KSPK NEWS
October 17th 2025
Man arrested near Blanca Peak refusing to appear in Court.
Paul Sandoval, the man arrested near Blanca Peak in the San Luis Valley following a 5-
day manhunt, has refused to speak to an attorney and has refused to appear in court
following his detainment. Sandoval was arrested on a nearly five-year-old Alamosa
County warrant for felony sexual assault on a child after being accused of tying up his
girlfriend's 8-year-old daughter in a shed behind a house in Alamosa County where he
then violently raped her. Sandoval refused to appear virtually in court from the Alamosa
County jail on Monday and refused to meet with his public defender. Another public
defender was unable to meet with Sandoval on Wednesday, and Sandoval did not appear
at his bail hearing on Wednesday. Sandoval is reportedly having problems with reading,
writing and understanding. The DA's office asked that bail be increased from $7,500
cash or surety to $1 million cash only. Alamosa County Court Judge Jason Kelly
modified the request to $1 million cash or surety. Kelly also issued a protection order for
Sandoval, including that he not have any contact "whatsoever" with anyone under the age
of 18. Sandoval's next court appearance is scheduled for October 28th at 1:30pm.
CDPHE notifying Huerfano County residents of potential measles exposure.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Las Animas and
Huerfano Counties District Health Department are notifying Huerfano County residents,
and the public in general, of possible exposures to measles by an out-of-state visitor to La
Veta. You may have been exposed to measles if you were at the ranch house inn at 1012
Cherry Street in La Veta October 12th through 15th, and also if you were at the La Veta
Country Store (or Valero) at 200 north main street in La Veta on Monday, October 13th,
between 8 and 11am. People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21
days after exposure. In this case, possible exposures should monitor themselves for
symptoms until Wednesday, November 5th. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough,
runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the
face and spreads. If you develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care
provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or
emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles.
Chaffee County Sheriff's office searching for wanted fugitive.
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office is searching for a wanted fugitive who failed to
register as a sex offender. Kevin Snyder, 39, was last known to be living in his camper,
which has license plates AKR-279. He is also likely to be driving a 4-door silver GMC
Pickup truck with license plate number EQV-X38. The Chaffee County Sheriff's office
says that if you see Snyder, you should not approach him, but instead, call law
enforcement immediately. If you have information on Snyder or know his location, call
the sheriff's office at 719-539-2596.
Drought conditions in San Juan mountains see drastic changes in past week.
The drought conditions on the San Juan Mountains has changed drastically in the past
week following the massive amounts of moisture that fell in the mountains and western
slope thanks to tropical storm priscilla, the same moisture that caused extensive flooding.
Previously, much of the mountainous area in Colorado was in severe to extreme drought.
the most recent drought update issued yesterday now shows the same areas reduced to
moderate to severe. The area where flooding occurred now show no drought at all, as
does most all of the eastern half of Colorado.
Huerfano Democrats holding rally and picnic tomorrow.
The Huerfano Democrats will hold a no kings rally and picnic tomorrow, October 18th,
from 11am to 1pm at Walsenburg city park on west 7th street. This event will be a
peaceful, family-friendly event. Bring a potluck dish, lawn chair and items for the local
coat drive. Gloves, hats, mittens, scarves and winter boots will also be accepted.
October 16th 2025
Some evacuations lifted in Southwestern Colorado Tuesday Night.
Residents of Archuleta County were allowed to go back home Tuesday Night as
floodwaters continue to recede following unprecedented rainfall in Southwestern
Colorado. Hundreds of people had been evacuated along The San Juan and Blanco rivers
on Monday night after rains fell throughout the weekend and until Tuesday morning.
Evacuees in La Plata County didn't fare as well. Over 390 homes northeast of Vallecito
reservoir remain under mandatory evacuation orders as water levels in the area remain
high. Officials were anticipating that all evacuees would be allowed in for resident
access only today. Some roads remain closed in the area. Crews are also still working to
evaluate the safety of all impacted county bridges and roads and are doing repair work
and rock and mud removal along the way.
Essential air service to stay running during government shutdown.
While funding for essential air service was set to lapse last Sunday, federally subsidized
flights out of Denver International Airport to Pueblo, Alamosa and Cortez will continue
for now. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last week announced that his agency
found $41 million to keep the program running through at least early November. DIA
has the largest number of federally subsidized essential air service routes of anywhere in
the nation, according to the airport, with nearly 30 EAS routes offered out of Denver last
year. Even if the federal government shutdown drags into next month, carriers operating
essential air service flights out of Denver say that they will continue to fly the routes for
as long as they can. EAS was created by congress as a way to ensure commercial flights
still served small and rural communities after airlines were deregulated in 1978.
Woman found dead in abandoned Pueblo County greenhouse yesterday.
A woman was found dead in an abandoned greenhouse in western Pueblo County
yesterday. According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to 9100
West Colorado 96 near Wetmore in West Pueblo County yesterday after receiving a
report of a person who found a body while cleaning an abandoned greenhouse on the
property. The body appeared to have been there for "some time", according to deputies.
Deputies are investigating what led to the woman's death and how she got into the
greenhouse. The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have information regarding
this incident to call 719-583-6250.
Westcliffe woman honored as 2025 CO Cattlewoman of the year.
Sara Shields of Westcliffe has been honored as the 2025 Colorado Cattlewoman of the
year by The Custer County cattlewomen. The award recognizes shields' lifelong
dedication to the beef industry, agricultural education and land conservation. A third-
generation rancher, shields carries forward the legacy of her family's San Isabel Ranch,
homesteaded in 1872 by her great-grandfather. Shields is a graduate of Colorado State
University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in equine science and a masters in beef
industry leadership.
CPW urging public to remove tangle hazards from yards.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging the public to remove tangle hazards from yards
and to decorate responsibly. District wildlife managers in Colorado have been
responding to incidents of wildlife, particularly those with antlers, caught in various
hazards. From bull elks stuck in hammocks to mule deer with tomato cages wrapped
around their bodies, CPW officers see a wide range of human garden equipment and
recreational items with wildlife get tangled in. Holiday decorations add an extra element
for animals to get tangled in. If you see wildlife that has become entangled, report it
directly to CPW, or through The Colorado State Patrol dispatch if outside of normal
business hours.
October 15th 2025
San Juan River peaks early yesterday in Pagosa Springs.
The San Juan River early yesterday peaked at 12.6 feet, prompting evacuations in Pagosa
Springs. Nearly 100 people were asked to leave their homes late on Monday. Mandatory
evacuations were put in place on the south side of the San Juan River village, about 6
miles north of Pagosa Springs. Flooding has also impacted Vallecito, an unincorporated
community about 20 miles northeast of Durango in La Plata County. At least 90 homes
were damaged in Vallecito with 2 ruled a total loss. Flood warnings were in effect until
midnight last night for Archuleta, Hinsdale, La Plata and San Juan counties. It is hoped
that evacuations will be lifted by sometime tomorrow.
Multi county crime spree ends yesterday in arrest.
A multi-county crime spree yesterday ended in the arrest of a minor. According to The
Custer County Sheriff, deputies responded yesterday morning after a suspect allegedly
used a gun to steal an SUV from a person at a dog park in Silver Cliff. The stolen vehicle
was soon found in Canon City and was later involved in a chase on US50 near the
intersection with Colorado 67. Colorado State troopers spotted the vehicle traveling
northbound on Colorado 115 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was later abandoned in
Colorado Springs. The suspect allegedly committed one or two additional carjackings in
Colorado Springs, and discharged a gun one or more times. Colorado Springs Police
pursued the suspect before finally capturing him. The Custer County sheriff says the
suspect has been identified as a minor. His name has not yet been released.
Trinidad Police dispatched to Trinidad home Sunday on explosive devices report.
On Sunday, October 12th, about 10:49am, Trinidad Police officers were dispatched to a
home in the 1200 block of Arizona Avenue in Trinidad on a report of explosive devices
found by the homeowner. Upon arrival, officers observed what were suspected to be
explosive devices, and notified the Pueblo metro bomb squad for assistance. Two
individuals were taken into custody in connection to the incident. With assistance from
the Pueblo bomb squad, ATF and the FBI, officers secured a search warrant for the home
as well as for a secondary location in the 200 block of Blackwood. The suspected
explosive devices were removed and secured by the Pueblo bomb squad.
CDOT announces US 160 over Wolf Creek pass reopened after erosion control work.
The Colorado Department of Transportation announced last night that U.S. 160 over
Wolf Creek Pass has reopened following the heavy rains and flooding. CDOT closed the
pass at 6am yesterday between Treasure Falls on the west side and just west of South
Fork on the east side, due to safety concerns. CDOT crews then conducted erosion
control and clean-up along the highway shoulder throughout the day. The road reopened
at 6:30pm last night. Even though the road has reopened, CDOT is urging drivers to be
cautious in the area.
Driver walks away after pickup truck plunges off of US 550.
In what is being called a miracle, a driver walked away after his pickup truck fell 300 feet
off of US550. The driver was traveling on US 550, also known as the "million dollar
highway", between Ouray and Silverton on the afternoon of October 9th when the truck
went over the edge and plunged 300 feet down into the unbompahgre river gorge. The
vehicle landed on its roof on top of a pile of small boulders. A team rappelled down the
cliffside to rescue the driver, and found him to only have minor injuries, despite the truck
being left as mangled wreckage. The Ouray mountain rescue team performed the rescue
and brought the driver back to the top via a technical rope system.
October 14th 2025
Evacuations remain in place in La Plata County after heavy rains.
Around 290 homes remain evacuated in La Plata County after heavy rains from tropical
storm priscilla over the weekend washed out roads and caused mud and rockslides.
Vallecito creek had reportedly maxed out at 7,200 cubic feet, almost twice as high as its
previous recorded max of around 3,000 cubic feet. As of last night, 100 homes had been
damaged. No deaths have been recorded in the flooding. Another round of rain was
expected late last night, and that is reportedly the reason that people are not yet being let
back into their homes. Additional crews and engines were on scene last night to be
prepared for a worst-case scenario. La Plata County officials said evacuees will not be
allowed back into the flood area until emergency responders deem it safe.
Investigation into I-70 Sunday semi crash continues.
The semi crash that took place early Sunday morning in Summit County on Interstate 70
killed 2 adults and one child. The victims were a 37-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man
and a 9-year-old girl. None have been identified, however, the state patrol says the
woman was the driver. She and the man were both from Deming, New Mexico. The girl
was from Jacksonville, Florida. All died at the scene. The state patrol says a freightliner
cascadia with a trailer was traveling Westbound on I-70 near Dillon just before sunrise on
Sunday, on a downhill when the driver missed a curve. The driver was able to veer back
onto the road, but hit the center concrete barrier, causing the semi to roll and spill its load
across the roadway. The truck became fully engulfed while still rolling. CSP is leading
the investigation into the crash.
Pueblo Police asking for help in identifying suspects from Sunday robberies.
Pueblo police are asking for the public's help in identifying armed robbery suspects from
robberies that took place late Sunday night. According to police, the first call came in
about 11:10pm Sunday for an armed robbery at a liquor store on 4th street. The second
call came in about 11:12pm from the Alta convenience store on Norwood avenue. High
speed chases of 2 stolen silver Hyundai sedans took place with one crashing at the corner
of 8th and Elizabeth. One occupant was transported to the hospital with life threatening
injuries. A second male suspect was taken in for questioning. The other vehicle was
found abandoned in the 1900 block of constitution road. Anyone with any information
about the robberies or car chases is asked to call Pueblo Crimestoppers at 719-542-7867.
CPW Las animas county poaching incident Investigation continues.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials continue to work to identify the hunter or hunters
who illegally poached four elk near the communities of stonewall and picketwire, to the
west of Trinidad in Las Animas County. One elk was shot and abandoned, another was
injured and had to be put down. The third was shot with its back-strap meat removed,
and the fourth's head was taken but the rest of the body was left. CPW is offering a
$1,000 reward for tips that lead to a citation or arrest. Information can be provided
anonymously on CPW’s operation game thief website, by calling 877-265-6648, or by
emailing game.thief@state.co.us.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Authorities searching for poaching suspect.
Authorities from The Great Sand Dunes National Park and preserve in the San Luis
Valley are searching for a 6-foot-tall caucasian male with brown hair who they believe
was involved in an elk-poaching within the park boundaries. The National Park Service
says the man was seen wearing camouflage, a ball cap and a backpack and was driving a
dark colored dodge ram pickup truck. Officials say the man may have also been carrying
a campound bow. The national park service is asking for anyone with information on the
suspect to call 719-589-5807. Tips to the park service can be anonymous.
October 13th 2025
CO Gov Polis approves disaster declaration for Southwestern Colorado.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis yesterday issued a disaster declaration after heavy rainfall
caused flooding in Southwestern Colorado. According to La Plata County authorities,
flooding caused 390 evacuations in the area on Saturday and 11 rescues were completed.
Polis' declaration activates Colorado's emergency plan, which authorizes the Colorado
department of public safety's division of homeland security and emergency management
to take the required actions for response efforts, which includes up to $1 million in
estimated costs. Polis' office said yesterday that the Governor has been "monitoring the
situation closely" and that state public safety leaders have been in contact with local
emergency management. La Plata County remains in the eye of the storm currently and
they expect more rain again today.
Multi-agency manhunt leds to rape suspect's arrest.
A 5-day, multi-agency manhunt led by U.S. Marshals and The Alamosa County Sheriff's
Office, concluded yesterday with the arrest of Paul Sandoval, 62. Sandoval was taken
into custody about 10:22am near Lake Como Road on Blanca Peak in the San Luis
Valley. Sandoval has been on the run for the past 4 years and is accused of tying up and
raping an 8-year-old girl, his girlfriend's daughter whom he was babysitting, in 2021. In
late August, Sandoval was confirmed to be back in the area after he broke into a vehicle
and a house in Alamosa County. He was believed to be hiding along trails leading to the
top of Blanca Peak on the southwest part of the mountain and was confirmed to be armed
with a rifle. A team of over 70 law enforcement officers participated in the manhunt.
Sandoval is expected to be charged with felony sexual assault of a child and other
charges.
CPW commission approves new livestock regulation.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on Thursday approved a regulation that
will allow livestock producers to receive reimbursement for treating their own animals,
under the direction of a veterinarian, if they have been attacked by gray wolves. The
motion passed unanimously at the commission's meeting on Thursday morning. The
issue came to the forefront during the May 2025 meeting, when commissioners talked
through two separate wolf depredation claims, including one for Jackson County Rancher
Don Gittleson. Gittleson had filed a wolf depredation claim in 2024 amounting to
$2,542.41. Gittleson's claim represented his labor costs and incorporated care prescribed
by a veterinarian to ensure the attacked heifer did not die of her injuries. The heifer
survived and had a calf this year, according to Gittleson. CPW confirmed Thursday that
gray wolves have depredated on 18 animals so far this year.
CO local elections officials started mailing out ballots Friday.
Friday was the first day that local election officials could mail out ballots to Colorado
voters for next month's election. The November election will take place on the 4th. Polls
and ballot drop boxes will be open until 7pm on the 4th. Registered voters should begin
receiving their ballots in the next few days. Ballots can be voted and returned to your
county clerk's office, or to a local ballot drop box, any time after you receive your ballot.
However, you ballot must be received no later than 7pm on November 4th. Late ballots
will not be counted.
Deadly semi crash leaves I-70 closed in summit county yesterday.
Interstate 70 was closed in Summit County yesterday morning following a deadly semi
crash. According to the Colorado State Patrol, troopers responded to a crash involving a
semi with a trailer on Westbound I-70 at milemarker 208 at 5:42am yesterday. The semi
went off the right side of the road, crashed and caught on fire. All occupants of the semi
died, although it was not known how many people were killed. The investigation into the
incident took most of the morning hours yesterday.
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