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Judge rejects drug-use defense Chase suspect faces trial in Douglas County By Jane Reuter
jreuter@colorado communitymedia.com
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Adam Jennings gets a congratulatory kiss from his wife, Sarah, after receiving a Distinguished Service Award at the Liniger Building at CU South Denver April 2. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Trooper awards come with praise Ceremony honors state patrol heroics in 2014 By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com Proud families and applauding colleagues packed a ceremony dedicated to Colorado State Patrol troopers who put their lives on the line. Hundreds gathered in the Great Hall at the Liniger Building at CU South Denver April 2, with Trooper Jeff Goodwin retelling the incredible stories behind the awards. Bellamann Hee, the trooper who was injured during a high-speed chase that ended near CU South Denver’s doorstep in March 2014, was given the Purple Heart Award, an honor given to troopers who are seriously injured, wounded or killed while performing basic law enforcement functions. Awards continues on Page 11
Bellamann Hee, left, a trooper who was injured in a high-speed chase that ended near The Wildlife Experience in March 2014, receives a Purple Heart Award April 2.
Ryan Stone cannot use voluntary intoxication as a defense in his upcoming trial, a Douglas County judge ruled during an April 2 hearing. Defense attorneys had suggested the 29-year-old Centennial man suffered a methamphetamine-induced psychosis that influenced his actions last year during a multi-county, multi-vehicle flight from Longmont to Douglas County. But Judge Paul King agreed with a prosecuting attorney’s motion to strike voluntary intoxication as a defense. Stone’s jury trial is scheduled from April 21 to May 1 in Douglas County District Court. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts that include kidnapping and vehicular Stone assault. During the March 12, 2014 morning rush hour, Stone allegedly stole multiple vehicles throughout the metro area — including one in Longmont with a 4-year-old child inside — and eluded police for 75 miles before crashing on Lincoln Avenue just west of Parker’s town limits. During his flight, he struck and injured a Colorado State Patrol trooper. The chase was broadcast live on television by an 850 KOA news helicopter. A toxicology test showed Stone tested positive for methamphetamine, marijuana and Lorazepam. Lorazepam typically is used to treat anxiety. Prosecuting attorney Jason Sears moved to strike the use of voluntary intoxication as a defense. Among other reasons, he said such a defense suggests a mental condition that would require a court-ordered Stone continues on Page 11
Chaparral students kick off Wish Week Highlands Ranch boy is focus of fundraising efforts By Jane Reuter
jreuter@colorado communitymedia.com As the Chaparral High School gym emptied of students after the boisterous April 3 Wish Week opening ceremony, Nicole Garrett brushed tears from her eyes. Her 4-year-old son Corbin, in remission after a fast and furious battle with cancer, is the focus of the school’s fundraising efforts. “When Corbin got diagnosed, we met the nurses and they become part of your family,” she said. “And now we have this new family; they’ve taken us in. They’ve
had a hard year; they lost two students. But the love they share … they’ve pulled even closer together. It’s amazing.” Chaparral is among several Douglas County high schools that are jumping on the Wish Week bandwagon led by Rock Canyon. In its first year in 2014, Chaparral raised $23,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation — more than Rock Canyon did in its inaugural 2010 year. The Parker school was inspired by Rock Canyon, said senior class president Taylor Morris, who described the excitement surrounding the week of fundraisers as “overwhelming”. “It’s the best week of the entire year,” she said. “Everyone just gives all they have for this.” Wish continues on Page 11
Chaparral High School student Mackenzie Purchase talks with Corbin Garrett in a waiting room at the school just before the Wish Week recipient was introduced to the Chaparral High School student body. Photo by Jane Reuter