Latest news with #ArapahoeCountySheriffsOffice
CBS News
23-07-2025
- CBS News
Several Denver metro area vape shops hit in coordinated burglary spree, one business owner says it's "devastating"
A small business in Centennial is facing a major setback two months after opening. Pyre Vape and Glass was one of several vape shops across the Denver metro area targeted in a string of coordinated overnight burglaries. Surveillance footage from Pyre shows thieves ramming a stolen vehicle through the storefront around 1:50 a.m. on July 17. Several masked suspects are seen entering the store seconds after the crash. They use laundry baskets to sweep up disposable vapes and flavored nicotine products before exiting through the wrecked storefront. A stolen getaway car was parked out front. "It was devastating," said owner Matthew Mikulas. "We're a small businesses. This isn't Walmart or Target. We don't have a loss retention program." The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that at least four other vape stores in Denver, Englewood, Lakewood and Aurora were hit that same night, all using a similar method of entry and targeting similar products. Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office told CBS News Colorado the cases are believed to be linked and carried out by a group of young suspects -- possibly teens -- using stolen vehicles. They believe at least one of the individuals was armed, using the flashlight on a pistol to scan the store. Mikulas says the group appeared organized and targeted products popular with young buyers, especially flavored nicotine devices like Geek Bars. "They knew what they were doing. They knew they only had three to four minutes," he said. "And I fear they're selling it to underage users. They are probably hitting up their friends, and their groups and their clubs." Mikulas, who is also a cancer survivor, says he's trying to bring safe, compliant alternatives to adult consumers. He estimates the total damage at around $40,000, including destroyed doors, broken display cases and stolen inventory. Thieves didn't just shatter his storefront, but efforts to keep vapes away from minors. "The hardest part is that this industry already fights for legitimacy," he said. "We work hard to check IDs, follow the rules, and provide responsible options. But when criminals use our products to fuel an underground market, it makes us look like the bad guys." Despite the setback, Mikulas says he's committed to rebuilding and continuing to serve his customers. "We're still here. We've reordered product, we're fixing the damage, and we'll keep pushing forward. Owning a small business? You don't give up on it." He's also looking into improving storefront security, joining other small business owners who are now installing bollards and reinforced glass after becoming targets of similar crimes. Investigators believe the suspects may be attempting to resell stolen items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and social media using codewords and anonymous accounts. Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers.
CBS News
21-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Baby raccoon rescued in Colorado from semi-truck engine compartment
A baby raccoon was awoken from its adorable slumber after being spotted in the engine compartment of a semi-truck in Colorado. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said on Monday that animal control officers were dispatched to the truck and found the sleeping baby Tuesday morning. "The baby raccoon was sleeping (these guys are nocturnal) and wasn't exactly happy about being woken up, but it eventually grabbed onto the catch pole and was pulled out safely and unharmed," the sheriff's office said in a statement. It was later returned to its natural habitat. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office took over animal control services from the county on June 21 and says it has since responded to over 100 calls for service regarding dogs, cats, rabbits, foxes, snakes, and raccoons. Raccoons are omnivores, so they eat plants, fruits, insects, and smaller mammals, and do most of their hunting, scavenging, and moving about at night, so they tend to sleep throughout the day. In more rural areas, that means hollowed out logs, trees, and other animals' dens, but in more urban and suburban areas, they can sleep in storm drains, abandoned buildings, vehicles, and other areas that offer protection from the sun and predators. Despite how cute they can be, raccoons can carry rabies, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges anyone who's themself or a pet has been bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any other wild mammal that carries rabies to thoroughly wash the area with soap and water and then visit a doctor or veterinarian, especially if not vaccinated for rabies. Raccoons can also carry distemper, which can't impact humans, but can get unvaccinated cats, dogs, and other pets sick and can often lead to their death. Colorado saw an outbreak among raccoons last fall and winter. And while they do offer some risk, they're typically skittish and help control other pests by eating rats and insects, even if they occasionally knock a garbage can over. People are urged to contain and secure their trash and not leave food products out or in cars or garages overnight. Wildlife officials advise contacting local animal control or a professional to remove a nuisance raccoon, but property owners or people with permission from a property owner can relocate a raccoon themselves, so long as it's relocated within two miles of the location it was found and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is notified in advance.
