La Plata County Sheriff’s Office

Local News

‘Rainbow fentanyl’ makes its way to La Plata County

enforcement warns synthetic drug is being marketed to appeal to children

October 20, 2022

Local News

Are police dogs an effective crime-fighting tool, or have they had their day?

K-9 units are expensive, carry liabilities and might be outdone by drones

October 17, 2022

Local News

Human remains found on Middle Mountain north of Vallecito

Colorado Bureau of Investigation says bones are those of an adult

September 28, 2022

Local News

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office sergeant has a memory like a steel trap

Doughty recalls names, birthdays and even license plate numbers, sometimes for years

September 5, 2022

Local News

Photos: Sheriff’s Office rounds up shopping carts at Purple Cliffs

La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith, left, and Sgt. Chris Burke collect about 25 shopping carts Tuesday at the Purple…

August 23, 2022

Local News

Durango’s storied history with homelessness: Can we become a ‘model community’?

Imminent closing of Purple Cliffs renews a complex history of unhoused camping, community action

July 16, 2022

Local News

Sheriff’s Office: A dog attack, shots fired and assault highlight problems at Purple Cliffs

Durango Police Department helps respond to 911 call involving gunfire

July 8, 2022

Local News

Catalytic converter thefts reported in La Plata County

of the valuable car parts have been stolen in recent weeks

July 2, 2022

Local News

Public land agencies remove fire restrictions ahead of July 4

prompt San Juan National Forest, BLM to rescind Stage 1 measures

July 1, 2022

Local News

La Plata County man suspected of shooting, burning dogs

told law enforcement he and son argued the previous night

June 24, 2022

Local News

La Plata County doubles-down on plan to close Purple Cliffs this year

failed efforts to establish a managed camp, officials say dispersed camping can no longer continue

June 17, 2022

Local News

Local governments and land agencies upgrade fire restrictions

2 bans campfires in San Juan National Forest, among other activities

June 15, 2022

Local News

Texas man arrested on suspicion of burglary, shooting up a house north of Durango

Reverse-911 call issued to Hermosa-area residents

June 13, 2022

Local News

Durango fugitive caught after 8 hours on the lam

Lobato, 25, was wanted for a parole violation

June 8, 2022

Local News

Search called off for parole fugitive who ran from traffic stop in Grandview area

was last seen wearing tank top, plaid pajama bottoms

June 7, 2022

Local News

La Plata County 911 dispatch center in need of more employees

dispatchers, one supervisor monitor emergency calls on most days

June 3, 2022

Local News

La Plata County joins other land agencies in implementing fire restrictions earlier than planned

1 precautions effective Thursday morning

May 19, 2022

Local News

La Plata County holds large-scale drill to prepare for eventual wildfire

Multiday simulation includes mock evacuations of hospital, subdivisions

April 30, 2022

Local News

State Rep. McLachlan sponsors bill to allow local law enforcement to live across state lines

22-1371 would remove the Colorado residency requirement for officers

April 21, 2022

Local News

Durango’s chief of police calls for greater legal tools to address fentanyl

Colorado legislation would increase penalties, but some say that won’t prevent overdose deaths

April 20, 2022

Local News

La Plata County agrees to buy four properties for managed camp

Commissioners will spend $1.7 million to purchase sites next to the Durango Dog Park

April 13, 2022

Local News

Auto theft suspect captured after four-hour manhunt southeast of Durango

Florida Mesa residents were warned to lock doors, shelter in place

April 11, 2022

Local News

Possible ethics violations stopped sheriff’s deputy ski patrol at Purgatory Resort

Plata County canceled program over gift clause in Colorado Amendment 41

April 8, 2022

Local News

More than $72,000 worth of items stolen from property in Vallecito area

enforcement executed nine search warrants, made five arrests

April 6, 2022