Lamar Colorado Police Department

08/17/2026

🚨🚨UPDATE ON THE INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE IN PROWERS COUNTY🚨🚨

The collaborative efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies contributed to the successful apprehension of an individual sought in connection with a Northglenn Police Department homicide investigation. The suspect was taken into custody during the morning hours of August 16th in Prowers County, after a deadly Friday night stabbing in Northglenn, Colorado. Because this remains an active investigation, the Lamar Police Department will defer to the Northglenn Police Department for information regarding the homicide investigation and the individual taken into custody.

The agencies involved with this operation include: Northglenn Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office-Colorado, Kiowa County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office - Colorado, Prowers County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol and their SOAR team, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Lamar, La Junta Police Department, Springfield, CO Police Department, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with additional support from the Bent County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Department of Corrections and the US Marshal’s Office. The cooperation and assistance with various outside agencies were invaluable in bringing this situation to a successful conclusion without any additional harm to anyone in the community or to responding officers.

The Lamar Police Department also reminds the public of the importance of relying on information from verified sources during active law enforcement operations. Unverified information, speculation, and inaccurate social media posts can create unnecessary confusion, complicate investigative efforts, and divert resources during a rapidly evolving incident. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as law enforcement works to provide accurate information when it’s appropriate to do so.

In conclusion, the Lamar Police Department values all surrounding agencies’ cooperation and dedication to our shared common goal of working together to make the community as safe as possible.

08/16/2026

The individual has been located and is in custody. Lamar Police took him in custody in the county along with the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, and the Colorado Department of Wildlife. Details are being obtained from the agencies involved, and an update will provided as soon as available. The City of Lamar thanks our community for being diligent and safety minded during this incident.

08/15/2026

The Lamar Police Department is continuing to assist the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado State Patrol, and other agencies with appropriate jurisdiction. Additional state resources are being utilized as part of the ongoing effort.

We understand the community’s interest and concern and appreciate everyone’s patience while this work continues. Additional information will be released when there are confirmed developments that are appropriate to share publicly.

08/15/2026

Some clarification on the events that occurred leading to the current situation with increased law enforcement activity in the Prowers County area. Responding agencies are still looking for the suspect who is presumed to be on foot in the county.

08/15/2026

🚨🚨Important Community Notification🚨🚨

The Lamar Police Department is currently assisting several agencies, including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, in searching for a wanted subject who fled from law enforcement during a multi-jurisdiction pursuit.

At this time we are only providing personnel to aid in the apprehension attempts.

08/11/2026

🚨🚨PRESS RELEASE🚨🚨
Search Warrant Executed at the Days Inn Leads to Drug and Weapons Charges.

Officers of the Lamar Police Department executed a search warrant on a room at the Days Inn, located in the 1300 Blk N. Main St on August 10th, 2026.
Officers secured numerous fi****ms, including fi****ms with serial numbers that had been tampered with or altered and fi****ms without any observable serial numbers. Ammunition and paraphernalia indicative of illegal narcotics distribution, along with approximately 100 grams of a controlled substance, were seized in addition to the fi****ms.
As a result of the search warrant, Anthony Esparza (40) of Lamar was taken into custody and charged with numerous felony charges. Anthony Esparza is being held at the Prowers County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/11/2026

✨ANNOUNCEMENT✨

The Lamar Police Department is proud to have introduced the agency’s newest officer, Louis (Chad) Martinez, during his swearing-in before Lamar City Council on August 10th. Officer Martinez is a seasoned officer with 12 years of previous experience. Officer Martinez started his career in New Mexico before serving in El Paso County, Colorado, where he also served as an Investigator in their SVU unit. Officer Martinez has also served most recently with the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Martinez’s professionalism, experience, and previous distinguished service history will be a great addition to the Lamar Police Department.

Welcome to the team, Officer Martinez!

08/06/2026

🚨🚨SCAM ALERT🚨🚨

This scam has been circling for many years, but it is an effective one. We have received reports of citizens receiving calls from individuals claiming to be officers with the Lamar Police Department. The "officer" then tells the caller they have a warrant for their arrest, but if they pay over the phone right then and there, the warrant would be quashed. These high-pressure situations are designed to scare callers into providing money quickly, and without too many questions.

No legitimate law enforcement agency will initiate contact with the public via a phone call informing them of an impending arrest warrant.

Its important to remember that the Lamar Police Department will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.

Never provide any personal information or banking account information.
Warrants are handled in person or through official court appearances.

If you are uncertain, HANG UP AND CALL US! We are here to help. If you have questions on whether or not you have an active warrant, reach out to the courthouse in which you may have any active cases.

Stay alert and ask for help if you need it!

08/03/2026

As the Sand and Sage Fair kicks off, the Lamar Police Department would like to remind everyone to help keep our community safe while enjoying the festivities!

🚦 Expect increased traffic in the area, especially along Savage Avenue. Please be patient, allow yourself extra travel time, and pay close attention to all posted traffic signs.

⚠️ Remember that this area includes a school zone. Obey the posted speed limits and watch carefully for pedestrians, children, and families crossing the roadway.

🍻 Planning to enjoy the beer garden? Please celebrate responsibly. If you choose to drink, make arrangements for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or have a sober friend or family member get you home safely. There is no celebration worth risking your safety—or someone else's.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and memorable Sand and Sage Fair. We'll see you at the fair!

🎡 THE 2026 SAND & SAGE ROUND-UP SCHEDULE IS HERE! 🎡

Mark your calendars and get ready for a full week of fair fun, livestock shows, family activities, BBQ, PRCA Rodeo action, live music, and more!

📅 August 1–9, 2026

Check out the full schedule below and start planning your week with us! Please remember that dates and times are subject to change.

For more fair information, visit www.sandandsageroundup.com.

We can’t wait to see you at the 2026 Sand & Sage Round-Up! 🤠

07/30/2026