Throwing away a store receipt in a trash can outside a business could give thieves the information they need to steal merchandise and resell it online, Colorado Springs police warn.

The Colorado Springs Police Department's Metro Retail Pawn and Metal detectives issued the warning after two people were arrested in an Oct. 14 investigation involving suspected shoplifting, counterfeit receipts and merchandise allegedly sold on Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces.

According to a police blotter entry, detectives responded around 11 a.m. to a retail store in the 7100 block of North Academy Boulevard on Oct. 14 after an asset protection employee reported tracking two suspected prolific shoplifters. About 30 minutes later, the suspects allegedly attempted to steal merchandise after passing all points of sale. The asset protection employee stopped the suspects, who left a cart of merchandise behind and exited the store. Detectives located their vehicle in the parking lot and searched it, finding a machine used to make fake receipts, counterfeit receipts, a large amount of new, boxed merchandise suspected to be stolen and suspected illegal drugs, according to police.

Investigators also recovered receipts believed to have been taken from trash cans outside retail stores. During a police interview, one suspect admitted to stealing merchandise and selling it on Facebook Marketplace, the blotter said.

Derek Wilson, a public information officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department, said discarded receipts can provide thieves with a way to make stolen merchandise appear legitimate.

When you throw your receipt away in the trash outside of a local retailer, there are criminal elements that are watching and or coming back after the fact, Wilson explained.

Thieves can retrieve receipts from the trash and use them to attempt returns for merchandise they never purchased or claim items as their own when leaving a store, Wilson added. They can then resell the merchandise for profit. Police recommend shoppers hold on to their receipts and throw them away at home rather than in trash cans outside retail businesses. Wilson said retail theft can have consequences beyond the businesses directly affected.

Those retailers have to pass along the lost cost to the law-abiding consumer, so it comes back around no matter what, Wilson said.

Red flags when shopping on Facebook Marketplace

Police also are warning consumers to be cautious when buying new, unopened merchandise through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp.

A low price does not automatically mean an item is stolen, but Wilson said shoppers should be wary of deals that seem unusually good.

If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, as the old adage says, it probably is, he said.

Wilson recommends asking sellers questions about the merchandise, including when they purchased it and whether they have the original receipt or other proof of purchase. Other warning signs include pressure to complete a purchase immediately, prices significantly below retail and seller profiles with little history or ratings that are all recent.

Another thing that some individuals will tell us is that they felt pressure to kind of buy now, that this won't last long, that you've got to take advantage of the offer, Wilson stated. If something feels suspicious, seems suspicious, if you feel that pressure, take a pause, do some research, ask questions, and if need be, contact local law enforcement.

Consumers should also review seller ratings and verify that the account has an established history, Wilson said. If a transaction appears suspicious, shoppers can report their concerns to the online platform and local law enforcement. Wilson recommends preserving messages, emails and text conversations with the seller, along with any available identifying information and details about the transaction. For in-person exchanges, police recommend meeting in a public place. Wilson said shoppers can also consider meeting in a police station or substation parking lot, where security cameras may provide additional protection.

Suspects face charges

According to the CSPD blotter, detectives recovered 30 grams of suspected powdered fentanyl, 81 grams of suspected psilocybin and 131 grams of suspected marijuana during the Oct. 14 investigation. Police recovered $851 in merchandise and returned it to the retailer. Investigators also found a truckload of additional merchandise they planned to return to other local retailers as the businesses were identified.

Nicole Buttery, 47, and Jarrod Davis, 37, were charged with money laundering, forgery and theft, according to police. Detectives anticipated additional drug charges following laboratory testing. Wilson said police are working to address retail theft through enforcement and public education.

We want to educate the community. That's part of why we're having this conversation, and we will enforce when necessary, he said.

His advice to consumers is straightforward: pay attention to warning signs, ask questions and trust their instincts before completing a purchase.

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Todays Forecast:

This morning temperatures are warmer sitting into the 50s and 60s. That moisture has finally arrived to Colorado and widespread rain is impacting the mountains. For I-25, isolated rain chances will last throughout the day. There is a possibility of some thunderstorm activity further south across Pueblo county this afternoon. Highs will still be warm despite the cloud cover.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 72; Low: 50.

Colorado Springs is sitting in the 50s this morning. These warm temperatures will last into the afternoon and highs will reach the lower 70s. Isolated rain chances are possible later on this afternoon. These warm temperatures will last into Friday before a cold front moves in and drops temperatures over the weekend.

Pueblo forecast: High: 77; Low: 53.

Pueblo is waking up to temperatures in the lower 60s this morning. Even though temperatures are warmer, a rain jacket or umbrella is not a bad idea to grab as you are headed out the door. Rain will move into parts of Pueblo county this morning and chances will remain through the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 70s.

Canon City forecast: High: 73; Low: 53.

Canon City will have temperatures this morning in the upper 50s. There is some rain moving into parts of Fremont county this morning, and these rain chances will last into the afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 70s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 63; Low: 48.

Woodland Park will start the day with temperatures in the 40s. A few isolated showers will move east into Teller county throughout the day. Despite the increased clouds and rainfall, temperatures will still make it into the lower 60s.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 67; Low: 51.

Monument is steering clear of showers this morning, but these chances are still possible this afternoon. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the 50s. Highs will reach the upper 60s later on today. This evening those temperatures will dip into the lower 50s.

Plains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.

With this ridge in place, conditions will stay warm across the plains. Afternoon highs will reach the 80s. A few stray showers are possible today. Once we get into the evening, temperatures will drop into the 50s. Cooler temperatures won't arrive until the weekend.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 74/76; Low: 53.

The southern portion of I-25 has some rain moving in from the west. I-25 may have some wet spots, and rain is expected to continue this afternoon. Highs will still be warm getting into the mid-70s by the afternoon. Cooler temperatures will eventually move in by the weekend.

Mountains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 40s.

The mountains will get the bulk of the moisture over the next several days. Flood watches are in place through Friday at noon. Rainfall totals between 2-4 inches are possible. Afternoon highs will reach the 60s today.

Extended outlook forecast:

Looking ahead, temperatures will remain warm. Friday will likely be the warmest day of the week before temperatures take quite the dip. A cold front will move in late Friday and early Saturday morning. Along with the cooler temperatures, moisture moves back in which means more rain for portions of I-25. These cooler temperatures will stick around throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

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TCA and Vista Ridge will square off for the girls 4A state championship after they each picked up wins during Wednesdays semifinals.

TCA is headed back to the flag football state championship for the third consecutive season, but will be defending a title for the very first time. Vista Ridge is making its first appearance in the state championship game.

It will be the second meeting this season between the Wolves and the Titans. TCA won the previous matchup 35-20.

The state championship game will be played on October 24 at Trailblazer Stadium with a start time of 4PM.

No. 1 TCA 19, No. 4 Green Mountain 13 The Harter sisters paved the way back to the state championship for TCA. Reagan Harter caught three touchdown passes from Kelsey Peterson while Kennedy Harter added an extra point and a crucial fourth quarter interception.

Green Mountain got on the scoring started at the beginning of the second quarter with a short quarterback keeper for the touchdown. TCA responded with Petersons first touchdown pass to Reagan in the back corner of the end zone. The Titans only successful extra point attempt of the game followed that touchdown as Kennedy Harter caught a short pass and reached across the goal line to even the score at 7.

The defending champs opened the quarter with a strong offensive drive. Peterson hit Brooklyn Blair along the left sideline good enough to move the chains. Later on the drive, Peterson felt the pressure of the defense and heaved it downfield for Reagan who made a contested catch along the sideline and took off with no one to stop her from leaping into the end zone for her second touchdown of the night.

Peterson and Reagan found that same success on a shorter pass play in the fourth quarter which gave TCA a 19-7 lead. The Rams drove down the field and were knocking on the door of the end zone. That was until Kennedy Harter picked off the pass and allowed the Titans offense to drain some more clock.

Green Mountain added a touchdown with just over three minutes to play but the Titans offense possessed the ball for the remainder of the game.

No. 3 Vista Ridge 28, No. 2 Mountain View 14 Kayla Dempsey and Addison DeGennaro started for the Wolves in the upset win. DeGennaro tallied 7 sacks throughout the course of the game, while Dempsey scored three of the teams four touchdowns.

Jocelynn Kalkman fired a pass into the end zone that was caught by Dempsey to give Vista Ridge a 6-0 lead at the start of the second quarter. Mountain View then gifted the Wolves a safety after a bad snap fell dead in the end zone.

Vista Ridge regifted points to Mountain View after a deflected pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The game was tied at 8 after the two-point conversion.

The score remained the same until Dempsey caught another pass from Kalkman, which should have been a short pick up but she turned it into more. Dempsey reached out to pick up extra yardage but the defense completely missed her flags and she took off for the longest touchdown of the game. Vista Ridge led 14-8 at the break.

Coming out of the locker room, Dempsey did not seem to be satisfied with her two offensive touchdowns. After a Mountain View pass bounced out the hands of their receiver, Dempsey kept her focus on the ball resulting in an interception that she returned for her third touchdown of the night.

Isabella Waters put the game away in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown off of a reverse play. Her score put the team ahead 28-8, a lead they would not relinquish.

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At Oxford Nails and Spa, helping customers find their way to the salon sometimes starts over the phone.

Employee Ly Tang says construction near South Academy Boulevard has made reaching the shop more confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Employees give callers directions, but they cannot always answer when they are busy helping someone inside.

Tang, who has worked at the salon for about six months, says walk-in business has slowed.

So its hard for us to finding a new customer in here, she said.

For Tang, fewer customers can affect more than the pace of the workday. She says slower business makes covering her own expenses harder.

A slow day, it means we dont have no income, she said.

The challenges come as crews continue the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project. Project engineer Ryan Phipps says workers are replacing aging water mains and storm sewer infrastructure, with construction progressing north toward Fountain Boulevard.

The improvements are intended to provide more reliable water service, improve drainage and rebuild pavement, sidewalks and curbs.

Its not so much about growth as it is reinvesting in our own community, Phipps said.

Where roads are closed and how to get around

Three closures began Oct. 21. Nearby businesses remain open, with alternate access available:

South Murray Boulevard: Closed just east of South Academy through Nov. 30 for storm sewer and water pipe installation, paving, and sidewalk and curb reconstruction. From Academy, take Chelton Road east, then turn south on Murray. Nearby driveways remain open. Sierra Sun Drive: Closed at South Academy through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Residents of the Sierra Springs neighborhood can enter from Jet Wing Drive by turning onto High Sierra Place. Astrozon Shopping Center driveway: One driveway off northbound South Academy, about 350 feet north of Astrozon Boulevard, is closed through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Customers can enter from Jet Wing Drive or Astrozon Boulevard.

Additionally, the left turn from southbound Jet Wing Drive onto South Academy is restricted through Nov. 19.

All schedules depend on weather and may change.

What comes next

Phipps says the underground utility work is more than halfway complete. More visible improvements, including paving, concrete work and fresh striping, are expected in 2027. The larger project is projected to finish in summer 2028.

During construction, Phipps says the city is prioritizing communication and maintaining alternate entrances to businesses.

For Tang, the hope is that easier access will help customers return, and make it easier for new ones to find the salon.

Drivers can find construction information and sign up for updates on the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project webpage. Questions can also be directed to the project hotline at 719-427-6422. Bus riders should check Mountain Metro for temporary stop changes.

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

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A Texas woman passing through Colorado is warning others to stay alert after she says her truck was burglarized overnight at a Pueblo hotel, part of what police confirm is a pattern of thefts in the same parking lot.

Robin Denninger, of Texas, stayed at the Best Western Plus of Eagleridge in Pueblo while traveling in early October. She said her room was fine, but the problem was what happened outside.

Watch Owen Skornik-Hayes' report in the video player below: Pueblo car thefts

"Stayed downtown, it was great, had a lovely visit," Denninger said.

After spending time in Montana doing estate cleaning for her sister, Denninger returned to Pueblo to stay the night on her way back to Houston.

"We checked in about 10 to 9," Denninger said.

After a night's rest, she returned to find an emptied box in the bed of her truck, removed from the inside.

"There were dark-tinted windows. Someone had to have a flashlight to look and see," Denninger said.

She said her vehicle was burglarized without the alarm going off and without damage.

"They just knew what they were doing," Denninger said.

Denninger said the thieves took several items belonging to her sister along with a heavy safe.

"It would have taken a dolly or a few people to do it, and it was buried in the truck," Denninger said.

When Denninger reported it to the hotel manager, she said she was told the only security on the property is a camera facing the front door.

I called the Best Western to verify this information. As soon as I said I was a reporter, the manager refused to answer any of my questions.

"My message is be very, very careful," Denninger said.

I reached out to the Pueblo Police Department for more context. They told me that in the Best Western Plus parking lot alone, there have been six reports of theft from vehicles and one confirmed property damage from an attempted auto theft in 2026.

Pueblo Polices public information officer, Sgt. Alarid, said parking lots across the city are targets for thieves.

"Their hands are tied as to what they can do about it, and I feel badly for them," Denninger said.

In a statement, the Pueblo Police Department shared tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft in parking lots.

"Remove valuables from your vehicle. We also encourage citizens to lock their doors and take their keys out of their vehicles. When possible, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas and remain aware of your surroundings," the Pueblo Police Department said.

"Something good's going to come out of this, even if it's just a message to the community to stand up and start fighting crime," Denninger said.

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Tonight's Forecast: Cloud cover increases overnight as showers and mountain convection spread east across the Continental Divide, bringing heavy rain to the eastern San Juans. A few light showers or sprinkles could stray into the I-25 corridor by early Thursday morning. Lows fall into the 40s to low 50s for lower elevations and 30s to 40s in mountain valleys.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 53; High: 73; Mild with a mix of sun and mid-to-high clouds on Thursday. Expect gusty southwesterly winds at times, remaining mostly dry through the day with just a slight chance for an overnight sprinkle.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 53; High: 77; Unseasonably warm and pleasant Thursday with highs hitting the upper 70s. Breezy at times with passing clouds, staying dry through Friday before big weekend changes arrive.

Canon City forecast: Low: 56; High: 73; Highs reach the mid-70s on Thursday under mostly cloudy skies. Expect breezy southwesterly winds to develop through the afternoon as moisture continues to stream in.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 46; High: 60; Highs near 60 degrees on Thursday. Cloud cover thickens through the day with scattered showers developing west over the Divide, becoming more frequent Thursday night.

Extended Forecast: A surge of subtropical moisture will bring high-elevation flood concerns and mountain mudslide risks along the Continental Divide through Friday, before a much colder system impacts all of Southern Colorado this weekend.

Thursday Friday: Deep moisture streams over the high country with snow levels remaining very high (above 10,00012,000 ft). Heavy rain will fall over the eastern San Juans and Upper Rio Grande Valley under a Flood Watch, with the peak risk for stream flooding, rockslides, and mudslides coming Thursday night into Friday morning (12" rainfall totals possible). Meanwhile, the eastern plains stay warm, breezy, and mostly dry with highs in the 80s through Friday. Saturday: A cold front pushes through Southern Colorado as an upper-level low deepens to the southwest. High temperatures drop sharply into the 50s and 60s with light to moderate rain showers expanding across the region. Parts of Southeast Colorado carry a risk for localized flash flooding. Sunday Monday: An unsettled and much cooler fall pattern takes full control across the region. Highs stay trapped in the 50s across lower elevations with widespread, lingering rain showers and mountain snow levels lowering to around 8,000 to 9,000 feet.

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DENVER A last-minute effort to stop Amendment 87 from appearing before Colorado voters on the November ballot this year was rejected by a Denver judge Wednesday.

Michael Andre Hancock, an Arapahoe County man, filed suit against Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Amendment 87 proponents Chris deGruy Kennedy of the Bell Policy Center, and Kiyana Newell of New Era Colorado, alleging the signature gathering process for the graduated income tax ballot question was done incorrectly. The lawsuit also challenged the Secretary of State's review of the signatures.

Watch Denver7's previous reporting on this lawsuit in the video below:

Court hearing questions on Amendment 87 two weeks before Election Day

During a hearing Monday, the defendants admitted that mistakes were made in the signature gathering process but said they proved in court it was not to the extent alleged by Hancock.

There were a couple issues where not all the circulators were registered, but I think what we showed is that was not the case in enough cases to disqualify the measure from the ballot," said deGruy Kennedy. What we showed in the evidence today is that at most we're talking about 33 circulators having their signatures disqualified, and that is not enough to knock 87 off the ballot."

On Wednesday, Denver District Court Judge Heidi L. Kutcher ruled that Hancock did not meet his burden to establish his case against Griswold and Amendment 87 proponents.

Therefore, the Court DISMISSES this matter, Kutcher wrote in her ruling Wednesday.

Responding to the ruling, Griswold said she appreciated the Courts careful consideration of this matter, and look forward to voters making their voices heard on this question.

Griswold said voters should continue to vote on the ballot they were sent.

In a statement, Jason Dunn, Hancock's attorney, said they "obviously disagree with the result" and will file an appeal to the Supreme Court Thursday.

"This decision was based largely on the testimony of a single witness from the Secretary of States office that conflicted with much of the other testimony on the question of whether requiring circulators to register helps prevent fraud," Dunn said in a statement to Denver7. "We believe it does and that the Supreme Court will agree." 

Amendment 87 tackles Colorados flat income tax rate by instead offering a graduated tax rate. Colorado currently has a 4.4% flat income tax. A no vote on 87 would keep the rate the same. A yes vote on Amendment 87 would tax income by bracket and remove the flat tax rate from the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, more commonly known as TABOR.

Here's how that breakdown would work if Amendment 87 passes:

Any revenue made from this change would go to the Colorado Futures Account, a proposed fund that would give money to public education, healthcare and early child care programs.

Amendment 87 is separate from Proposition 136, which is another ballot measure that could cap individual and corporate taxes at 4.4%. If voters approve both, the proposed tax rates within Amendment 87 would be higher than the limit set by Proposition 136.

According to the 2026 Blue Book, the state legislature or a court would have to resolve any conflicts that arise if both measures pass since the "exact outcome is unclear."

In Colorado, a ballot measure needs signatures from 5% of the total number of votes cast in the Secretary of State race in the prior general election.