Thornton Police Weekly Briefing Sept 27-Oct 3

IN THE FIELD

2026012829 - Man arrested after explosive device found in vehicle

On Sept. 27 around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of East 161st Place for a report of a suspicious person near a vehicle with broken windows.



Officers located a 45-year-old man and detained him without incident. During the investigation, officers observed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and discovered what appeared to be a homemade or altered explosive device inside the vehicle.


Officers secured the area and closed the roadway while the Adams County Bomb Squad responded and safely took custody of the device.


The suspect was transported to the Adams County Jail on multiple charges and an outstanding warrant.

Body camera showing suspect in handcuffs

2026012964 - Officers investigate reported mailbox break-ins

On Sept. 30 around 7 a.m., officers responded to the 8900 block of Fox Drive after several mailboxes were reported to have been broken into.


A nearby resident provided video showing a person in dark clothing walking toward the mailboxes around 5:22 a.m. The resident later found several mailboxes empty.


Officers canvassed the neighborhood but did not locate any additional information or witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

2026013015 - Robbery investigation underway

On Sept. 30 around 10 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of East 84th Avenue for a reported robbery that occurred about 40 minutes earlier.


The suspect reportedly entered a store and stole items before being confronted by a clerk. The suspect then displayed a large knife and fled the area on a bicycle. Officers processed the scene and are continuing to develop suspect information. The investigation remains ongoing.

2026013143 - Man arrested for felony menacing, DUI

On Oct. 3 just before 11:30 a.m., officers responded to the Safeway in the 700 block of Thornton Parkway after two people reported being threatened with a gun during a road-rage incident.


Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and took a 32-year-old man into custody. A firearm matching the description provided was located inside the vehicle, along with open alcohol containers.


The man was transported to the Adams County Jail on charges including felony menacing, DUI and more.

body camera showing suspect in handcuffs

LATEST NEWS

Thornton Police and FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force seek help to identify bank robbery suspect


The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Thornton Police Department need your assistance in identifying the individual pictured here.


On September 30, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., the Chase Bank at 10404 Colorado Boulevard in Thornton was robbed. The subject approached the bank on foot from the intersection of East 104th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and fled south across East 104th Avenue.


The robber was described as a white male, around 40 years old, 5'6" tall with a "slender build” and had some "scruffy" facial hair. He was wearing a black "Champion" hoodie, gray beanie, dark sunglasses, light colored pants and dark shoes.



Anyone with information is asked to call the Thornton PD tip line at 720-977-5069 or submit an anonymous tip through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers online or by calling 720-913-7867.

Crime Stoppers bulletin

Our website got an upgrade!


Say hello to the new thorntonpd.org! We looked at what you searched for most and put it all front and center. Less clicking around, more getting what you need.


Here's what you can do in just a few taps:

  • File a crime report online
  • File a records request
  • Find information about animal control
  • Catch up on weekly briefings and latest news
  • Learn about careers at TPD


Plus, sign up for ThorntonReady emergency alerts so you're the first to know when it matters.


Something missing or hard to find? Reply to this e-newsletter and let us know. We're always working to better serve you!

New TPD website home page

BY THE NUMBERS

Calls for Service and Arrests


Last Week's Totals

09/27/2026 - 10/03/2026

Total calls for service

2,790

Arrests - Total

76

Arrests - Drugs

15

Arrests - Weapons

2

Arrests - DUI

4

*** Arrest totals may not equal the sum of individual categories. Some arrests include multiple charges, and not all arrest types are listed. ***

CRIME SNAPSHOT

Type of Crime

Last Week's Totals

09/27/2026 - 10/03/2026

Homicide

0

Aggravated Assault

2

Robbery

3

Arson

0

Burglary - Residential

6

Burglary - Non-residential

1

Larceny - Total

48

Larceny - Shoplift

13

Larceny - Vehicle Trespass

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

3

Recovered Stolen Vehicles

4

*** Crime data is continuously collected and updated, so these numbers may differ from day to day for a number of reasons. ***


Have crime concerns or questions about crime in your area? Contact our Community Liaison Officers! They’re always happy to meet and discuss what matters most to your neighborhood. They can be reached at clo@thorntonco.gov.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Traffic Incidents

Last Week's Totals

09/27/2026 - 10/03/2026

Traffic Stops

459

Traffic Citations Issued

255

Traffic Crashes

36

LOOKING FOR LEADS

Case Report 25-2779: Thornton Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in a homicide that occurred on Feb. 26, 2025. Around 11:15 p.m., Kendra and Chad Anderson were found deceased inside their home in the 16300 block of Columbine Street with gunshot wounds. A fire had been intentionally set in an attempt to conceal the crime. This case remains unsolved and continues to be actively investigated. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is now offering up to $12,000 for information that helps solve this case. Anyone with information is asked to call 720-913-7867 or submit an anonymous tip using the button below.

Crime Stoppers bulletin including information about the incident and a photo of the victims, Kendra and Chad Anderson.

Your tips help keep our community safe. If you recognize a suspect or have information about an ongoing investigation, call the Thornton Police tip line at 720-977-5069 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month



At the start of a new relationship, it’s not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. In fact, many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. The warning signs of abuse don’t always appear overnight. Often, they emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.


Yet, every relationship is certainly different, and domestic violence doesn’t always look the same. However, one feature shared by most abusive relationships is that the abusive partner tries to establish or gain power and control over their partner. This happens in many different ways at different moments.


Common signs of abusive behavior in a partner include:

  • Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
  • Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers.
  • Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
  • Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
  • Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
  • Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
  • Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
  • Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
  • Intimidating you with weapons.
  • Destroying your belongings or your home.


No one deserves to experience abuse of any kind, for any reason. There are countless reasons why people stay in abusive relationships, and leaving can be an especially dangerous period of time for them.


Knowing how to have conversations that empower survivors to make their own decisions is one of the most important ways you can help someone in an abusive relationship reach a safer place. Learn more about how to start a conversation,and find local domestic vioence resources.

With survivors, always.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Cops & Cones


Date: Thursday, October 8

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Dairy Queen, 3894 East 120th Avenue


Join us for a fun community event where neighbors, families, and officers can come together to chat or ask questions, and enjoy a sweet treat along the way. Stop by Dairy Queen and enjoy $1 cones while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event graphic with text

Haunted Hallways with TPD


Date: Wednesday, October 21

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: District 1 (9551 Civic Center Drive) and District 2 (13150 Quebec Street)


Haunted Hallways is back! Join us for a frightfully fun, family-friendly evening filled with candy, costumes, and plenty of Halloween surprises. Bring your superheroes, princesses, witches, pirates, monsters, and ghouls for a night of trick-or-treating with Thornton Police.


Feeling brave? District 1 will feature a Haunted House for those looking for a little extra spooky fun!


Both locations will be decked out for Halloween with candy, festive trick-or-treat stops, and officers ready to celebrate with you.


  • Free admission
  • Lots of candy
  • Costumes encouraged
  • All ages welcome


Grab your costume, bring your trick-or-treat bag, and come haunt the hallways with us! 

Event graphic with text

Know Before You Ride


Know the rules before you ride this summer! Thornton municipal code was recently updated. Here are the key rules for e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles in Thornton:



  • E-bikes with operable pedals are permitted on sidewalks and bike/pedestrian paths and trails at speeds up to 20 mph
  • The following are prohibited on bike/pedestrian paths, trails, and sidewalks (except authorized personnel): 
  • Non-pedal electric bicycles and similar motorized devices (including electric motorcycles), except e-balance bikes for children 6 years of age or younger 
  • Gas-powered vehicles (including motorcycles, dirt bikes and similar recreational vehicles) 
  • Speeds over 20 mph
  • No riding wheeled vehicles of any kind in prohibited areas (playgrounds, game courts, sports courts, pavilions, park lawns, fields, etc.)
  • Careless, reckless, or unlawful operation of any wheeled device is subject to enforcement and citation of up to $2,650
  • Parents and guardians may be held responsible for violations and associated penalties involving minors operating devices unlawfully
  • HOW TO REPORT: If unsafe riding is happening right now, call the Thornton Police Non-Emergency line at 720-977-5150. For ongoing or recurring issues, use the "Report a Traffic Concern" form at thorntonpd.org.
ThorntonReady Logo

Sign up for ThorntonReady Emergency Alerts


The City of Thornton has launched ThorntonReady Emergency Alerts, a new notification system that provides targeted community alerts to help keep residents informed during urgent situations.


The new system replaces the previous CodeRED platform and delivers timely updates about severe weather, community emergencies, law enforcement activity and other important public safety notifications.


Signing up is free and quick. Once registered, you can choose to receive alerts by text message, phone call, or email, and the system can communicate in more than 120 languages.


Residents can also create a secure and voluntary Safety Profile for their household that provides dispatchers and first responders with critical information such as medical conditions, medications, and access and functional needs.

THOSE WHO SERVE

Victim Advocate Ramirez

Victim advocate smiling at the camera

What’s your go-to snack or coffee order during a long day?

I like to make a midday caffeine run to Black Rock for a medium iced latte. 


What do you enjoy most about being a Victim Advocate?

I enjoy being able to support people during some of the hardest moments in their lives. I like to help them feel heard and supported. I want them to feel less alone and remind them they're not going through it by themselves. 


What is one misconception about domestic violence you wish more people understood?

One huge misconception I've learned about domestic violence is that it isn't always obvious. Abuse can be hidden, lonely and scary. A lot of the times survivors are unsure of where to get the help they need, no one should have to go through it alone.


What would you say to someone who is worried about a friend or family member experiencing domestic violence?

Be their biggest support system, listen without judgment and remind them you are there for them. If you're not sure how to support them, victim services are here to help as well. 


If you weren't a Victim Advocate, what would you be doing?

I would probably be working with children in the welfare system.


Victim Advocate Ramirez specializes in supporting survivors of domestic violence. She is dedicated to helping survivors understand their rights, explore their options and connect with resources and support. Her advocacy helps ensure people have someone in their corner during what can be an incredibly difficult time. Our Victim Services Unit serves the communities of Thornton, Northglenn and Federal Heights, and Ramirez is proud to make a difference for survivors across all three communities.

Interested in joining the TPD team and serving our community?

Check out current job openings here!

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse are just a few additional serious crimes that we typically do not share specific details about to protect the privacy of victims. These crimes are often underreported. Please know that the Thornton Police Department is committed to supporting victims and working diligently to investigate and solve these cases.


If you or someone you know is a victim, help is available. You can report incidents directly to law enforcement or access resources for support.


Thornton Victim Services Unit: Call 720-977-5172 or visit thorntonpd.org/victimservices

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org/  

Love is Respect (for youth): Visit https://www.loveisrespect.org/  

Violence Free Colorado: Call 1-800-799-7233 or visit https://violencefreecolorado.org/  

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault: Call 303-839-9999 or visit https://www.ccasa.org/for-survivors/

Ralston House (for child and teen survivors of abuse): Visit https://www.ralstonhouse.org/

Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: Call 844-264-5437 

National Center on Elder Abuse: Visit https://ncea.acl.gov/

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Visit https://www.missingkids.org/

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Thornton Police Department | 9551 Civic Center Drive | Thornton, CO 80229 US