment alleges that, as part of the scam, the Vasseurs stole over one million dollars from 374 victims throughout the United States and from 40 other countries.

Commerce City Homicide on E. 52 Ave.

COMMERCE CITY ―   The Commerce City Police Department is now investigating what is believed to be a homicide.  On June 11, 2012, at about 7:30 a.m. officers responded to the 5000 block of E. 52 Ave. following the discovery of two deceased people.   
 

Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators are on the scene.  E. 52 Ave. will remain closed between Dahlia St. and Forest Street until about 5:00 p.m. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional information is being released at this time. 

Commerce City Police Missing Child Search and Recovery

On March 29th, 2012, the Commerce City Police Department responded to a report of a 7-month-old child and began an investigation. On March 30th, the child's mother, Sharrieckia Page was arrested and the missing child was presumed to be deceased. On April 9th, police began planning a search of the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site for the child's body. With the help of 34 agencies, including the CBI and FBI, a search of 2.5 acre site was conducted over the course of 53 days before the child's remains were found.

Child Remains Identified

Commerce City Interim Police Chief Chuck Saunier and Adams County District Attorney Don Quick announce that, through DNA, the remains of a body recovered at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site last week has been identified as that of a seven-month old male child of Sharrieckia Page (DOB: 05/14/1989). The child has been missing since March 29, 2012. The District Attorney has charged Page, the mother of the victim, with First Degree Murder (F1) and Child Abuse Resulting in Death (F2).

"I want to thank the men and women of the Commerce City Police Department and the 26 agencies who supported our efforts to find this child," said Acting Chief Saunier. "It was important to the officers and volunteers involved to provide some sense of closure to family members in this difficult case."

DA Quick states “I am grateful for the family members that the baby’s body was recovered. I realize this has been a seemingly endless wait. I am also appreciative to the Commerce City Police Department for their extraordinary efforts in the recovery.”

Page is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 20, 2012, 9:00 AM in Adams County District Court, Division Q.

Child Remains Found

The Commerce City Police Department found the remains of an infant at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site yesterday afternoon. Authorities are in the process of identifying the remains through forensic testing.

For nearly eight weeks, the Commerce City Police Department has conducted a search for a seven-month-old child who has been missing since March 29, 2012. Sharrieckia Page (DOB: 5/14/89) is currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center on charges of First Degree Murder (F1) and Child Abuse Resulting in Death (F2).

 Over a 53-day period, 500 people from 26 agencies and community organizations across the state and nation participated in the search. Approximately 19,300 hours were spent searching 2.5 acres (approximately 13,000 tons) of the regional solid waste landfill. Working 12-hour shifts at a cost of approximately $10,000 per day, crews sorted through 9,900 tons of waste (over 1 million square feet) before finding the remains.

To protect the integrity of the investigation, no additional information or interviews will be provided until positive identification on the remains.

The Commerce City Police Department is asking for the public’s help with the identification of two males from surveillance video taken from the Joyeria Alondra Store at 5908 E. 64th Avenue on May 17, 2012. Responding Police officers entered the store and discovered a male party suffering from a gunshot wound.

7NEWS: Study Guide Has Verbatim Questions From Police Test

DENVER -- Colorado police certification tests have been compromised because many test questions and answers are readily available in a $75 study guide sold by the former curriculum committee chairman, a CALL7 Investigation found. Full Story Click Here...

Commerce City Police Update on Reunion Area Attack

COMMERCE CITY ― On May 15, 2012 at about 2:20 p.m., Officers from the Commerce City Police Department were called to the area of East 104th Avenue and Landmark Drive in reference to an assault.

When officers arrived on scene and began to investigate they learned the assault occurred in the restroom located along the Second Creek Trail. The victim who is an 18 year old male initially stated he was assaulted by three males with pipes, and one of them may have been armed with a gun.

9NEWS: (Commerce City Police) Mistaken murder arrest still on man's record 37 years later

Adams County Assessor Charged for Lowering Appraisals

Adams County District Attorney Don Quick announced today that the joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Attorney’s Office of Adams County Assessor Gil Reyes (DOB: 10/12/1952) has been completed. After a thorough review of the evidence and the applicable statues, and in consultation with federal authorities, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded that the appropriate charges to be filed against Mr. Reyes are nine counts of Official Misconduct (M2).

Thornton Man Arrested for Purse Robbery

Russell Gonzales

Last Monday, April 30th, a Thornton man was arrested by Brighton Police for robbing the purse of a Commerce City woman at the local King Soopers. Just after 8:00 p.m. the 32 year old woman was standing in line in the grocery store at 4th and Bromley Lane. The man grabbed her purse, and when she wouldn’t let go he began to drag her across the front of the store towards the exit. When employees and customers of the store noticed the commotion the male let the woman go and ran from the store. The woman received an injury to her face during the attack.

About 10 minutes later Officers Rick Stolte and Shane Bromley saw a male matching the description of the robber near the Wendy’s restaurant in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The male, 32 year old Russell Gonzales of E. 90th Place in Thornton had outstanding warrants and was arrested. Later, the investigating officer, Matt McMillian was able to identify Gonzales as the male suspected of the alleged purse robbery by viewing video surveillance of the incident.

Gonzales was held and on Thursday he was charged with Aggravated Robbery and Assault in the Third Degree by the Adams County District Attorney. Aggravated Robbery is a class 3 felony punishable by up to 16 years in prison.

Jerry Rhea sentenced to nine years

17th Judicial District Attorney Don Quick announced today that former Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing Owner and President, Jerry Rhea (DOB: 01/11/1948) was sentenced for theft of Adams County funds.

Commerce City Police Searching for Body, NOT looking for volunteers

COMMERCE CITY ― The Commerce City Police Department is conducting a search for a body at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site, 3500 S. Gun Club Rd. The police department is coordinating this investigation with the District Attorney’s Office.

The police department has made a request to other law enforcement agencies for Certified Emergency Response Teams. However, the police department is not looking for volunteers from the general public.

9NEWS: Authorities search landfill for missing baby

Commerce City to Instruct Negotiators in Salazar Litigation

Commerce City Executive Session: "instructing negotiators concerning the Salazar litigation"

Background of Stephanie Salazar Litigation:
Indian Country: The former director of economic development for a metro Denver community is persevering in a lawsuit centering on her support for a Dine’ employee and other issues which she contends triggered retaliation by city officials... Full Story Click Here... Lawsuit Filing Click Here...

Former VP of Quality Paving Dennis Coen gets 13 years

17th Judicial District Attorney Don Quick announced that former Quality Paving Vice-President Dennis Coen (DOB: 08/01/1953) was sentenced today for theft of Adams County funds.

On January 11, 2012, Coen was found guilty by an Adams County jury after a three week trial for multiple felony counts of theft, conspiracy to commit theft, forgery and attempt to influence a public official.

Judge Shinn sentenced Coen to a total of 13 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, to begin immediately.

DA Quick and Adams County Sheriff reserve any comment at this time except to thank Adams County Sheriff Detectives, Jeremy Whytock and Terry Miles, and prosecutors Dave Young and Jess Redman, for all of their efforts in this case.

Bank Robbery in Thornton

At 11:25 AM on April 11, 2012, Thornton Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery at the Key Bank located at 3505 E. 104th Avenue. Officers were able to establish that a robbery did occur at that location.

9NEWS: Mysterious livestock deaths in Adams County

Insufficient evidence to support the filing of criminal charges against Lon Jones

The Adams/Broomfield County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the evidence presented by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office concerning the shooting of Andre Manzanares (DOB: 10/02/1970) on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 7:14 PM near Brighton, in unincorporated Adams County. The District Attorney determined that there is insufficient evidence to support the filing of criminal charges against the shooter, Lon Jones (DOB: 04/20/1957).

Family members of Mr. Manzanares were informed yesterday that based on the current evidence the District Attorney cannot disprove that Jones acted in self defense at the time of the shooting.

Should additional evidence be presented to the District Attorney regarding the shooting, it will be reviewed accordingly.

Commerce City Police Ask Public for Help in the Murder of Dijoun Quinn

The Commerce City Police Department is still investigating the murder of Dijoun Quinn which occurred on March 27, 2011.

A $1,000 reward for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Dijoun’s death. Crime Stoppers is also offering and additional $1,500 reward, for a total of $2,500. The murder occurred: March 27, 2011 (Time: 9:15 – 9:30 p.m.), in the area of 64th and Holly Street, Commerce City, CO.

Grandfather of Dijon wants closure for his family

If you were in the area of this crime on March 27, 2011, and have any information, please contact Det. Bryan VanderMeer at 303-227-8837.

9NEWS: Mother of missing baby formally charged

9NEWS: Report: Missing toddler found in Dumpster

Commerce City Mother Being Held on Charges of Child Abuse Resulting in Death

Sharrieckia Page

COMMERCE CITY - The Commerce City Police Department is confirming the identity of the 22-year-old mother currently being held at the Adams County Detention Facility on charges of Child Abuse Resulting in Death.

She has been identified as Sharrieckia Page (DOB: 5/14/89). Earlier, the seven-month-old child initially reported as missing was presumed to be deceased.

Court documents have been sealed to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Seven-month-old child in Commerce City is Presumed Dead...

COMMERCE CITY - The Commerce City Police Department continues investigating last night’s missing person incident. The seven-month-old child initially reported as missing is presumed to be deceased. Police have arrested the 22-year-old mother of the child in connection with this case. She is currently being held at the Adams County Detention Facility on charges of Child Abuse Resulting in Death.

The names of those involved are not being released at this time, pending family notification. Court documents have been sealed to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Police continue to work this ongoing investigation. Additional details will be provided, in conjunction with the DA’s office, as information becomes available.

K2 Radio: Past Commerce City Manager Perry Vandeventer Sentenced 4 to 6 years For Embezzling From Casper Nursing Home

A former Chief Financial Officer of a Casper nursing home has been sentenced, for embezzling money from the facility. Read Full Story Click Here...

Missing Child with Suspicious Circumstances in Commerce City...

COMMERCE CITY ― Officers are currently investigating a report of a missing child with suspicious circumstances. At about 4 p.m. today, officers were called to an apartment in the 5600 block of Olive St., and provided information about a missing child.

The Commerce City Police Department continues to investigate this incident and the mother of the child is cooperating with the investigation. It is not believed that any other children or residents in the area are in any danger. Based on initial information, police determined an Amber Alert is not appropriate at this time.

Due to the preliminary stage of the investigation, no other details are being released at this time. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.