3 accused of running vehicle “chop shop”
Three Commerce City residents were taken into custody Friday afternoon when police spotted a stolen car in a driveway and discovered parts from more stolen cars inside the men’s River Run home.
Yang Vue, Chao Vang and Jason Cheng were taken to the Adams County Jail to await theft-related charges associated with running a “chop shop,” where stolen cars were allegedly stripped and the parts are sold.
Officers said they found one car that was stolen in Broomfield on Aug. 10 and most of the parts from a second car whose stripped frame was abandoned recently in the River Run area.
Commerce City police spokesman Mike Saunders said police are investigating whether the case is related to a six-week rash of car thefts, primarily Hondas and Accuras, in the Commerce City area.
Littleton man tests positive for West Nile
A 48-year-old Littleton man tested positive recently for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, the Tri-County Health Department announced last week.
It’s the first confirmed case in Arapahoe County this year.
The man told authorities he was bitten by mosquitoes while staying at his Park County cabin. He was hospitalized but is recuperating at home.
Park County officials have been trapping and testing mosquitoes in various locations, but none has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Experts advise people to avoid outdoor activities at dusk or dawn; wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks; use mosquito repellent while outdoors; and eliminate standing water around their properties that could become mosquito breeding areas.
Railroad fills seats, but fewer available
The Georgetown Loop Railroad attracted 20,657 riders in July, filling nearly every seat on the tourist line.
Ridership still lags significantly behind last year’s figures, remaining an issue for merchants in Georgetown who depend on the train’s tourist traffic.
Railstar Corp., which took over operation of the line after the Colorado Historical Society ended its contract with the previous management, has had to acquire rolling stock and has fewer passenger-car seats available.
Col. Horne promoted to brigadier general
U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey C. Horne was promoted to brigadier general in ceremonies held at Peterson Air Force Base on Friday.
Horne has been the deputy commander for operations, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command since July 1. He is now the deputy commanding general for operations and his duties remain the same, according to a release.
