URGENT UPDATE: A Denver woman has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to threatening schoolchildren with a knife. This alarming incident occurred in May 2023 in Boulder, Colorado, when Alyiah Vega, 53 years old, approached a group of children and their teacher, brandishing a knife and making threats.
In a plea agreement, Vega admitted to one count of felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon and one count of criminal impersonation, a class two misdemeanor. As part of this deal, multiple serious charges were dismissed, including 18 counts of felony menacing and 17 counts of negligent child abuse.
Details of the incident reveal that on May 15, 2023, around 11 a.m., Vega reportedly followed a group of children and teachers in the 1700 block of Broadway. Witnesses say she threatened to kill them while waving a knife, causing panic among the group. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the teachers and students managed to escape the situation.
Following her arrest near 17th Street and Arapahoe Avenue, Vega attempted to impersonate her daughter, a 31-year-old woman from Arizona. However, shortly after being released on bond, she was arrested again and confirmed to be Alyiah Vega, not her daughter.
Boulder County District Court Judge Thomas F. Mulvahill considered Vega’s minimal criminal history and her plans to reintegrate into society with a job while sentencing her to probation instead of jail time. Although the judge could have imposed a 120-day jail term, he opted for probation, emphasizing the need for support and rehabilitation.
Vega has a prior conviction for driving while ability impaired, having served 146 days in jail for that offense in March 2023.
This case highlights serious concerns about safety in schools and the repercussions of threatening behavior. As authorities continue to address issues of public safety, many community members are left wondering how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Share your thoughts and opinions on this troubling case in the comments below.
