A 69-year-old man accused of assaulting someone at Chatfield State Park's off-leash dog area in 2024 is now at the center of a wider search, as wildlife officials say there could be other victims out there who haven't yet come forward. Laurence Burley was arrested earlier this month on a charge of first-degree assault, and investigators believe the incident they've charged him with may not be the only one.
Arrest Tied to 2024 Incident at Popular Dog Park
Burley was taken into custody on Oct. 7 in connection with a reported assault at the Chatfield State Park off-leash dog area that allegedly happened back in 2024, according to KDVR. Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Tuesday that it's now seeking information from any additional potential victims connected to the case, as first reported by the Denver Gazette. Officials believe there may be other victims from separate incidents involving Burley that haven't yet been reported.
According to the station's report, victims said Burley shone a flashlight into their eyes during the altercations. He was reportedly accompanied by two German Shepherds at the time. CPW is asking anyone who encountered Burley and his dogs at either Chatfield State Park or Cherry Creek State Park to come forward.
What CPW Knows About the Suspect
A press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife describes Burley as a white male standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds, with medium-length brown hair and hazel eyes. The release states he may drive either a gray Mercury Mariner or a white Subaru.
Anyone with information about additional incidents involving Burley is asked to contact investigators using the email address CPW has provided for the case. As with any pending criminal matter, Burley and any other individuals connected to these reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and the charge against him remains an accusation at this stage.
A Wider Pattern at Colorado's State Parks
This isn't the first time an altercation at a Colorado state park has drawn attention this year. Back in March, the Denver Gazette reported that a ranger held a park visitor at gunpoint following a separate incident involving a suspected impaired driver at a state park. That case remains distinct from the Chatfield investigation, but both underscore the kinds of tense encounters that can unfold even at the state's most heavily used outdoor spaces. For now, CPW's focus remains on identifying anyone else who may have crossed paths with Burley at the dog park.
