West
Squatters allegedly take over home of couple in their 70s: ‘The law should be different’
The daughters of a Colorado Springs couple are alleging that a homeless woman, her boyfriend and her son have taken advantage of their father, who suffers from dementia, and taken over their parents’ house of 50 years.
William Towns, 76, met the woman while he was out walking his dog and saw that she was living out of her car, his daughters wrote in a GoFundMe initiative for legal expenses. His wife, Arlene, was staying with one of her daughters while she recovered from major heart surgery.
“[The homeless woman] offered to do some household chores for him, to which he agreed. Chores turned into using his shower on occasion and then sleeping in a guest room of his home for what he understood to only be a number of days,” Towns’ daughters wrote.
But the woman “quickly took advantage” of the man, moving two non-working automobiles, many of her belongings, her 15-year-old son, her boyfriend and her cat into the house.
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William and Arlene Towns, both in their 70s, have been forced to move in with their daughter and are struggling to cover attorney fees. The daughter claims that a homeless woman took advantage of their father, who is suffering from dementia, and turned a few nights to get back on her feet into indefinite residency at their home. (Provided by Christina Elmore)
“[The boyfriend] harasses our dad and our family and friends when asked to leave,” the daughters wrote. “He has provoked altercations with our dad on numerous occasions and gets into arguments with a number of unknown other groups of people that come by the property to seek him out.”
Now, Towns is “extremely uncomfortable having these people and their associates in his home, and is fearful of his safety when at the house.”
The daughters claim that the squatters have started up a “mushroom growing operation” in the couple’s living room, that there is “underage drug use” in the home, that they “intentionally flash” firearms at security cameras installed in the home, that they “turn on faucets and the hose just to let water run” and “leave every light on in the house 24/7.”
“They spend their days living in the home as if it is their own, rummaging through drawers and cupboards, going through storage items, using all appliances, dishes, tools, food in the refrigerator and pantries, etc.,” the GoFundMe states.
“There was never an agreement by our dad, mom, or any of our family members with these people stating that they or any other occupants could take permanent residency in the home or on the property, but because they have stayed in the home for more than a few days, they have rights to the home and can do as they please.
“This isn’t their first rodeo, and they have taken full advantage of the system and know the law is in their favor and seem to live confidently that they will have free housing and utilities for months through this process.”
“What’s the difference between what happened in Colorado and a home invasion?”
The Towns couple live off Social Security on a fixed income, their daughters wrote, and cannot afford the exorbitant legal fees associated with extricating their unwelcome guests. They wrote that an attorney will charge a $1,800 retainer and $400 to $500 per hour. Meanwhile, the family claims, the squatters “receive free legal services, court fees waived, all of their required paperwork provided directly to them… everything served to them on a golden platter.”
The family wrote that they have called on the Colorado Springs Police Department “exhaustively” for help. “Many times dispatch doesn’t come at all; others it takes 24+ hours for an officer to come, and when they do, they speak to this woman and her boyfriend and they are not given permission by them to enter the property, so they can’t do anything.”
“We feel so helpless, and each day that goes by and each new failed attempt to ask for help from law enforcement leaves us feeling less and less trust in the system’s ability to keep our community safe,” the daughters write. “We just don’t know what else to do, and just sitting around for months watching while our parents are scared to live in their home is unbearable, unfair, and absolutely unacceptable.”
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The Colorado Springs Police Department told Fox 21 that because the alleged squatters were invited inside, it is not trespassing, and evictions are handled by the Sheriff’s Office. The case will likely require a court order, judge’s decision and enforcement by El Paso County. (Colorado Springs Police Department)
The Colorado Springs Police Department told Fox 21 that because the alleged squatters were invited inside, it is not trespassing, evictions are handled by the Sheriff’s Office, and that the case will likely require a court order, judge’s decision, and enforcement by El Paso County.
Fox News Digital could not reach the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for comment at press time.
“From a legal perspective, the key here is the permission – if the people were not invited into the home, they’d be squatters, they’d be trespassing, and you could go directly to law enforcement,” real estate litigator Kevin Hughes, a partner at California-based Foundation Law Group, told Fox News Digital. “You still would have to go ultimately through the legal eviction process… they have rights and they have rights to due process.
“What you would need to do, you should engage an eviction lawyer. You’re going to need ultimately to write a letter, give them clear notice, and demand that any tenancy rights they have are hereby terminated, and they have to leave by this specific date. That’s the start of the process.”
If the interlopers don’t leave by that point, Hughes said, the couple can file an eviction complaint. After another 30 to 45 days, a judge may give sheriff’s deputies an order that would allow them to remove the unwanted family.
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Foundation Law Group partner Kevin Hughes detailed the arduous process the couple will face getting their home back. (Provided)
“The reality is you probably have these people staying under your roof for a couple of months, even after you start this process with that notice letter,” Hughes said.
The father’s allegedly compromised mental state could add a layer of complications to the situation rather than a legal remedy, Hughes said.
“It’s just a question of whether the parent has the cognitive capacity to be a good [legal] client and to advise and instruct the lawyer… if not, you get into a situation where you may need either a power of attorney, a legal guardianship or conservatorship,” Hughes said. “And that is complicated and that’s time-consuming and that’s expensive, and that’s a different lawyer…. But we just want to get the squatters out. And already, we’re thinking about how much time that’s going to take and how much money it’s going to cost.”
“What’s the difference between what happened in Colorado and a home invasion? Except the people who invaded got comfortable? And, you know, and brought their toothbrushes. Well, it doesn’t seem like the law should favor that. That’s crazy. And because it’s crazy, the law should be different.”
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GILLETTE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, County 17 is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.
Candidates were asked:
- What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
- If elected, how will you address these challenges?
- What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the County 17 Election Tracker.
Qwenton Eagle Oviatt (R), Wyoming secretary of state
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
The most crucial challenges my constituents are facing are low voter turnout, outdated election processes that make voting harder than necessary, a business registration system being exploited by scammers, and a wide fracture within the Wyoming Republican Party.
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
If elected, I will address these directly. I will push for a long overdue election cleanup bill to make voting easier while ensuring strong security. I will implement top tier screening software and a small enforcement team to stop fraud using commercial registered agents. I will also work closely with county clerks to give them the training and uniformity they’ve requested. On party division, I will focus on repairing our Republican Party by practicing Alan Simpson’s collaboration and Mike Enzi’s 80/20 rule, bringing people together instead of tearing them apart.
What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
What prepares me for these challenges is my diverse real world experience. I have worked in Wyoming’s oil fields, supported National Science Foundation research in Antarctica, built small businesses, and currently serve as an academic advisor at Central Wyoming College. As a certified mediator, I’ve learned how to bring people together to solve problems. This practical background gives me the judgement and skills needed to deliver real results for Wyoming.
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San Francisco, CA
Terrified passengers film Waymo autonomous vehicle driving into live fireworks in San Francisco
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Passengers in a Waymo vehicle were terrified as the car drove into lit fireworks in the middle of a San Francisco street during Independence Day celebrations over the weekend.
Video footage of the incident shows a group of passengers who were shocked as the driverless car seemingly approaches lit fireworks in the middle of a street as the explosives are about to launch.
As the car gets closer, someone on the street appears to warn the vehicle to stop by waving their hand.
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Passengers in a Waymo vehicle were terrified as the autonomous car drove into lit fireworks in the middle of a San Francisco street during Independence Day celebrations. (Rose Peterson via Storyful)
“No, no, no, don’t go, don’t go, don’t go,” one of the passengers is heard saying off-camera.
The autonomous vehicle then passes over the colorful flames and sparks.
“Our Waymo just drove into a firework,” a passenger says in the clip.
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A Waymo vehicle sits idling at an intersection with no operating traffic lights due to power outages, in San Francisco, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Jeff Chiu/AP Photo)
“Are we on fire, dude?” a fellow passenger asks.
A Waymo spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the company “is committed to keeping our riders safe and earning the trust of the communities where we operate.”
“We take situations like this seriously and are committed to evaluating and learning from these events,” the statement continued.
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No injuries were reported to either the passengers or the vehicle, and the company reached out to the riders after their trip. The possession of fireworks, even “Safe and Sane” explosives, is illegal in San Francisco, the city’s fire department said.
One woman was killed and two other adults and a child were injured Saturday in a separate fireworks explosion, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Elsewhere in San Francisco, some Waymo vehicles were towed when their batteries died after vehicles became stuck in traffic for hours.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Our priority is keeping San Francisco moving safely, especially during major city celebrations,” the Waymo spokesperson said. “On the Fourth of July, extreme traffic congestion in northern San Francisco disrupted normal operations for several Waymo vehicles.”
“In coordination with local authorities and emergency services, our roadside assistance team worked quickly to clear our vehicles from the area,” the statement continued.
Denver, CO
Kalshi Promo Code DENVER: Trade $10, Get $10 World Cup Bonus for USA-Belgium – Denver Stiffs
As the World Cup continues, new players can take advantage of Kalshi promo code DENVER to receive a $10 sign-up bonus. Click here to start signing up.
Unlocked after making $10 in trades, this welcome offer provides a straightforward way to get involved ahead of the high-stakes USA vs. Belgium matchup in the Round of 16. Whether you are backing the United States or Belgium in this crucial knockout stage clash, you can easily apply this promotion to this game as well as any other World Cup matches taking place this week. Kalshi should have something for everyone.
Kalshi Promo Code DENVER Unlocks $10 World Cup Bonus
Before the USA and Belgium kick off their crucial playoff match, review the essential details of this exclusive welcome offer below:
Kalshi Promo Code
DENVER
New User Offer
$10 sign-up bonus
Terms and Conditions
18+ and Present in the US
Bonus Last Verified On
July 6, 2026
This exclusive promotion is strictly reserved for new Kalshi customers looking to get involved during the World Cup playoffs. Available in most states to users who are at least 18 years old, the offer requires a minimal upfront commitment. To begin, simply create your new account and make a first-time deposit of at least $1. Funding your account early ensures you are ready to trade on the prediction markets before the USA and Belgium take the pitch.
Unlocking the $10 sign-up bonus is a straightforward process. Once your account is active and funded, you must make a total of $10 in trades on Kalshi’s platform. After completing those qualifying trades, your account will be credited with the $10 bonus. This provides extra funds to navigate the various prediction markets as you follow all the high-stakes action of the USA vs Belgium Round of 16 showdown.
Round of 16 Preview: USA vs. Belgium
While specific contract pricing for this fixture is still developing, the pre-match probabilities offer a clear picture of how tightly contested this Round of 16 clash is expected to be. You can use your $10 Kalshi bonus to trade on the outright winner once the prediction markets officially open. Remember, Folarin Balogun will be active for this match despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA has suspended that red card, which means the USA will have its leading goalscorer in this win-or-go-home game.
Here are the expected probabilities for the three possible match outcomes:
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| Draw | 29% |
| Belgium (Away) | 34% |
How to Get Started With Kalshi Promo Code DENVER
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Keep in mind that you do not need to place a single trade worth $10. As long as the sum of your trades equals $10, you will fulfill the requirement. Once your cumulative trades reach that $10 threshold, your $10 sign-up bonus will become available, giving you extra funds to trade on the remainder of the World Cup playoffs.
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