News Flash

The Brighton Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on March 22nd at approximately 1:30 a.m., in the 100 block of N. 4th Ave.  

Officers were in the area as the call for service came in and heard shots being fired. They located an occupied vehicle with several bullet holes. The occupants reported returning to a party in the area, and as they arrived, a Hispanic male began shooting at them. The shooter was unknown to the occupants, and they did not sustain any injuries.  

Due to the number of shots that were heard, officers conducted a safety sweep of the house and property and ensured there were no gunshot victims.  

Preliminary information indicates the suspect fled the scene. Officers canvassed the area for evidence and witnesses. While no arrests have been made, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is not an active threat to the community. BPD is actively following leads and will release more information when available. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at (303) 655-8740.  

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The Brighton Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on March 18th at approximately 3:20 a.m., at the intersection of US Highway 85 northbound and E 136th Ave.  

The initial investigation determined a Volkswagen SUV traveling northbound on Hwy 85 drifted off the road and struck a stoplight pole at the intersection of Hwy 85 and E 136th Ave. The male driver was ejected from the vehicle on impact. Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the driver, but he was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. 

The initial crash sparked a grass fire in the area. Brighton Fire Rescue responded to the crash and extinguished the grass fire.  

The highway remains closed at the time of this release pending inspection and repair by the Colorado Department of Transportation. 

 The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending positive identification by the coroner’s office and notification of next of kin. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the early stages. Anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at (303) 655-8740.  

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on February 18th, at approximately 10:15 a.m. 

Brighton Police officers were dispatched to the westbound lanes of I-76 near E Bromley Ln, after a caller reported a box truck rolling over on its side, blocking both lanes of traffic.  

Responding officers located the single-occupant driver, a 24-year-old male, who had been ejected from the truck, with serious injuries. Medical personnel arrived on scene, and the driver was transported to Platte Valley Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation. The male was pronounced deceased at the hospital a short time later. 

The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the coroner’s office and notification of next of kin. The initial investigation indicates that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the early stages. 

Anyone who has additional information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at 303-655-8740.  

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The Brighton Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) is investigating a crash involving a vehicle and a train that occurred on February 8th, at approximately 4:30 a.m.  

Brighton Police officers were dispatched to the train tracks at N 4th Ave and E Longs Peak St, after a caller reported a train colliding with a vehicle.  

Responding officers located the vehicle resting on the train tracks between E Longs Peak St and E Bridge St. The driver, a 29-year-old male, was located near the vehicle with severe injuries. Medical personnel arrived on scene, and the male was transported to the hospital for further treatment and evaluation. 

The initial investigation indicates the driver was the sole occupant and that his vehicle was on the tracks when it was struck by a northbound train. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in this crash.  

Anyone who has additional information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at 303-655-8740.  

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating a bomb threat made on February 4th, 2026, at approximately 8:15 a.m. 

The caller reported a bomb was located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Dr. The initial investigation determined the call was placed from the area of the King Soopers at 500 E Bromley Ln. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Adams County Justice Center, and the Brighton Police Department responded to King Soopers. While King Soopers did not receive a threat, officers responded to the business to investigate. 

Initially, the Adams County Justice Center and King Soopers were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. K9 units were brought in to search for threats, and nothing suspicious was located in either facility. After the buildings were deemed safe, both opened back up to the public.  

The Brighton Police Department has identified a person of interest in this case. Their identity is being withheld pending the formal filing of charges.  

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating a domestic disturbance involving weapons that occurred on February 1, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m. in the area of Beldock Street and Chavez Street. 

Officers were dispatched to a reported disturbance in which a male suspect fired a weapon inside a residence. The suspect, a 48-year-old male, barricaded himself inside the home. Officers attempted to communicate with the suspect, and the Commerce City–Brighton Combined SWAT Team and crisis negotiators responded and worked extensively to establish communication. 

While officers were attempting to make contact with him, the suspect fired several shots at officers. Officers did not return fire. No officers were injured during the incident. 

After repeated attempts over the course of several hours to contact the suspect and have him exit the residence safely, officers entered the home and located the male deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The shelter-in-place order was lifted at approximately 8:50 a.m. on February 2nd, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. 

The deceased’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the coroner’s office and notification of next of kin. 

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that occurred on January 31, 2026, at approximately 12:26 a.m. in the area of Bridge St and S. 8th Avenue. 

Upon arrival, officers located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds: a 23-year-old female, an 18-year-old male, and a 24-year-old female. Preliminary investigation indicates a house party was taking place at a residence on S. 8th Avenue when a verbal altercation occurred. During the incident, a suspect produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds toward the residence and individuals standing in the front yard. 

All three victims were transported to area hospitals. The two female victims are currently listed in critical but stable condition. The male victim was treated and has since been discharged from the hospital. 

Victims and witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect, who fled the scene at a high rate of speed and was later involved in a vehicle crash. A 23-year-old female was ejected from the vehicle and transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect and driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old Casandra Rocha-Martinez, was taken into custody and remains in police custody as the investigation continues. 

Rocha-Martinez will be booked into Adams County Jail on numerous charges, including Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Vehicular Assault. Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

This incident appears to be isolated, and we do not believe that there is an ongoing threat to the community.   

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has additional information is asked to contact the Brighton Police Department Tip Line at 303-655-8740. 

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The Brighton Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on October 16th, 2025, at around 1:50 p.m. 

Officers responded to Interstate 76 and Eagle Blvd for a female ejected from a motorcycle with serious injuries. When arriving on scene, officers came into contact with an off-duty Aurora Police Officer who had given first aid to the female.  

The initial investigation revealed that the 82-year-old woman was traveling eastbound on Interstate 76 when, for unknown reasons, she made impact with the center barrier. The rider was then ejected from the motorcycle, and the motorcycle rolled over the cable barrier and into the westbound lanes of Interstate 76, striking another vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle did not sustain any injuries. 

The woman was quickly transported by medical personnel to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased a short time later.  

The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the coroner’s office and notification of next of kin. The Brighton Police Department Traffic Safety Unit believes that speed, alcohol, and drugs do not appear to be contributing factors in this crash. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at (303) 655-8740. 

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on September 16th, just before 4:00 a.m., near Mt. Bierstadt St and E Bridge St.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 47-year-old man was driving a truck eastbound in the westbound lanes when he collided head-on with another vehicle. 

The female driver of the struck vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for further care and evaluation. The male driver suffered severe injuries and was also taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. 

The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the coroner’s office and notification of next of kin. The Brighton Police Department Traffic Safety Unit believes that alcohol was a contributing factor in this crash. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the early stages. 

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating a fatal work-related auto-pedestrian crash that occurred on September 15th, 2025, just before 11:00 a.m., at 2145 East Crown Prince Blvd.

Officers were dispatched after receiving reports that a concrete truck had run over a male co-worker. When officers arrived, they found a 30-year-old male unconscious and another male performing CPR.  

The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred on a commercial private property while both individuals were working. The driver, a 29-year-old male, remained on the scene and was cooperative with officers, showing no signs of impairment. 

The Weld County Coroner’s Office will identify the victim at a later time. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at 303-655-8740.  

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On August 29th, the Brighton Police Department discovered 32-year-old Keeley Koff, deceased in an abandoned vehicle. 

Preliminary investigation indicated Keeley may have been associated with 50-year-old James (Jaime) Benavidez. Benavidez was arrested on August 28th on unrelated charges involving an attempted robbery, subsequent pursuit, and attempted homicide of several police officers.  

After further investigation, James Benavidez has also been charged with the homicide of Keeley Koff. The case will be filed with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Benavidez has been booked into the Adams County Jail on the following charges:  

18-4-409 1ST DEG MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 

18-3-102 MURDER IN THE 1ST DEG - WILLFUL KILL - GUN 

18-3.5-106(2)(A) UNLAWFUL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY 

18-12-108(1) POSSESS WEAPON BY PREVIOUS OFFENDER 

18-6-801(7) HABITUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER 

Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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News Release #25-13, August 29th, 2025

The Brighton Police Department is investigating a homicide that was discovered on August 29th, just after 9:15 a.m.

Officers responded to the 200 block of North 6th Ave in Brighton, CO, to a report of an abandoned vehicle. Upon arrival, they located the vehicle and found a deceased woman, approximately 30 years old, with an apparent gunshot wound.  

There is no threat to the public as a person of interest has been identified and is currently in custody on unrelated charges. The woman’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release her name at a later time.  

This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the very early stages; no additional details will be released at this time. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has further information is requested to call our tip line at 303-655-8740.  

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The Brighton Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking that occurred at the Murphy Express gas station, located at 59 E Bromley Lane, in Brighton, CO.

On August 28th, 2025, at approximately 11:07 a.m., our officers responded to the gas station after reports that a male suspect approached a man at the fuel pumps. The suspect displayed a firearm and attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle. The victim resisted, and during the struggle, a shot was fired. The victim sustained a minor injury in the altercation. The suspect then fled the scene on a bicycle.

Officers located evidence connected to the suspect several blocks from Murphy Express. A short time later, police received reports of a stolen vehicle from a business near Highway 85 and W. Bridge Street. Witnesses reported that the suspect in this theft matched the description of the earlier carjacking suspect. The suspect was known to the victim in this incident, who provided information about his possible location.

Officers located the stolen vehicle occupied by the suspect, identified as Jaime Benavidez. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Benavidez fled and led police on a pursuit. During the pursuit, Benavidez fired several rounds at officers, striking multiple police vehicles. No officers were injured. Officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. The pursuit ended when the suspect was taken into custody in the area of Brighton Road and E 105th Lane and transported to an area hospital.

This is an officer-involved shooting that will be investigated by the Adams County Critical Incident Response Team (ACCIRT). More information will be released by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Thank you to all of our Adams County Law Enforcement partners, including: Adams County Sheriff's Office, Commerce City Police Department, Northglenn Police Department, Thornton Police Department, and ADCOM911.

If you have additional information or witnessed this incident, please call our tip line at 303-655-8740. This remains an active investigation. 

The Brighton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcyclist that occurred on August 12th, just after 3:00 p.m.  

Officers responded to Prairie Center Parkway near Platte Valley Medical Center after witnesses reported the collision. Upon arrival, they located the motorcyclist, a 30-year-old Brighton man, on the roadway with severe injuries.  

The preliminary investigation indicates the man was traveling northbound on Prairie Center Parkway on a motorcycle when a southbound vehicle turned left into the hospital parking lot, crossing into the motorcyclist’s path. The driver, a 29-year-old woman from Brighton, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. She was evaluated for injuries at the hospital as a precaution. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in this crash.  

The motorcyclist was immediately transported to Platte Valley Medical Center and received life-saving measures. However, he passed at the hospital shortly after. The motorcyclist’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release his name at a later time.  

The driver of the car, 29-year-old Brenda Rodriguez, was arrested for careless driving causing death. She was brought back to the Brighton Police Department for booking and was released pending charges.  

The Brighton Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is leading the investigation and will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review and determination of any formal charges in the coming days. Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at (303) 655-8740. 

The Brighton Police Department is investigating an injury crash that occurred on August 10th, just after 6:15 p.m. near US Highway 85 and E. 168th Ave. involving two vehicles, a black Cadillac and a silver Ford.  

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the vehicles in the northbound lanes of US Hwy 85. Witnesses reported that the driver of the Cadillac, 18-year-old Victor Contreras Zavala, had been driving recklessly southbound on US Hwy 85 shortly before the collision. Contreras Zavala was traveling southbound on US Hwy 85 and attempted to make a turn onto E. 168th Ave, turning in front of oncoming traffic, colliding with the Ford. Officers noted signs of intoxication from Contreras Zavala.  

Occupants from both vehicles were transported to Platte Valley Medical Center. The driver of the Ford sustained serious injuries from the crash. 

After evaluation at the hospital, Contreras Zavala was arrested and booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of Vehicular Assault and other DUI-related charges.  

This case will be reviewed by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where the final decision of formal charges will be determined. Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

This investigation is still ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time. The Brighton Police Department would like to remind the community about the dangers associated with drinking and driving. If you witnessed this incident or have any additional information, please call our tip line at 303-655-8740. 

The Brighton Police Department is actively investigating a case of criminal eluding that endangered the public and resulted in damage to a police vehicle and a civilian’s car.  

On June 5th, at around 11:10 a.m., officers responded to Super Target located at 2171 Prairie Center Parkway, in Brighton. Officers were dispatched to conduct a wellness check after callers reported a woman who was passed out in her parked vehicle. 

Upon arrival, officers and medical personnel contacted the woman, who awoke and admitted to taking an unknown controlled substance. As medical staff attempted to provide care, the woman suddenly shut her car door and fled the scene. In doing so, she struck and damaged both a Brighton Police vehicle and another parked vehicle belonging to a bystander. Thankfully, no officers or community members were injured. After striking the vehicles, officers attempted to pursue the vehicle, but due to the reckless speed of the suspect, officers lost visual thus terminating the pursuit for community safety concerns.  

We were able to successfully identify the suspect as 35-year-old Sarah Kelley, who has over ten warrants for her arrest. At the time of the incident, she was driving a 2012 Black Honda Accord with New Jersey license plates: P77UHA. The vehicle is missing the front bumper after striking the police car and a bystander’s vehicle.  

Sarah Kelley is still at large, refer to this photo attached. We’re looking for the community's help in locating Sarah, so if you do see her or have any information about her whereabouts, please get in touch with police. 

The Brighton Police Department is investigating a deadly stabbing that happened Thursday evening in the 3000 block of E. Bridge St.On May 15th at about 5:05 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 3000 block of E. Bridge St. for a medical call of an unconscious male. Responding officers found a 34-year-old male with stab wounds when they arrived on the scene. After attempting lifesaving measures, the individual was transported to Platte Valley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.  

Preliminary information indicates the suspect fled the scene. Officers canvassed the area for evidence and witnesses. After further investigation, it was determined that the suspect and victim knew each other. This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is not an active threat to the community. BPD is actively following leads and will release more information when available.The victim’s name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the early stages, no additional details will be released at this time. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has further information is requested to call our tip line at 303-655-8740. 

The Brighton Police Department is investigating a double homicide that occurred on April 23rd at approximately 6:20 p.m. in the 100 block of N. 7th Ave. Responding officers found two adults in the alley behind a residence, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.  

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a dark colored, older model sedan fleeing the area. While no arrests have been made at this time, investigators believe this is an isolated incident, and there is not an ongoing danger to the community.  

The victim’s names are being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the very early stages, no additional details will be released at this time. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has further information is requested to call our tip line at 303-655-8740. 

Late last week, we were made aware of a potential threat to Overland Trail Middle School. At that time, we worked closely with the school district to share information with the impacted school communities as we launched a criminal investigation. 

We understand that students, parents, and families are understandably concerned about the school threats and the perception that information has not been clearly communicated to both the school community and the broader public. While we are bound by state law regarding the release of juvenile information, we will continue to provide updates as it relates to school safety while the investigation is ongoing.

Had there been any indication of an imminent threat, immediate communication and action would have taken place. We want to reassure our community that we are actively working—and will continue to work—closely with the school district to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

The juveniles related to this potential threat have been in custody or under close adult supervision and remain in that situation today. We continue to investigate this matter and work closely with 27J Schools. School Resource Officers (SROs) and additional police officers are being dedicated to school safety, and the school district’s armed security team remains in place and vigilant at all campuses.

We are confident in the proactive steps we are taking together with the district to help keep our schools safe. 

If you or anyone in your family sees or hears of anything that would harm them or their school, please report it to the police or school staff. You can also report to school staff directly at safety@sd27j.net or via Safe2Tell Colorado or 877-542-7233.