Latest news with #MSPD
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MSPD seeking public's help identifying burglary suspects
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is asking for the public's help identifying two suspects accused of breaking into an RV park's laundromat and trying to break into a change machine. According to MSPD, on Monday, May 19, at around 4:30 a.m., video surveillance showed two suspects break into a laundry facility and use what appeared to be a red Milwaukee brand power drill in an attempt to break into a coin-operated machine at the RV park. The suspects' attempts were unsuccessful, and they left the scene shortly after. The damage was discovered later Monday morning by RV park managers who contacted police. Still images of video surveillance above show the suspects and a white Chevrolet Equinox believed to be connected to the incident. MSPD is asking anyone who recognizes the suspects or vehicle, or has information related to this case, to contact El Paso County dispatch at (719) 390-5555; callers can remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs police offering ride-alongs
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is giving the public an opportunity to have a front-row seat to witness how police operate in Manitou Springs with its Ride Along Program. The ride-alongs are available for anyone 16 years old or older. Those under 18 will need parental or legal guardian consent. Those interested will need to agree to undergo a comprehensive police records check. MSPD said those participating in ride-alongs will have responsibilities: Remain in or return to the police vehicle in dangerous or sensitive situations (e.g., homicides, sex crimes, deaths, etc.). Do not enter or remain in major crime scenes. Limit your movements to public areas and places you have permission to enter. Comply with all directions given by a police officer or dispatcher. Avoid operating equipment unless an officer's safety is at risk or you have an officer's permission. Be an observer only. Do not become involved verbally or physically unless an officer's safety is at risk or you are directed to do so. The City of Manitou Springs will not be liable for a rider's unauthorized interventions. MPD said applications need to be completed two weeks before the desired timeframe, and once a ride-along request is approved, MSPD will contact the applicant to schedule a ride-along. 'By participating in this program, you'll ride along with our dedicated officers, witnessing the realities of policing in our community. Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement, studying criminal justice, or simply eager to learn more about public safety, the MSPD Ride Along Program offers a unique, behind-the-scenes experience that you won't forget,' writes MSPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs warns of psilocybin scam
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is alerting the public to a scam website that claims to sell psilocybin but it is still illegal to do so. MSPD said a website called ' is falsely claiming to sell psilocybin, or 'magic mushrooms.' While Colorado Proposition 122 approved in 2022 decriminalized the possession and personal use of psilocybin mushrooms and certain other natural psychedelics for adults 21 and older, the sale and retail purchase are still illegal outside of state-approved healing centers. The fraudulent website appears professional with working links and customer reviews, and claims to operate in Manitou Springs under 'Shroom Wonders.' The business does not operate in Manitou Springs, and the address belongs to an unrelated legitimate company, according to MSPD. The website lists phone number (719) 619-1282, which directs callers to a voicemail before sending a text requesting payment through PayPal's 'Family and Friends' option, a method that does not offer buyer protection. When MSPD investigated, it found the website's ownership and database information is redacted, but records indicated it is registered in Nairobi, Kenya. MSPD urges the public to be vigilant against fraudulent online or storefront schemes and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Anyone who has attempted to make a purchase through or has additional information about the scam is encouraged to contact MSPD at (719) 390-5555. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missouri taxpayers paying convicted felon despite objections from lawmakers
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Republican lawmakers in the Missouri House are standing by the House Budget Committee's attempt to stall the appropriations process for the Missouri State Public Defenders Office. The controversy surrounds the MSPD employment of David Spears, a felon convicted for his role in the 2007 death of 9-year-old Rowan Ford, who was raped and murdered. Authorities later found Ford's body dumped at a site near the southwestern Missouri town of Stella. Christopher Collings confessed to the crimes and was found guilty of the sex crime as well as first-degree murder. He was sentenced to death and died by lethal injection this past December. Court documents and the clemency petition, however, show Spears also implicated himself in the crimes. A transcript of Spears' statement to police, cited in the clemency petition, said Collings handed him a cord and Spears killed Rowan. 'I choked her with it. I realize she's gone. She's…she's really gone,' Spears said, according to the transcript. Meanwhile, court documents say it was Spears who led authorities to the sinkhole where the body was found. But Spears was allowed to plead to lesser charges—although it wasn't clear why. Prosecutors at the original trial didn't respond to messages seeking comment from the Associated Press. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now A review by Nexstar Missouri shows Spears pleaded guilty to just two lesser charges: endangering the welfare of a child and hindering of a prosecution. While both are felonies, Spears received 11 years for the combined charges. He would end up serving half of that sentence and was released on parole from a Missouri prison in 2015. At the contentious budget hearing last week, the Director of the Missouri State Public Defender's Office told lawmakers that Spears was never convicted of murder or rape. Mary Fox insisted to the bipartisan budget panel that Spears was hired through the appropriate process, telling lawmakers that her agency 'believes that people with criminal convictions should be able to be employed…even by the state.' On Tuesday, the GOP leadership in the House issued a statement defending the House Budget Committee's stance, which is to effectively stall the process for MSPD's budget approval. 'The continued employment of David Spears within the Missouri State Public Defender's Office is a serious lapse in judgment that undermines public trust in our institutions. While we believe in second chances, there are clear and reasonable limits—especially when it comes to those who have pled guilty to hindering the prosecution of a heinous crime like the murder of Rowan Ford,' said Republican Reps. Jon Patterson, the Speaker of the House, Alex Riley, the Majority Floor Leader, Lane Roberts, Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Hardy Billington, the Majority Whip, Bennie Cook, the Majority Caucus Chair and Ann Kelley, the Majority Caucus Secretary. 'We fully support Representative Dirk Deaton and the members of the House Budget Committee in their efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and in a way that reflects the values and expectations of Missourians. 'We stand with our colleagues in calling for the Public Defender's Office to rectify this situation immediately. If they fail to do so, we support any and all measures, including the rejection of their budget request, to hold them accountable. Justice for Rowan Ford and her family must come first.' A search of state employee salary records show taxpayers paid Spears a salary of close to $41,000 in 2024. Missouri House Republicans and Democrats will hold separate news conferences Thursday–a platform for legislative leaders to spin this week's session. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs Police warn of Facebook Marketplace scam
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is alerting the public to a scam that a Manitou Springs resident recently fell victim to and lost hundreds of dollars. According to MSPD, the victim agreed to sell an item on Facebook Marketplace, and the supposed buyer claimed to have an issue sending a Venmo payment. The alleged scammer provided the seller with a fake screenshot suggesting the seller needed to take action. The scammer then requested the seller's email and sent a fake message, apparently from Venmo support, instructing the seller to send a payment to 'expand' their account. The seller, believing the request to be legitimate, lost hundreds of dollars in the scam. MSPD is urging the community to remain cautious when conducting online transactions: Never share personal email or financial information with unknown buyers. Be wary of messages claiming payment issues that require additional steps. Verify all transactions directly through the official Venmo app, never through email. Stop communication immediately and report the incident to Venmo and your financial institution if fraud is suspected. If you believe you have been targeted by a similar scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to MSPD by calling (719) 390-5555. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
