Denver – Federal air-safety investigators said a Denver International Airport snowplow driver was at fault for a near-collision in February when he drove onto a runway in front of a United Airlines jet that had just landed.
In its final report on the Feb. 2 incident, the National Transportation Safety Board said the driver’s failure to follow correct procedures “by crossing an active runway without clearance” led to the near-collision.
Pilots of the United jet saw the snowplow cross in front of them, and they used “significant” reverse thrust and brakes to stop the plane short of the vehicle, the NTSB said.
The snowplow driver no longer works at DIA, said airport spokeswoman Sally Covington.
Additional local news briefs:
BAILEY
Report on shooting at school due Aug. 9
The Park County Sheriff’s Office will release a five-volume report Aug. 9 detailing the fatal shooting of a Platte Canyon High School student, officials said.
Duane Morrison, a 53-year-old drifter, took Emily Keyes and six other girls hostage Sept. 27 and threatened to blow up the school before a SWAT team stormed the classroom.
Morrison shot Keyes, then himself. People can review the volumes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bailey substation, 59865 U.S. 285, Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore said.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Security guard shoots aggressive pit bull
A security officer shot a pit bull in the shoulder after it attacked him in the 1200 block of South Alton Street, officials say.
The officer, who works for Veterans Security Services, reported that he stopped his car after his vehicle was struck by what he thought was a rock about 10:30 p.m. Monday, Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said.
When the man got out of his car, a red pit bull attacked him, Robinson said. The officer fended off the dog with a baton, but it continued to attack, he said.
The officer pulled out his handgun and shot the dog once in the right shoulder and chest, Robinson said.
An animal control officer took the injured dog to a veterinarian’s office for treatment, he said.
Sheriff’s investigators are trying to find the dog’s owner, who could be charged with keeping a vicious dog, Robinson said. The pit bull did not have any license or tags, he said.
WASHINGTON
Bill would ban drilling atop Roan Plateau
An energy bill introduced this week in the U.S. House would ban drilling on federal lands atop the Roan Plateau, two Colorado lawmakers announced Tuesday.
Democratic Reps. John Salazar and Mark Udall inserted language in the bill to prevent all drilling on the plateau except when it originates from private land or wells at the base of the mountain.
The House bill, a major energy package that includes energy- efficiency measures and ends many oil-company subsidies, is expected to be debated Friday. If passed, it will need to be reconciled with a Senate energy bill passed last month.
DENVER
Up to four suspects sought in shooting
Denver police gang unit officers are investigating a shooting Tuesday night near East 20th Avenue and Ivy Street.
A man in his early 20s was shot in the arm and possibly the leg while outside a home in the neighborhood. Police are searching for up to four suspects in connection with the crime, Detective John White said.
Police had not determined whether the victim’s injuries were life-threatening.
The shooting happened about 9 p.m., and it’s possible officers had identified at least one of the suspects, White said.
Police had not yet determined a motive for the shooting.
DENVER
Lawsuit in jail death goes to federal court
A lawsuit filed by the family of Emily Rae Rice, a 24-year-old woman who died in Denver’s city jail last year, has been moved to federal court.
The suit was initially filed in June in Denver District Court.
The case against the city and county of Denver and Denver Health Medical Center alleges Rice’s cries for medical care were ignored in the hours before she bled to death.
Rice, who was legally drunk, was involved in a car crash in February 2006 and injured her spleen and liver.
She was taken to the hospital, examined and then booked into the jail. She died 20 hours later from her internal injuries and bleeding.
The lawsuit says jail deputies, nurses and hospital workers did not adequately treat Rice after she was first injured and then ignored her when she asked for medical attention.
DENVER
Eddie Murphy flick set to shoot in city
A movie starring Eddie Murphy is scheduled to be filmed in Denver in October, 9News reported on its website Tuesday.
“Nowhereland” is described as a dark comedy, 9News reported. The film is being released by Paramount Pictures and will be directed by Karey Kirkpatrick, whose last film was the animated DreamWorks feature “Over the Hedge.”
