Kremmling police face investigation over potential misconduct
Courtesy photo
An investigation into an alleged incident of animal cruelty outside Kremmling has raised questions about potential police misconduct.
The Fraser Winter Park Police Department is investigating the Kremmling Police Department, at the request of the District Attorney’s office, over the department’s handling of an investigation of alleged animal abuse that occurred outside its jurisdiction. Both police chiefs confirmed the investigation.
Last week, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office announced it was taking over an investigation of alleged animal abuse from the Kremmling Police Department after it was determined the alleged incident happened outside town limits.
It is unclear how the Kremmling Police Department investigated the incident or what actions were taken by Kremmling police. Asked about a police report, Chief Jamie Lucas said he didn’t file one.
Despite not filing a police report, Lucas said he fined each of the minors involved $500 for disturbing the peace.
“I did not do a police report on it because I wrote it for a municipal court,” Lucas said.
Neither Lucas nor Fraser Winter Park Police Chief Glen Trainor would comment about the ongoing investigation into the police department’s actions.
The animal cruelty investigation began with an anonymous tip to the West Grand School District and Kremmling Police Department about possible abuse through the state’s Safe2Tell hotline on Nov. 4.
The tip described a video of three minors torturing a cat on Oct. 20, said Lt. Dan Mayer of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office took over the investigation on Dec. 4.
At the time, Mayer said the sheriff’s office is also working with the Fraser Winter Park Police Department on the investigation so an unbiased third party was involved.
The sheriff’s office has since completed its investigation into the animal abuse by sending a report to the 14th Judicial District Attorney.
The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said the office couldn’t discuss cases that are pending investigation or prosecution.
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