Wildfires that burned part of Chatfield State Park sparked by passing train

Wildfires that sparked Sunday near and south of Chatfield State Park in Douglas County were caused by a passing train, sheriff’s officials said.

South Metro Fire Rescue investigators believe activity from a train in the area ignited the Airport fire, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

The wildfire burned approximately 130 acres and evacuated the town of Louviers. At least 20 acres were scorched inside Chatfield, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said Sunday.

Investigators found “ignition indicators” along train tracks in the area and have video evidence of a train in the area at the time the fires started, sheriff’s officials said.

Crews remained in the field on Wednesday and were still working toward fully containing the fire, according to the sheriff’s office.

— Lauren Penington, The Denver Post

Denver police seek tips in fatal weekend shooting

Denver police are seeking information about a weekend shooting in Capitol Hill that left a 20-year-old man dead.

Antonio Vargas died Saturday after being shot in the 1000 block of North Lincoln Street at 3:20 a.m., according to the Denver Police Department. A second person sustained minor injuries in the shooting. Anyone with information about the shooting can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

— Katie Langford, The Denver Post

Jail deputy arrested for alleged sexual relationship with a female inmate

A detentions deputy is accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 27-year-old female inmate while on duty at the Weld County jail this month.

Jacob Golden, 30, was arrested on two counts of sexual conduct in a correctional facility by an employee, according to an affidavit for his arrest.

On July 15, an inmate reported the sexual relationship to a different detentions deputy, the affidavit states

A sheriff’s detective later found semen residue in the pants the inmate was wearing at the time, the affidavit states.

Golden was released from the jail on $20,000 bail, according to Colorado court records.

He has worked at the jail for four years and is on administrative leave pending the criminal investigation, according to the sheriff’s office release. An internal investigation will follow, the office said.

— Chris Bolin, Greeley Tribune