15-05-2025
Lakewood property condemned after explosions, reported drug use, police calls
LAKEWOOD (KDVR) — A Lakewood property is in the process of being legally condemned after repeated complaints from neighbors and nearby students, including two fires reported within three days.
The fires occurred at a converted garage near West 10th Avenue and Allison Street. Lakewood Police and West Metro Fire are investigating the incidents separately. A suspect has been identified but not arrested or charged in one fire.
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Lindsay Driver, who lives nearby, said the explosions were alarming and dangerous.
'The first explosion was absolutely massive. I was in my house and it shook my house,' Driver told FOX31. 'We're not born yesterday, we know what's going on there — and they are certainly not at Bible study.'
Students at JeffCo Open School, located directly across the street, are also voicing concern. Senior Ethan Webb said the area has seen open drug use and other unsafe activity.
'The open drug use is really not okay,' Webb said. 'Especially around my school — like it's K-12. What if a kindergartner goes on a walk?'
Photos obtained by FOX31 show drug paraphernalia, smoke damage, and ongoing activity around the structure.
Police confirm the buildings have now been officially condemned, and an eviction hearing is scheduled for Friday. The case has reportedly been under investigation since October.
Driver said neighbors have been raising red flags for months.
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'If the city does nothing about what is going on with the crime population in Lakewood, the city is going to become a dump,' she said. 'No one will live here.'
Lakewood police say the agency is working with Code Enforcement and Building Inspectors to monitor ongoing safety issues.
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