Crime
Celinda Levno killed in Denver 16th Street Mall stabbing spree, suspect arrested
A man has been arrested in connection with a series of stabbings along Denver’s 16th Street over the weekend that left two people dead and two others injured.
Denver police announced the arrest late Sunday, confirming the suspect’s involvement in four separate incidents, including a fatal stabbing on Sunday night.
The first stabbing occurred at approximately 5:12 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of 16th Street and Tremont Street.
Responding officers found a man suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and transported him to a local hospital for treatment.
Just minutes later, at around 5:17 p.m., police were called to another stabbing at 16th Street and California Street.
A female victim with severe throat injuries was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Sunday. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas stated that the victim will be formally identified by the Denver County Coroner’s Office.
At 5:54 p.m. on Saturday, a third stabbing was reported at 16th Street and Lawrence Street. In this incident, an adult male victim sustained critical injuries.
As of Sunday evening, he remained in stable condition.
On Sunday night, at approximately 10:00 p.m., police responded to a fourth stabbing in the 1600 block of Market Street. The victim in this incident was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Shortly after the fourth stabbing, police apprehended an adult male suspect. By 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Denver police confirmed the individual had been formally arrested in connection with all four stabbings.
While the suspect’s name has not yet been released, officials indicated his identity will be made public after he is booked into jail on Monday.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas emphasized that investigators do not believe the suspect had any prior relationship with the victims. The motives behind the attacks remain unclear, and authorities are working to piece together the circumstances leading to the violent spree.
The Denver Police Department has increased patrols in the area to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the stabbings is urged to contact the Denver Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.