Public access to information about crime and policing in Boulder continues to decline.
Beginning around January 2026, police report requests that were previously processed within a few business days have increasingly taken weeks to complete, and many requests are still denied altogether. Costs have also risen substantially. Individual reports now commonly begin around $7 each, while body camera footage can cost hundreds of dollars, take months to process, and arrive heavily redacted.
Routine police radio traffic also remains fully encrypted, significantly limiting real-time public awareness of incidents occurring in the city. Several public-facing datasets have become fragmented or difficult to use, and outside of major incidents, official public information released by the city and police department is often minimal.
As a result, obtaining even a partial picture of public safety activity in Boulder now frequently requires substantial time, expense, and individual records requests.
The following incidents were documented through official police reports obtained individually through Colorado Open Records requests after routine dispatch encryption.
2/3 — Hospital disturbance / assault
2/3
4747 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder Community Health
8:06 AM
Officers responded to the hospital regarding a woman who was reportedly being combative and had punched a security guard.
The guard told officers the woman had been discharged but was refusing to leave. He said he briefly left to get her food at her request and that, when he returned, she punched him “one time in the genital area.”
The woman was arrested and charged with 3rd Degree Assault and 3rd Degree Trespassing.
2/12 — Library / Pearl Street incident
2/12
1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder Public Library
11:22 AM
Officers responded regarding a disturbance at the main library after a man ran inside stating someone was chasing him with a knife.
Police contacted the reporting party, who was described as “heavily intoxicated and belligerent.” He stated he had been near a seating area along Boulder Creek (“the red rocks”) when another male approached while yelling about raping children. The reporting party said he told the suspect to stop because children were nearby.
According to the reporting party, the suspect then spit on him twice and punched him in the face. A witness confirmed a physical confrontation occurred and described the suspect as “screaming and hollering.” No witness reported seeing a weapon.
At approximately 11:46 AM, a police sergeant near 13th and Pearl was approached by another individual who reported that a man matching the suspect’s description had just harassed and spit on him. Officers contacted the suspect, who fled on foot before being taken into custody.
While in custody, the suspect spit on officers, physically resisted, and at one point grabbed an officer’s holstered firearm. Despite officers placing spit socks on him, he continued spitting during the encounter, including at a paramedic. He also repeatedly used racial slurs toward officers and others on scene. Paramedics ultimately sedated him.
Officers additionally learned the suspect had reportedly threatened and spit at a security guard earlier that morning near the restrooms at 13th and Pearl.
Police later determined the suspect had two outstanding warrants, including a Denver assault warrant (non-extraditable) and a Boulder failure-to-appear warrant. He was arrested.
2/21 — Central Park robbery
2/21
1236 Canyon Blvd, Central Park
5:30 PM
Officers responded to an assault in Central Park involving two individuals.
According to the victim, the encounter began as a discussion about money and quickly escalated. The suspect reportedly became agitated and attempted to take the victim’s belongings, grabbing a large bag without permission.
During the struggle, the suspect allegedly struck the victim and threw some of the victim’s belongings, including bags, into a nearby waterway. The victim reported minor pain but declined medical treatment.
Officers later reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly showed the suspect approaching the victim, grabbing the bag, striking the victim, and throwing items into the water.
The suspect was contacted shortly afterward and denied assaulting the victim, instead claiming the victim initiated the confrontation.
He was taken into custody on charges including robbery, criminal attempt, assault, and criminal mischief.
2/21 — Rock thrown at business
2/21
32xx Arapahoe Ave
11:30 PM
Officers responded regarding reports that a male had thrown a rock at a business.
Police located the man walking north on 33rd Street with a bicycle. Officers described him as initially verbally antagonistic but later cooperative after being handcuffed.
Security guards told officers they had asked the man to leave the property. According to the guards, the male held up a rock as though he intended to throw it at their vehicle before instead throwing it at a nearby building.
The man was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and Menacing.
2/22 — Traffic stop / fentanyl seizure
2/22
Spruce St & Junction Pl
10:20 PM
Officers conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle fail to stop at a posted sign.
During the stop, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view, leading to a search of the vehicle. Police reported locating additional paraphernalia, small baggies consistent with drug distribution, and a substance that tested presumptively positive for fentanyl.
According to the report, the fentanyl was packaged in small blue square pieces and weighed several grams, which officers noted was larger than amounts typically associated with personal use. A syringe containing a substance that tested positive for amphetamines was also recovered.
Both occupants initially denied ownership of the narcotics. One later claimed ownership and was taken into custody, while the other was cited for traffic and drug-related violations and released.
The vehicle was impounded because of ownership and insurance issues. Charges included possession with intent to distribute, fentanyl possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a valid license, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
2/24 — Attention Homes warrant arrest
2/24
1440 Pine St, Attention Homes
10:45 AM
Officers responded to reports of a male yelling inside an apartment building.
Staff directed officers to the individual, who reportedly declined to engage with police and instead returned to his unit. Staff additionally expressed concerns regarding his behavior and possible non-compliance with court-ordered conditions.
A records check revealed an active felony warrant related to a prior vehicular assault case and failure to comply with probation requirements.
The individual was later contacted in the hallway and taken into custody without incident.
Late February — University Hill online threats
(Date redacted to protect the victim — late February)
University Hill
1:30 AM
Officers took a report regarding online threats directed at an individual staying outside near the Fox Theatre.
The victim reported receiving a series of direct messages on Facebook from a man they knew and provided police with a screen recording of the messages. According to the report, the messages included threatening, derogatory, and graphic language. Some referenced firearms, while others included insults and comments regarding gender identity.
One message stated:
“Colorado, where men can’t be men, so they choose to be women. Obviously, he won the bar fight.”
The messages were reported to police as threatening.
Officers later identified the suspect, who was arrested and booked into the Boulder County Jail on charges including harassment and a bias-motivated crime related to intimidation.
2/27 — RTD menacing incident
2/27
1400 Walnut St, RTD
9:30 AM
Officers responded to a trespassing complaint involving a male reportedly causing a disturbance at the RTD station.
A security guard told police the man had been yelling loudly on the property and was asked either to quiet down or leave. Instead, the suspect allegedly became verbally aggressive and escalated into making explicit threats, including statements that he would kill the guard, cut his head off, and kill his family. The suspect also reportedly made erratic statements referencing the guard’s mother.
The security guard stated he feared for his safety because of the intensity and escalation of the threats.
During the encounter, the suspect also threw an empty alcoholic beverage container toward the guard from approximately eight feet away, though it did not strike him.
Officers later contacted the suspect nearby. He was cited for Menacing but was not arrested.
3/26 — Arson
3/26
(A dispensary in central Boulder)
3:40 PM
Officers responded regarding a trash can fire. By the time police and fire personnel arrived, the business manager had already extinguished it with a fire extinguisher.
According to the report, “The fire was started near propane tanks and an active gas line.”
Officers reviewed video showing a male in a wheelchair whom they recognized. Another witness reported seeing the male pour an unknown liquid into the trash can before throwing another object into it, causing it to ignite.
Officers contacted the suspect about a block away, where he was lying on the ground next to his wheelchair. When asked whether he had started a trash can fire, he responded: “Not today.”
The suspect handed officers a lighter and was later found to have two additional lighters, along with a used glass bubble pipe. He admitted drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.
He was transported to the hospital because of sores on his body. He was later arrested and booked on charges including 4th Degree Arson, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to appear on an obstruction-related case.
3/28 — Municipal building disturbance
3/28
1777 Broadway, Municipal Building
3:02 PM
Officers on foot patrol observed a male yelling at another individual on the bike path south of the Municipal Building while holding what appeared to be a knife.
An officer unholstered his firearm and ordered the suspect to drop the object, which he did. Officers later determined it was a multitool containing a knife blade.
The man reportedly provided inconsistent information about his identity and claimed another person had chased him, causing him to fear for his life.
The other individual stated he had been struck in the face with a rock and believed the first male was responsible.
A police supervisor later spoke with the first male and explained that, despite his claims, the incident did not appear to rise to the level of lawful self-defense.
No charges were filed.
3/29 — Rock-throwing / resisting arrest incident
3/29
(A business near 13th and Canyon)
2:26 AM
An officer responded regarding reports of a male throwing rocks at business windows.
When contacted, the man reportedly walked away while cursing at the officer. Police ultimately took him to the ground by force after he allegedly attempted to strike the officer in the face.
One business window was later found cracked but not shattered.
During a search, officers located a three-inch rock in the suspect’s back pocket, consistent with witness reports. The suspect also admitted throwing rocks at another nearby business.
He was evaluated by paramedics for a minor elbow abrasion sustained during the arrest and was later booked into jail on multiple charges.
According to multiple prior police reports, the suspect has previously been accused of breaking business windows in order to steal items. In February, he reportedly received a summons after allegedly spitting in a man’s face while being escorted out of the courthouse on the Pearl Street Mall following a prior trespass incident.
3/29 — Attempted assault with bicycle
3/29
(A fast food restaurant in central Boulder)
6:10 AM
Officers responded regarding an attempted assault outside a fast food restaurant.
A manager reported she had unlocked the restroom for a male she recognized and believed to be unhoused. According to the report, the male remained inside for approximately ten minutes before later being observed near dumpsters outside the business.
The manager stated she asked the male to leave approximately five times. She said he became antagonistic, yelled and cursed at her, and eventually rushed toward her while swinging his bicycle in an apparent attempt to strike her, though he missed.
The manager reportedly told officers she was shaking because of how frightened she was.
The suspect was not identified.
3/31 — Attention Homes burglary investigation
3/31
(Location redacted — believed to be Attention Homes)
10:31 PM
Officers responded regarding a reported burglary in progress.
Dispatch advised that a male with a skateboard and backpack had entered a unit before fleeing westbound after being confronted by security.
A security guard advised he saw the suspect crouching near the door prior to entering. When the guard approached, the suspect reportedly refused to come out and claimed the resident was inside asleep. Approximately five minutes later, the male exited, ran down the hallway, and fled the building.
The guard told officers he had previously seen the suspect visiting another unit in the building but did not know his name.
Officers later forced entry into the unit for a welfare check and discovered the resident was not home. Police also recovered a makeshift string device allegedly used to gain entry.
The resident later confirmed he had not given the suspect permission to enter the apartment and stated he did not know why the suspect entered.
The following morning, officers contacted a male they recognized from prior photographs as the suspect. He claimed he had permission to be there and said he had gone to the unit to secure it after hearing others were attempting to break in.
The suspect was issued a summons for 1st Degree Criminal Trespass of an unoccupied dwelling and released on scene.
4/1 — Illegal Pete’s disturbance
4/1
6xx S Broadway (Illegal Pete’s)
8:20 PM
Police responded regarding a disturbance involving multiple intoxicated individuals fighting outside the restaurant.
Witnesses reported that one woman pushed another woman to the ground and mounted her, though the alleged victim later denied being assaulted. Officers stated they relied on independent witness statements and video evidence to establish probable cause.
While officers attempted to detain the suspect, she reportedly became combative, resisted officers, attempted to destabilize them using leg hooks, and kicked an officer in the chest. Police stated she continued struggling and using derogatory language after being restrained.
The woman was arrested on charges including Attempted 2nd Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, 3rd Degree Assault, Harassment, Resisting Arrest, and Obstruction.
4/4 — Playground disturbance
4/4
1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder Public Library
5:08 PM
Officers responded regarding a disturbance at the playground by the main library. They separated a male and female upon arrival.
The male reported that he and his son had walked to the playground when he observed the female yelling incoherently and aggressively charging toward a group of children. He said the children ran away from her and that he physically blocked her from approaching them. He stated she initially walked away but later returned, at which point he again attempted to stop her. Multiple witnesses and parents reportedly corroborated his account.
Officers arrested the female. During a search, police located a glass pipe with residue believed consistent with fentanyl, along with additional drug paraphernalia including marijuana pipes and a lighter.
While being transported to jail, the female reportedly stated she had been prescribed medication for mental health issues but had not taken it in three days. According to the report, “her statements remained largely incoherent,” including references to “murder” and being “discharged.”
A witness stated the female screamed “no” and “f— you” at the children while charging toward them in a threatening manner. The witness stated they feared for the children’s safety had the male not intervened.
The report noted that the children present were not interviewed because of their young age and the traumatic nature of the incident. Another family reportedly left before officers could obtain identifying information, which officers interpreted as further evidence of the seriousness of the situation and the level of fear among those present.
The female was charged with menacing, child abuse, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
4/4 — Storage facility fentanyl investigation
4/4
(A storage facility)
10:06 AM
Boulder Police and Boulder County deputies conducted surveillance at a storage facility after receiving repeated information that a man was living inside a storage unit and selling fentanyl from the property. Officers reported receiving similar information from prior arrestees, while storage staff confirmed the man was believed to be residing inside a unit.
After officers observed indications the suspect was inside, they moved in to contact him. Before approaching, however, they noticed another male on a scooter repeatedly circling the property and appearing to watch police vehicles, leading officers to suspect someone may have attempted to warn the suspect.
When officers arrived at the unit, they found it locked, indicating the suspect had likely fled. Deputies soon spotted a male matching his description hiding in bushes near the property. When ordered to stop, he fled through fields and residential backyards, prompting a large perimeter involving multiple agencies, drones, and a K9 unit.
During the pursuit, officers recovered a discarded black jacket containing a 4.5-inch switchblade knife.
After an extended search, deputies located the suspect hiding underneath bushes at a residence on Westview Drive. Officers warned him to surrender or the police dog would be deployed. The K9 then bit him on the upper legs while holding him in place until officers handcuffed him.
The suspect sustained bite wounds to both legs and was treated by medical personnel. After being advised of his Miranda rights, he admitted he had been inside the storage facility, saw police vehicles, fled because he had a “bad feeling,” and had smoked fentanyl earlier that morning.
Officers located fentanyl residue in a rubber container in his pocket, along with large amounts of cash. A second search uncovered what the report described as a “very large wad” of additional cash hidden inside a second pair of pants he was wearing. Officers recovered approximately $781 total, including $660 in $20 bills, which they believed was consistent with street-level narcotics sales.
The investigation resulted in charges including felony drug distribution, felony theft, possession of controlled substances, obstructing police, trespassing, and carrying a concealed switchblade knife.
4/11 — Bicycle robbery / narcotics case
4/11
Near 26th and Pearl
7:43 PM
Officers responded regarding a woman who reported that a man she knew had taken her boyfriend’s bicycle and that she was actively following him while updating dispatch with his location. Officers eventually stopped the man in the alley behind 1440 Pine. He reportedly gave inconsistent explanations regarding his contact with the woman and her boyfriend.
The woman told officers that the suspect had called another male to the scene, who threatened her boyfriend with a lock or chain and shoved him off the bicycle, at which point the suspect got on the bike and fled.
During a search, officers located fentanyl, methamphetamine, multiple small tied baggies commonly associated with narcotics sales, drug paraphernalia, and foil associated with fentanyl use.
One officer documented that multiple prior arrestees had identified the suspect as someone selling narcotics within the unhoused community. The suspect was described as unhoused and originally from another state.
The man was arrested on charges including felony robbery, felony drug distribution, possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Notes
- Incidents described above reflect allegations and preliminary information contained in police reports.
- Not all allegations result in criminal convictions.
- Some dates and identifying details may be partially redacted to protect victims or uninvolved parties.
- This update is not intended as a comprehensive accounting of incidents occurring during this period.
Boulder Public Safety 
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