YOUR AD HERE »

Colorado news roundup: Man accused of trying to kill woman in crash close to deal (05.14.16)

The Associated Press
Xcel Energy hope sto build a $1 billion wind farm, which could potentially start supplying energy by 2019.
Getty Images/iStockphoto | iStockphoto

Here’s what’s going on around Colorado today:

PUBLIC SAFETY



BOULDER, Colo. — A man accused of intentionally crashing his car into a traffic light pole in Boulder to try to kill his girlfriend is close to reaching a plea deal.

The Daily Camera reports 51-year-old George Pappas was set for arraignment Friday, but his attorney asked for a later date because of the possible deal. Pappas is now set to be arraigned June 15.



He was seriously injured in the Oct. 12 crash. His girlfriend was hurt but was able to walk away from the crash.

According to an arrest affidavit, the woman said Pappas reached over and unbuckled her seat belt and then began driving erratically. She was able to re-buckle before the crash.

Police say witnesses heard both Pappas and the girlfriend say that Pappas was trying to kill her.

Police: Man shot by officers in Aurora had replica gun

DENVER — Investigators say a homeless man who was shot in the wrist by police at a McDonald’s restaurant in Aurora had a replica gun.

The Denver Post reports the 23-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was shot by officers who responded to reports he had shown a weapon to employees after being asked to leave the restaurant May 1.

Police Chief Nick Metz says the replica weapon “was made to look like a real firearm.”

Investigators have not said what charges the man faces.

Two officers were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the shooting.

Man arrested for fatal stabbing in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Authorities in California have arrested a man in connection with a fatal stabbing in Colorado Springs.

The Gazette reports 24-year-old Daniel Alan Newell was arrested in Stockton, California on Thursday night and booked into the San Joaquin County jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. He faces extradition to Colorado.

Investigators say 29-year-old Kyle Sullivan was found stabbed to death in a home April 15. Details about what led to the stabbing have not been released.

Booking documents do not indicate if Newell has hired an attorney.

Man fatally shot by officers after Greeley chase ID’d

GREELEY, Colo. — A man who was fatally shot by police following a chase through Greeley has been identified as a gang member from Alamosa.

Police say 24-year-old Sean Ryan Mondragon robbed a woman at a bowling alley late Wednesday, then led authorities on a chase up to Eaton and back before crashing his car at an intersection in Evans. Two Greeley police officers shot him as he tried to steal a car at gunpoint.

The Greeley Tribune reports Mondragon was wanted on a warrant for allegedly trying to hit an officer with his vehicle in Monte Vista. He also was wanted on a parole violation.

Investigators say Mondragon has an extensive criminal history that includes arrests in Broomfield, Alamosa County and Conejos County.

2 dead in fire at suburban Denver residential group home

ARVADA, Colo. — Authorities are trying to determine what caused a fire that killed two people at a group home in suburban Denver.

Arvada Fire Protection District spokeswoman Deanna Harrington says firefighters were called to the home early Saturday. They found heavy smoke billowing from the front.

Harrington says firefighters removed seven people from the home, six of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment. Two of the six were later pronounced dead.

Harrington described the house as a residential group home, but she did not have more information about the facility or the victims.

ENERGY

Excel Energy proposes $1 billion wind farm

DENVER — The state’s largest electricity provider is asking utilities commissioners to approve a $1 billion wind project.

The Denver Post reports construction on the Rush Creek Wind Project could start late in 2017, with the wind farm potentially producing power before 2019.

Xcel Energy needs the Public Utilities Commission to approve several elements of the proposed project, like acquiring Rush Creek and having rate payers shoulder construction and maintenance costs.

Spokesman Mark Stutz said the company is motivated by economics, and has already met a state mandate to use renewable sources to generate 30 percent of the electricity it sells.

Xcel Energy-Colorado president David Eves says the wind farm would cut carbon pollution by 1 million tons annually.

The wind farm would cover 90,000 acres across five eastern Colorado counties.

RELIGION

Denver’s first Sikh parade expected to draw 1,000 people

DENVER — The first Sikh parade and celebration in Denver is expected to draw 1,000 people.

The Denver Post reports Jewish and Christian pastors will join Sikh groups from Colorado, New Mexico, California and Utah for the May 22 event.

Colorado Singh Sabha is a temple in Commerce City that has sponsored the parade.

Organizers Paul and Gurpreet Juneja say they hope raising awareness will help deter the bullying their kids experience.

Paul estimates the Denver area is home to 500 Sikh families.

Denver East High School is hosting the event, which will start with prayers and music in the morning and feature free vegetarian food all day.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.

Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. The full project is expected to cost about $165,000. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.