Thornton Police make arrest in attempted abduction

On April 29, 2025, the Thornton Police department identified 18-year-old Steven Houseman, date of birth March 9, 2007, as the suspect involved in the attempted abduction of a 15-year-old female near Thornton Middle School on April 28, 2025. Houseman was taken into custody on Thornton High School property without incident.

Houseman will be booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of second degree kidnapping (CRS 18-3- 302), second degree assault (CRS 18-3-203), false imprisonment (CRS 18-3-303(2)(A) and criminal attempt sexual assault (CRS 18-2-101 & 18-3-402). An arrest is merely an accusation that an individual has committed an offense under Colorado laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

“I would like to thank the brave members of our community who, at our request, came forward with information that helped lead to the arrest of Houseman. We recognize the integral part our community has in helping keep our city safe, and for that, we are grateful. I also want to acknowledge the incredible investigative work done by our school resource officers and detectives who worked diligently in identifying and arresting Housman in a very short amount of time,” said Interim Chief Greg Reeves.

Thornton Police seek public’s help to identify attempted abduction suspect

The Thornton Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an attempted abduction near Thornton Middle School. At around 11:20 a.m. on April 28, a 15-year-old female was walking near the school when a male suspect attempted to grab her. The victim resisted, and the suspect fled the area. School resource officers were notified of the incident just before 4 p.m. Following an initial investigation, officers located video surveillance showing the attempted abduction. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim to medium build and blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, white shoes, glasses, and carrying a black backpack. The suspect may be associated with a red sedan with a white bumper. Investigators are continuing to gather additional suspect information. Thornton police are working closely with Adams 12 Five Star Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff as the investigation continues. Students and families are encouraged to stay alert and take simple precautions, such as walking in groups, reporting suspicious behavior, and reviewing safe walking routes. Students should avoid approaching unknown individuals or vehicles, trust their instincts, and seek help immediately if they feel unsafe. Parents and guardians are urged to review safety tips with their children. This is an active and ongoing investigation in its early stages. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913- 7867.

Critical Incident Response Team activated for fatal crash investigation

The Thornton Police Department has activated the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to investigate a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles that occurred on April 23 at 104th Avenue and McKay Road.

The preliminary investigation indicates that around 4:40 p.m., an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding. The driver did not yield to the officer’s emergency lights and sirens, continuing eastbound on 104th Avenue. The officer deactivated their emergency lights, and shortly after, the vehicle crashed into multiple other vehicles near the intersection.

The driver of the vehicle that failed to yield, a 17-year-old male, died at the scene. His name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office and notification of next of kin. A total of six individuals were transported to the hospital, including one person who remains in critical condition.

Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure transparency, the CIRT was contacted to assist with the investigation. This is standard protocol in incidents involving serious injury or death following police contact. The independent investigation helps ensure that all facts and evidence are thoroughly documented and reviewed.

The intersection was closed for the duration of the investigation and reopened to traffic around 12:30 a.m. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident as the investigation moves forward. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

Thornton Police investigate fatal motorcycle crash

The Thornton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on April 15 at approximately 8:15 p.m. at the intersection of Thornton Parkway and Welby Road.

The initial investigation indicates that a 17-year-old male driving a BMW sedan was turning southbound onto Welby Road when he crashed into a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling eastbound on Thornton Parkway. A 38-year-old male and a 12-year-old female were riding the motorcycle. Both were transported to the hospital.

The 38-year-old male died at the hospital a short time later. His name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office and notification of next of kin. The 12-year-old female remains in critical condition.

The driver of the BMW remained on scene. He was arrested for careless driving causing death and released pending further investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that has not yet been shared with investigators is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones. This crash is a heartbreaking reminder that the choices we make on the road can mean the difference between life and death. We remain committed to roadway safety and ask for the community's help in preventing future tragedies.

Thornton Police arrest youth pastor for sexual assault of a child

On March 25, the Thornton Police Department arrested 28-year-old Joshua Lucero, a pastor employed by Word Alive Church, on charges related to the sexual assault of a juvenile. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has formally charged Lucero with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust – pattern of abuse (C.R.S. 18-3-405.3). The reported incidents occurred between July 2017 and July 2020, while Lucero was a youth pastor overseeing juveniles aged 13 to 18. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Lucero is in custody following his arrest and will be booked into the Adams County Jail. The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed an offense under Colorado laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. “Protecting the vulnerable in our community is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward so justice can be served.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.

Thornton Police investigate arson, shooting update

On Feb. 28, continuing investigative efforts in this case have revealed information that confirms this case is a double homicide. Detectives are still working to process the crime scene and follow-up on leads in an effort to gather suspect information. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5069.

Thornton Police investigate fatal crash

The Thornton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on March 20 at approximately 11:10 p.m. at the intersection of East 120th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The initial investigation indicates that an 18-year-old male driving a Toyota Corolla eastbound on 120th Avenue ran a red light and crashed into the passenger side of an Acura TL driven by a 35-yearold male, who was turning southbound. The driver of the Acura was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office and notification of next of kin. The 18-year-old suspect was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation following the crash. Investigators believe speed and impairment were contributing factors. The investigation is ongoing and remains in its early stages. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information and has not yet spoken with officers is asked to call the Thornton Police Department’s tip line at 720-977-5069. Every life lost in a crash is a preventable tragedy, and the City of Thornton remains committed to enhancing safety on our roadways for all who travel through our community. Every driver must make safe and responsible choices behind the wheel, and we urge all motorists to prioritize the well-being of themselves and others by driving with care and caution at all times.

Thornton Police investigate arson, shooting

On Feb. 26 just before 11:15 p.m., officers responded to reports of a structure fire in the 16300 block of Columbine Street. Upon arrival, officers and fire personnel found a 58-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man deceased inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. Fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, and the exact cause and circumstances remain under investigation. The fire was contained to one home and declared all clear by 11:59 p.m. There is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators believe there was no one else inside the home at the time of the incident. The Adams County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death and release the identities of the deceased once next of kin have been notified. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5069.

Thornton Police seeking help in shooting investigation

The Thornton Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a shooting that took place on Feb. 7, in the parking lot of Jumping Jack Cash, located at 8851 Washington Street. Around 1:30 a.m., officers in the area heard multiple gunshots. Simultaneously, dispatch received a call of a shooting in the same location, with information indicating that an individual had been injured. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound and learned that the suspects had fled the scene. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives have since obtained photographs of individuals of interest in the investigation and are asking the public to assist in identifying the individuals shown below. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069. 

Thornton Police investigate armed robbery, shooting

The Thornton Police Department is investigating an armed robbery and shooting that occurred on Jan. 18 at an apartment complex near the 2500 block of East 104th Avenue. Officers were dispatched to the area at 2:40 a.m. after receiving reports of a burglary in progress and gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located a 25-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as the brother of the apartment resident, was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed that the apartment resident was not home at the time of the burglary but was alerted to movement outside the unit by a home security camera. The suspect, however, covered the camera before continuing with the crime. The resident contacted his brother, who lives in the same complex, to check on the apartment. Upon arrival, the victim encountered the suspect, who then shot him and fled the scene with valuables from the apartment. Detectives have obtained photos of the suspect from the home camera, which are included below. Detectives believe this to be an isolated incident, but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-9775069. Those who wish to remain anonymous and become eligible for a monetary reward can contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Further information will be released if there are significant developments in the case.

On October 26th, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Thornton Parkway and Washington Street on reports of an accident with a vehicle on fire. A preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford SUV with four occupants was travelling northbound on Washington Street and was stopped at a red light at Thornton Parkway. The driver and sole occupant of a Subaru sedan was also traveling northbound on Washington Street approaching Thornton Parkway at a high rate of speed. The Subaru collided with the Ford, causing a gas tank to rupture and catch fire.
Tragically, the four occupants of Ford SUV, two adults and two children, were declared deceased on scene. The driver of the Subaru sedan was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Approximately two weeks after the devastating crash, on November 7th, the driver of the Subaru succumbed to his injuries and died. The release of the driver's identity and cause of death will be managed by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
Due to the Subaru driver's death, the Thornton Police Department traffic investigators are unable to pursue criminal charges in this case. Although portions of this case are still being investigated, the case is considered closed and classified as exceptionally cleared due to the death of offender.

On August 20th, 2024, at approximately 8:00 PM, Thornton police officers located an individual with a warrant in a parking lot in the 200 block of E. 120th Avenue. As officers approached the male and told him he was under arrest, they gave him multiple commands, but he refused to comply and attempted to walk away. Officers fired a taser at the male however it was ineffective. The male produced a handgun, and officers fired, striking the individual.
The male was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. There is not additional information on his condition at this time.
The investigation will be turned over to the 17% Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.
The case remains open and active. There are no further details at this time.Officers returned fire striking the suspect.
The male suspect was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. His current condition is unknown.
The investigation will be turned over to the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.
The case remains open and active. There are no further details at this time.

On August 11, 2024, at approximately 7:54 PM, officers responded to a report of a male suspect firing a gun into the air. When officers arrived to the parking lot in the 9700 block of Washington Street, the suspect pointed a gun at officers as he retreated back inside of the vehicle. The suspect was waving the gun around, pointing it at himself and the officers. While officers were attempting to negotiate with the suspect, he fired a gun from the vehicle, killing his dog. Medical was staged at the location and a CodeRED notification was sent to keep the community safe. Officers continued to negotiate with the suspect for approximately 30 minutes to deescalate the situation as he remained in the vehicle. A short time later the male suspect exited the vehicle with a gun and fired at officers.
Officers returned fire striking the suspect.
The male suspect was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. His current condition is unknown.
The investigation will be turned over to the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.
The case remains open and active. There are no further details at this time.

On the evening of July 23m 2024, Thornton officers learned the location of the red & tan Ford Expedition bearing Colorado plate #CQJ-N56, involved in the homicide at 84th Ave. and I-25.
Thornton officers were able to track down the location of the vehicle which led to the arrest of Matthew Lopez (34) of Adams County. Matthew was taken into custody without incident and is currently being housed at the Adams County Detention Facility on homicide charges.
The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin and positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office.

On July 24th, 2024, at approximately 3:30 AM, officers contacted an adult male suspected in an assault that just occurred at a nearby gas station. Officers made contact with the suspect at the intersection of Thornton Pkwy and Gale Blvd. As they were contacting the suspect a physical struggle ensued and the suspect grabbed for the officer's gun in its holster. The officer struggled to retain his own weapon. During the struggle the officer was shot and suffered a serious injury.
Another Thornton officer then shot the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased on scene.
The officer shot was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The identity of the male is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin and positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
The investigation will be turned over to the 17" Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the officer who discharged his weapon, a one year officer, has been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.
The case remains open and active. There are no further details at this time.

On July 23rd 2024, at approximately 1:30 AM, officers were dispatched to the 84th Ave. bridge above I-25 on what was initially reported as an auto/pedestrian crash.
Further investigation revealed this incident was not an auto/pedestrian accident, rather what appears to be an intentional act. There was an adult male that was struck by a red & tan Ford Explorer bearing Colorado plate #CQJ-N56 that fled the scene. The adult male struck by the vehicle was transported at an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The identity of the driver is unknown at this time.
The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin and positive identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
The case remains an active and open investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Thornton police at 720-977-5069.

On June 21st 2024, at about 3:45 A.M. Thornton police officers along with a Northglenn police officer, tried to stop a small gray sport utility vehicle bearing Colorado plate #BIX868. The license plate and vehicle were associated to a female wanted for Attempted Homicide of a Peace Officer from the Littleton Police Department.
The driver of the vehicle refused to stop so officers pursued the vehicle to the area of Colfax Ave. and Sheridan Blvd. where a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver) was successful. The female driver and sole occupant was taken into custody without further incident and was later found not to be the person with the active warrant.
The female driver was later identified as Joanna Trippy (DOB:01/26/1986) and was jailed on multiple charges including Vehicular Eluding, Resisting Arrest, and DUI among other charges.
Joanna is currently jailed at the Adams County Detention Facility.

On May 14th, 2024, at about 7:55 A.M. a Thornton Police officer observed a car driving erratically near the intersection of E. 112th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. When the officer tried to contact the car, the male driver fled the traffic stop on foot. Moments later, another Thornton officer who had come to the area to assist, saw the male driver in a nearby parking lot. The male fired a gun at the officer; the officer returned fire, striking the subject. The male was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The officer was uninjured
Identification of the deceased male will be made by the Adams County Coroner's Office, after notification of next of kin.
This investigation will be turned over to the 17" Judicial District's Critical Incident Response Team, and the officer involved in this incident will be placed on administrative leave, per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the Adams County District Attorney's Office.
This case remains open and active. There are no further details at this time.

On April 30th, 2024 at about 2:37 A.M., Thornton Police officers saw a suspicious car with no license plates in the area of E 84h Ave. and Washington St. Officers followed the car southbound into Lakewood.
In the area of Alameda Ave. & Sheridan Blvd., an occupant from the car exited and fired a gun at officers.
The officers pursued the car to the area of 2nd Ave. and Garrison St. where the pursuit stopped and two people exited the car, at least one armed with a handgun. Officers fired shots and both people were struck by gunfire. The scenes are still actively being processed.
Both people struck by gunfire were pronounced deceased on scene. Their identification will be made by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.
This incident is being investigated by the Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team and the officers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave, per standard protocol. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be reviewed by the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.