Author: CNN Newsource

By Michael Logerwell

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    PUEBLO, Colorado (KRDO) — On Sunday, park officials at Lake Pueblo State Park saw quite an unusual bird. A bird, we’d wager, has never been spotted at the lake before. That bird was named Bert. He’s an emu, and he was on the run after escaping from a small farm just south of Pueblo.

“Somebody, I think it’s the cows, had pushed in the gate and let the birds out,” Joslyn Rafferty says. She couldn’t find any break in the fence that would’ve led to Bert the emu’s great escape.

The next time Bert was seen by the Rafferty family was on Facebook. Lake Pueblo State Park posted this photo (seen above), asking if anyone had lost their emu.

Joslyn said her son, Logan, was the only one home when Bert, the emu, went missing. He contacted friends, family, neighbors, and anyone with a phone in Southern Colorado.

“I had everybody, all the way from here to Beulah up to Pueblo. I even had people down in Colorado City, like, ‘Oh, we’ll keep an eye out,” Joslyn said. Bert didn’t make it that far, but he did make it six miles away from his home.

Joslyn said in the four years she’s had the big birds, this was the first escape. She credits the John Wayne movie Hatari! with sparking her love for emus (and ostriches, but she hasn’t added those to the farm yet). The four years of love made the escape all the more devastating and worrisome, and the eventual reunion all the sweeter.

“He literally hit my chest and put his little head, neck, and, like, threw it on me. The guy [who returned Bert] was like, Oh, this is so weird, and I thought, This is just Bert, and Bert just wanted to be hugged. So I just rubbed like you rub your dog’s cheeks,” Joslyn said.

Now Bert and Ernie are back together again, hopefully for good this time. Joslyn has added some more safety measures to ensure there is no second great emu escape.

“I’m just very proud to be part of this pueblo community and have their help and support….like, I get choked up a little bit, you know, with my babies home, but I’m very appreciative to everybody,” Joslyn said.

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By KTNV Staff

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    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — We’re learning more details surrounding a dog dumped near a dumpster and the man who police believe did it.

We first told you about this story in July when police discovered the dog near the 100 block of North 27th Street.

As the investigation continued, authorities released video to help identify those involved. Then, this past Friday, authorities announced the arrest of 33-year-old Darrion Lamar Garry in connection to this case.

Channel 13 obtained Garry’s arrest report and learned more about what he was doing leading up to the dog being found dead.

Garry told police he got the dog as a gift from his cousin after Garry was released from prison in October of 2024. Garry said he would leave the dog, named Louie, outside on the patio, checking on him when he got home from work or remembered, but admitted there was no set routine.

On July 9, Garry said he checked on Louie at nighttime, put water and food in his bowls he had inside his kennel and then went to sleep. When Garry woke up July 10, he said he brushed his teeth, washed his face and started playing video games for a couple of hours. He then made himself breakfast and got ready for work, where he had to be at around 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

It wasn’t until before leaving for work that Garry went to check on Louie outside and found the dog not moving. Garry said he tried to call his name to see if he would react, but that Louie had died by this point.

During his interview with police, Garry said he couldn’t call off work because he had already called out too many times, so he grabbed a white sheet and put it over the cage so the dog wasn’t exposed, then went to work.

When he got back from work, Garry called someone to help him get rid of the dog. The two men grabbed the cage and rolled it to the dumpster, where police found it on Friday, July 11.

During the necropsy on the dog, authorities found evidence further supporting that the dog had died from inadequate shade or cooling measures, leading to severe heat stroke.

On July 9 and July 10, high temperatures were around 108 and 109 degrees, and overnight temperatures only cooled to 93 degrees at the lowest.

During the interview with police, Garry said he had previously had Animal Control called on him after someone complained about him leaving Louie outside. Animal Control told him that he had to put a pool or something outside where the dog could cool himself down if Garry was going to keep Louie outside.

Garry admitted to completely taking responsibility for the dog. He said he was the only one who fed him and looked after him; he was the only one responsible for taking care of Louie, and realized he probably left it out for too long. He said the patio where the kennel was had shading but those days were hot

Garry was arrested on a charge of willful/malicious torture/maiming/killing of an animal.

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By Sydney Isenberg

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    DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colorado (KMGH) — A Castle Rock tow truck driver was sentenced to 16 years in prison for orchestrating an auto theft scheme that spanned across the Denver metro area.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation began in December 2023 after a detective with the Auto Theft Unit was assigned a stolen vehicle case. The detective later learned that the case may be related to several incidents involving Eagle Wing Towing.

According to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, between April 2023 and February 2024, Brian Chacon, 34, owner of Eagle Wing Towing in Aurora, used his tow truck to steal unoccupied vehicles, then forged ownership documents to sell the vehicles to salvage yards across the Denver metro area. Investigators found the stolen vehicles in lots from Douglas County to Denver to Aurora.

The DA’s office said Chacon “exploited a loophole in Colorado law,” which allowed him to complete the sales without raising immediate suspicion.

According to the DA’s office, of the more than 80 cars that were sold during the scheme, 48 were confirmed stolen. Investigators could not confirm the information on 29 vehicles “due to the inability to locate the most recent/true owner,” according to the sheriff’s office.

“I want to commend the relentless work of our Auto Theft Detectives, whose determination and attention to detail were critical in breaking this case wide open,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said in a statement Monday. “These detectives uncovered a large-scale criminal operation involving dozens of stolen vehicles. Because of their exceptional work, along with strong support from our deputies and dedicated prosecutors, the suspect has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Let this be a clear message: if you come to Douglas County to steal from hardworking people, we will find you, will prosecute you, and you will go to prison.”

DCSO said investigators also discovered that Chacon was in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Chacon was arrested on August 11 for:

Five counts of sexual exploitation of a child/possession of child sexual abuse material 48 counts of second-degree motor vehicle theft 37 counts of forgery 37 counts of chop shop activity One count of driving under restraint

On Monday, the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Chacon was sentenced to 16 years in prison as part of a plea deal.

Chacon pleaded guilty to “multiple felony charges,” according to the district attorney’s office, including motor vehicle theft, forgery and operating a chop shop. The DA’s office confirmed to Denver7 that the sexual exploitation of a child/possession of child sexual abuse material charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

“Chacon is no more than a common thief who used an uncommon method to steal,“ said District Attorney George Brauchler in a statement Monday. “I will continue to say it until either our jail is full, or thieves stay out of our jurisdiction: commit a crime here, and expect incarceration. I commend the court for giving the kind of sentence that will let other thieves know…stay out of Douglas County or lose your freedom for a long time.”

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By Madi Vollmer

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    BAKERSFIELD, California (KERO) — Im Madi Vollmer, Have you ever seen somebody fly? Well, I have — and it’s happening right here in Bakersfield.

I went out to Meadows Field Airport to watch humans fly — and I know that sounds crazy, but it was actually pretty incredible. Who would’ve thought this kind of technology was taking off right in our own backyard?

Gravity Industries hosted a jet suit flight demonstration here in Bakersfield. The company says this city is the ideal base for their operations — thanks to available space, room for noise, easy access to fuel — and even military training happening on site.

Richrd Browning is the founder and chief test pilot for Gravity Industries and he says, “The military application — the easiest way to describe it — is being able to take small, probably special forces teams, lift them and move them anywhere within a few-mile radius. Over minefields, over wire, over water, over mud, at night, in bad weather — to deliver an objective or find a casualty, and then self-extract without having to rely on a helicopter.”

The company was launched in 2017 and created the world’s first human-powered jet suit — turning science fiction into reality.

Paul Jones is the lead flight instructor and site operator and he says, “It’s a really weird connection between this kind of sci-fi world and real life — and we’re just trying to make that childhood dream come true and bring it to everyone.”

Paul Jones isn’t just the lead flight instructor — he’s also the site operator. He admits learning to fly the jet suit was tough at first, but says once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot like riding a bike or a skateboard — just a whole lot louder… and way off the ground.

“I fortunately get to do this quite a lot — which is pretty nice — but every time, it hits differently. It’s just the most insane feeling when you’re effortlessly flying around in the sky… it’s pretty surreal.” Jones said.

The company says they are making the impossible possible — one flight at a time.

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By Veronica Morley

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    BAKERSFIELD, California (KERO) — A Bakersfield Sikh family is speaking out after their home was riddled with bullets in what police believe appeared to be a targeted shooting earlier this month.

Jaswinder Kaur said the shooting happened around 2 a.m. on Sept. 7 in a typically quiet southwest Bakersfield neighborhood. Surveillance video from a neighbor shows a car driving down the street, then a person walking toward the house before opening fire.

“Somebody come like randomly to shoot on our home,” Kaur said. “Now I already change that garage, but like they are like six hole in my garage, and my car is broken.”

At least six bullets hit the home, some tearing through walls into the family’s laundry room and landing near a gas tank. Kaur said the damage to her car and home is extensive, estimating repairs and losses at more than $13,000.

“That one is $1,600, and my car is total loss,” she said. “I think 13,000 for a total loss. But I’m just like a thing, my kids are safe.”

No one in the family was injured, but Kaur said the emotional toll has been severe. Her 12-year-old son has struggled to return to school since the shooting.

“Very bad. He never go to school,” she said. “I know how can I push to school but he goes, ‘No, I don’t wanna go. Maybe somebody gonna shoot me.'”

Kaur said she believes the shooter may have known her family, noting that a similar car has since driven by their home.

“We don’t have any, like this kind of enemy, they gonna kill us,” she said. “I just, just scared, you know?”

Bakersfield police said they do not believe the shooting was random, but no suspect information has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Kaur said she hopes someone recognizes the suspect or the vehicle from surveillance video and comes forward.

“I know, like that time I just like overthinking, ‘Oh yeah, maybe against somebody shoot me,’” she said. “But still. You know, like, then just like a point to my kids.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.

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By Michelle Griego

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    Colorado (KCNC) — Bettye Garrett has been a Denver Broncos fan since the beginning. And that’s a lot of commitment, considering that she celebrated her 108th birthday this year.

Reaching 108 years old is so special that her celebration had to be special. That meant a trip to Broncos Training Camp to mark the occasion.

“I had a ball. The minute I got out of the car, there was a whole line of people all saying, ‘Happy Birthday!'” said Garrett.

At training camp, player after player shook her hand and signed her football, including her favorite player, Peyton Manning.

“Yeah, he shook my hand and the mascot kinda gave me a smooch,” said Garrett. “When I got home, I was sore from having smiled so much!”

Garrett has been a Broncos fan since she went to her first game in 1970.

When CBS Colorado’s Michelle Griego asked her, “What was that first game like that you went to in the 70s?” Garrett responded, “I have no idea!” as she laughed. “I’m quite sure the tickets were only $7.50.”

Garrett’s husband played football for the University of Colorado, so when the Broncos joined the NFL in 1970, the couple became instant fans.

“When we went to the games a couple times, actually, we took sleeping bags when it was so cold,” said Garrett. “But I had a block of wood like that size that I would put my feet on. My feet never got cold.”

Even in the cold, she said they rarely missed games. After her husband died in 1980, Garrett continued to go to the games with her four sons.

The last game she attended was five years ago, when she was 103 years old. She said her favorite games are always against division rivals.

When Griego asked her what she thought of the Raiders, Garrett replied, “Not much.” And the Chiefs? “Oh, bless…”

Garrett still dresses up for every game and watches on the big screen at her assisted living center.

“Last year, there was one game I completely forgot. I’ve never done that before and I’ll never do it again,” said Garrett.

Never missing a Broncos game and staying active may be her secret to longevity, “I’ve had a lot of fun in my life and I’ve always liked sports.”

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By Alexis Ramanjulu

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    SIERRA VISTA, Arizona (KGUN) — An 18-year-old lifeguard helped save a young girl’s life after she suffered a cardiac event while swimming at the City of Sierra Vista’s pool last week.

Nathan Gluck was off duty when he noticed the swimmer in distress between lanes two and three at the Cove, Sierra Vista’s aquatic center. Working alongside a former firefighter, Gluck assisted in life-saving CPR that restored the girl’s heartbeat and breathing.

“We just like went to worst case scenario,” Gluck said.

For Gluck, this was his first real emergency as a lifeguard.

“I’ve honestly never, like made a save. I’ve never jumped in the water like nothing has ever happened here. To be honest, I just kind of show up every day, like hoping nothing like that happens, because it’s really bad,” he said.

When the pair reached the swimmer, she had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. The former firefighter began chest compressions while Gluck provided rescue breathing.

“I asked the firefighter for a pulse. There was no pulse. She wasn’t breathing. The firefighter started compressions. I tilted her head back with the mask, started giving ventilations to her,” Gluck said.

Their quick actions successfully revived the young swimmer, before paramedics arrived.

“I was like, yes, like, she’s alive. Like, I would never want anybody to ever, like, lose their life or anything,” Gluck said.

Two days after the rescue, Gluck received acceptance to serve as a combat medic for the U.S. Army. The life-saving experience reinforced his career choice in emergency medicine.

“It was like really thankful that we’re able to save somebody’s life and keep them living,” Gluck said.

Before heading to basic training, Gluck hopes to meet the girl whose life he helped save.

“I haven’t met her or seen her at all, but hopefully, maybe soon, I don’t know that’d be cool,” Gluck said.

“This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGUN’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.”

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By Alex Dowd

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    TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — September is National Recovery Month— a month dedicated to celebrating substance use recovery. That’s a feat that some treatment facilities are seeing as more difficult as the potency of drugs on the street grows.

Drug treatment facilities in Tucson are adapting their approach as stronger illegal drugs flood the streets

Community Medical Services in Tucson has found itself relying more heavily on methadone in recent years as synthetic opioids like fentanyl become more prevalent. For the past two decades, treatment facilities have used medications like Suboxone, Buprenorphine and Methadone to treat opioid addiction, choosing the drug based on the patient’s stage of withdrawal.

“Methadone is what we call a full opioid agonist, so it replaces the opioid—the illicit opioid— in somebody’s opioid receptor,” said Desiree Auge, Community Impact Manager at Community Medical Services.

The popularity of synthetic opioids has led the facility to not only prescribe methadone over Suboxone more frequently, but also to increase those doses.

“It’s been a little bit more difficult to try to get people on track. Some clients are reporting— at intake— using 60, 80, 100 pills a day,” Auge said.

Over 1,200 deaths have been reported in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Health.

“People are not really using even to get high anymore, they’re just using not to be sick,” Auge said.

The medications help ease withdrawal symptoms, encouraging people into treatment without the pain of detox.

“That’s all you remember is the pain that your body was going through during that time. So when you have people consistently doing that, when you mention treatment to them, their automatic thought may go to detox, and they’re going to say no,” Auge said.

At Community Medical Services, the goal is stability, not sobriety, achieved with the help of medication-assisted treatment. Auge says her team is changing the narrative of what treatment means, and they’ve seen steady growth in clients over the past few years. The facility now serves 2,228 people in Pima County.

Earlier this year, the treatment facility opened their third clinic in Tucson at Grant and Alvernon.

Auge stressed that methadone or Suboxone is just one piece of the recovery work they do at Community Medical Services. Treatment is paired with therapy and peer mentors.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGUN’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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