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2 Boulder officers face charges in elk shooting

Posted: 5:06 PM Jan 18, 2013
Reporter: AP

Two Boulder police officers have been arrested on charges alleging they conspired to unlawfully kill a trophy elk.

Officers Sam Carter and Brent Curnow were free Friday on $20,000 personal recognizance bonds. They have unlisted phone numbers and couldn't be reached for comment. Carter allegedly told police the elk looked like it needed to be put down.

The Daily Camera reports they face felony counts including tampering with evidence, plus misdemeanor hunting charges in the Jan. 1 shooting. If convicted, they could lose their police certifications.

Investigators say the officers had texted each other about killing the animal several hours before it was shot.

Police Chief Mark Beckner says both are now on unpaid leave.

The shooting sparked a community uproar, with residents holding a vigil for the elk.