By Shannon Lukens.
Steamboat Springs Police are investigating the possible unknown drugging of bar patrons at local establishments. They were made aware of this through multiple social media posts. The local police department would like you to reach out to SSPD if you think this may have happened to you. Call 970-879-1144.
Steamboat Springs Police also says to never leave your drink unattended or lose sight of it. Consider purchasing a bottled drink and have a friend with you.
If you think you have been exposed to some sort of drug unwillingly, call 911. Also get checked out at the emergency department, and try to save part of the drink so it can be tested.
The local group called “Better Tomorrow” has also responded, after being “made aware of a drugging incident at a local venue that occurred this past weekend.” They have scheduled two events with Advocates of Routt County. They are at noon and 6 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Dusky Grouse Coffee in Steamboat Springs (1585 Mid Valley Drive).
To reach someone at Better Tomorrow, call their 24-hour crisis hotline at 970-879-8888.
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Jan. 16, 2025.
Drink Drugging Incident Under Investigation
Tips to Help Protect Yourself When Out on the Town
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 16, 2025-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) has been made aware of local social media posts involving people reporting to have been drugged at local establishments.
In the last few days, SSPD officers have received one report consistent with this type of activity, which is currently under investigation. If you believe you or someone you know may have been exposed to an unwanted intoxicant, please contact SSPD at 970-879-1144.
While this matter is under investigation, SSPD would like to offer a few tips to protect yourself:
- Never leave your drink unattended (whether it is alcoholic or not).
- Always watch your drink be made and never lose sight of it.
- Consider purchasing a bottled drink.
- Have a friend with you so you can look out for each other!
If you believe you have been exposed to an intoxicant unwillingly:
- Call 911 immediately (timing is a key factor in criminal investigations).
- Be checked out by the emergency department as soon as you can (substances used can leave the body quickly).
- Try to save a small amount of your drink that can be tested.
Unfortunately, not all intoxicants can be tested with readily available testing kits, and this strategy cannot guarantee that the drink is safe. Remember to be safe and be vigilant.
SSPD takes reports of drink drugging seriously. These reports will be criminally investigated, and identified suspects will be charged.
Press Release from Better Tomorrow; Jan. 14, 2025.
1/14/2025 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Better Tomorrow Responds to Report of Drugging Incident at Local Venue
Community Listening Events Planned to Create Greater Safety
Better Tomorrow was recently made aware of a drugging incident at a local venue that occurred this past weekend. A broad community response on social media has followed, calling for change and accountability. We admire the community’s robust and supportive response and kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the individuals affected. We also invite the community to respond to the call for action by sharing feedback at one of our listening sessions early next week.
Our hearts go out to the individuals involved and anyone who has been affected by similar incidents. Advocates of Routt County, in conjunction with Better Tomorrow’s other programs, acknowledges that this is, unfortunately, not an isolated event. As part of our ongoing efforts, the Good Night Out initiative – launched by Advocates 5 years ago and now delivered by sibling program COMMA Projects – engages with bars and restaurants to create safer nightlife environments by training staff, raising awareness, and offering guidance on recognizing and mitigating risks.
This is a wake-up call for all establishments to ensure the safety of their patrons and performers by adopting robust safety practices. Good Night Out was designed in close collaboration with bar owners to address these issues. We stand ready to assist the venue in question, the survivor, and others for whom this incident may reawaken past trauma. The confidential Advocates Safeline is always available for support and is answered 24/7/365 at 970-879-8888 by Advocates staff and trained volunteers local to the Yampa Valley.
We urge the community to support safer nightlife spaces by advocating for accountability and participating in the events our team is hosting in the coming days and weeks. On Tuesday, Jan 21, Advocates and COMMA host events at Dusky Grouse (1585 Mid Valley Drive, Steamboat Springs) from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM and 6:00 PM–7:00 PM. These events are designed to hear directly from the community so that, together, we can create safer spaces for all to enjoy. For those unable to attend Tuesday, we will soon share details about informal drop-in opportunities at various locations where community concerns may be shared in a more private setting.
Better Tomorrow, along with our staff and volunteers, remains steadfast in our efforts to create safer spaces for everyone and to stand against sexual violence in all forms. Our local 24-hour crisis hotline is available to provide support, safety planning, and connections to community resources for survivors and their loved ones. Call 970-879-8888 to reach someone directly.
For more information about Better Tomorrow’s response to this issue or to learn more about Good Night Out, please contact Better Tomorrow Executive Director Mark Fitzgerald at mark@bettertomorrowco.org, or 970-875-6982.
Mark Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Better Tomorrow
direct: 970-875-6982
main ofc: 970-879-2034
Doing Good Better