WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2025
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 30
FREE
reaches $2 A Chocolate Affair set to make Olde Town Arvada million settlement Arvada return after snowy last running with family of pregnant woman killed by APD
Popular fundraising event for Ralston House eyes comeback after weather put a damper on last year’s festivities
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Three-and-a-half years after a group of Arvada Police officers mistook Destinee Derara-Thompson for the suspect in a nearby robbery and shot at her eight times, the City of Arvada and the Thompson family have settled a civil lawsuit that will see Arvada pay the Thompsons $2 million. Delara-Thompson was killed on Aug. 17, 2021 outside the American Motel in Wheat Ridge. The Thompson family filed a civil suit against the Arvada Police Department on Aug. 16, 2023, which named five officers involved in the shooting, including Officer Anthony Benallo, who shot at Thompson eight times and was cleared of legal wrongdoing by First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King on April 22, 2022. The settlement appears to have been reached on July 24, 2024, according to a copy of the settlement obtained by the Arvada Press. As per the settlement’s terms, the City of Arvada and the Arvada Police Department will not have to admit to any wrongdoing in the case. “The (Thompson) Estate acknowledges the City and all Released Parties deny any liability on their part and this Agreement and the settlement payment are not to be construed, in any way, as an admission of liability,” the settlement reads. “The Estate acknowledges the City, its employees and all Released Parties strenuously and unequivocally deny any liability on their respective parts.” The Arvada Police Department released a statement regarding the settlement, which states that it did not publicize the agreement because of “complexities” with the Thompson estate. “This matter was settled some time ago, but due to complexities related to Ms. Thompson’s estate, no media releases were made,” the APD statement reads. “District Attorney Alexis King’s office thoroughly reviewed this situation and determined that an Arvada police officer justifiably used deadly force during this incident; her office also determined that no criminal charges should be filed.
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A year after harsh winter conditions made A Chocolate Affair a chilly one, the event is set to return for a sweet — and hopefully warmer — running in February. This year’s event, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until samples run out) Feb. 1, will see a host of businesses offer chocolate samples to folks in Olde Town for a good cause: the event supports the Ralston House, a local nonprofit that supports children and teenagers who are victims of abuse. Each sample costs just $1, though Ralston House’s Development Officer Jennifer Kemps said she recommends folks purchase a 10-pack for $10 “to get a good variety.” A Chocolate Affair has been the nonprofit’s flagship fundraiser for years, earning it an enthusiastic following. Longtime small business supporters of the event include Rheinlander Bakery, Enstrom Candies, School House Kitchen and Libations, Bread Winners and Carly’s Boutique — all of which have participated in the event for a decade and will be returning this year. “Ralston House is so thankful to all the businesses in Olde Town Arvada that support this event year over year,” Kemps said. This year’s event will feature event staples, such as the Lamp Post Hearts, Cookie and Brownie Baking Contest and the usual chocolate samples, which rotate every year. Kemps said the event is a great way to enjoy some sweet treats in Olde Town and support a good cause. SEE FESTIVITIES, P2
The popular Lamp Post Hearts tradition will fill Olde Town with Valentines Day cheer.
VOICES: 8 | LIFE: 10 | CALENDAR: 13 | SPORTS: 16
FILE PHOTO
SEE SETTLEMEMT, P2
ARVADAPRESS.COM • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA