Rico mourns businessman
According to the Dolores County sheriff’s office, a Rico business owner was found dead on the Colorado Trail Sept. 5.
The Dolores County coroner identified the body of Peter Kinnick, 61, owner of the Rico Hotel. Hikers found him on the Colorado trail where it intersects with the Black Hawk Mountain trail. He was airlifted to Rico by Olathe Spray Service. Earlier, a hotel manager reported that Kinnick left to go for a hike but had not returned. The Dolores County sheriff said there was no evidence of foul play. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.
Police to announce sex offender
The Cortez Police Department will announce the release of a sexually violent predator next week.
The community meeting is held at 7 p.m. at City Hall on Wed., Sept. 24. The goal of the meeting is to enhance public safety and protection.
Police have yet to release any details, but a police spokesperson said the individual in question was convicted of a sex offense that requires law enforcement registration. Police added the subject had been determined to present a high potential to re-offend.
Police warn vigilante justice will not be tolerated, and any attempt to harass, threaten or intimidate the offender or his family is subject to criminal charges.
Due to the mature content of the information, young children are not advised to attend the meeting.
For questions, call the Cortez Police Department at 565-8441.
BIA investigating toddler’s death
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is investigating what is believed to be the drowning death of an 11-month-old in Towaoc.
According to BIA Police Chief Mike McCoy, the toddler was at a residence with the father when the death occurred on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 12.
“It’s all preliminary at this time, but it appears to have been a drowning,” said McCoy. “We’re waiting the autopsy report.”
McCoy declined to release the location of the incident or any other details, adding the case remained under investigation by BIA authorities.
A message left for Montezuma County Coroner Charlie Rosenbaugh seeking comment was not returned as of press time.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
