Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Fourth of July Independence Monument Climb

Climbing Independence Monument
MESA COUNTY, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff's Office Technical Rescue Team is getting ready for their annual climb up Independence Monument with the American Flag. The all-volunteer search and rescue group will be taking up four guest climbers this year, including two active duty Marines.
Independence Monument

Besides celebrating our nation's independence, this will also raise money for the technical rescue team. The event is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates.

The July 4th flag raising can be viewed at the Book Cliffs View point near the Visitor’s Center or the Independence Monument View Point. It will occur around 11:00 am, but plan on being in place by 10:00 am. Last year, they were early. They are fast climbers!!!!

2016 Fourth of July Climb
.

Two mailboxes vandalized

What's left of mailbox and grass fire
 on 30 Road
MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect(s) involved in destroying two mailboxes and causing two fires in the process early morning Monday.

Damaged mailbox on 31 Road
Around 1:00 a.m. Monday a mailbox on the 100 block of 31 Road was destroyed by what appeared to be someone setting off fireworks inside it.

A second mailbox was also reported vandalized on the 200 block of 30 Road during the early morning hours Monday. The damage also appeared to be caused by fireworks.

Grass fire on 31 Road
In both incidents, small grass fires were started around the mailboxes, but were quickly put out.

Mesa County is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The use of person fireworks is a violation of the restrictions. Starting a fire intentionally during Stage 1 Restrictions can result in felony arson charges and fines up to a $100,000.

If anyone has information about these crimes contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous.

UPDATE: In custody


UPDATE: Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Rodion Hightower, 21, on theft related charges after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Hightower is facing two counts of First Degree Criminal Trespass of an Auto (Class 6 Felony), one count of Identity Theft Fraud (Class 4 Felony), Theft $300-750 from a Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Misdemeanor), Unauthorized use of a Financial Transaction Device (Class 2 Misdemeanor), Criminal Possession of two or more Financial Transaction Devices (Class 6 Felony), Theft $50-$300 from Motor Vehicle (Class 3 Misdemeanor), Theft less than $50 from Motor Vehicle.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office thanks the public for their help identifying this suspect.

Hightower is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.
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Previous release:


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect believed to have stolen credit cards from a car in Orchard Mesa.

Credit cards and an undisclosed amount of cash were stolen out of a SUV near the 2800 block of Monroe Lane sometime during between Friday night and Saturday morning.

The suspect is believed to have used the credit cards at Walmart on North Ave. His imagine was captured on video.

The suspect is described as male last seen wearing a black sweater with the lettering "Dazed."

If you recognize this suspect or have any information about this case please call the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at  (970) 242-6707 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. Crime Stoppers also allows you to submit tips online at www.241stop.com as well as through text. Text your tip to CRIMES (274637) and start your message with “241STOP.” Crime Stoppers tips remain anonymous and you could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

UPDATE: three-year-old child found safe

Esther Topai, 38, 
MCSO photo from 2015
Believed to have taken child
Skyla Trueber, 3
Missing
UPDATE: Skyla Treuber, 3, was found safe. Esther Rose Topai is now in custody.

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Previous:

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing three-year-old. Skyla Treuber is believed to be with her mother, Esther Rose Topai, 38, of Grand Junction who is in violation of a court order involving her.

Skyla was last seen April 30, 2017.

Topai is known to drive a black 1994 Cadillac DeVille with the Colorado  license plate 246DMQ.

They are believed to be in the Grand Junction area, but Topai reportedly has ties to Sarasota, Florida, Demorest, Georgia and Billings, Montana.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is following up with law enforcement agencies in those jurisdictions. However, investigators have reason to believe Topai is still in Colorado with Skyla.
Skyla Trueber, 3
Missing

Skyla Trueber, 3
Missing
A warrant has been issued for Topai's arrest for Violation of a Custody Order.

If you see Skyla or Topai call 911 immediately.

Do you recognize this person?

CLIFTON, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a theft suspect.

The adult male suspect is believed to have stolen items from a Stop & Save Convenience Store on F Road in Clifton on Friday just after 12:30 afternoon.

The suspect was caught on camera. He is described as a Hispanic male, with tattoos on his left arm and a goatee. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with the words "Dallas Cowboys" across the chest and blue jeans.

He was last seen running eastbound on F Road from the store.

If anyone recognizes this suspect or has information about this crime contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous.

Case #17-20386

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions take effect June 23, 2017

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff, and Bureau of Land Management are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 23rd. This applies to all of Mesa County including BLM Land with the EXCEPTION of the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forest. All Mesa County fire departments and fire protection districts are supporting the fire restrictions.

“We don’t make this decision lightly. We know people are beginning to make their plans for the Fourth of July. However, combine the hot and dry weather we’ve already seen with what’s being forecasted, we are very concerned about the significant wildfire potential,” said Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks and human risk factors. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions in the coming weeks. With increasingly dry vegetation and Fourth of July celebrations approaching, the danger for human caused wildfires increases even more. As a result, during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, all personal firework use is prohibited and can include penalties up to fourth degree Arson.

This year brush fires continue to pose a threat in rural areas, but are also creating an increasing burden on urban areas and neighborhoods, posing a safety risk to people and property. Dry vegetation in both rural and urban areas can ignite and spread the fire rapidly. So far in June, the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to 6 brush fires and 8 structure fires within city limits.

“Fire safety is everyone’s job. To be a firewise community we depend on every individual to act responsibly during periods of dangerous conditions,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins. “These restrictions are not optional, they are necessary safety precautions to protect everyone and every home in our community.”

What Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Mean

The restrictions allow fires in fire pits only. While the restrictions do not impact most shooting sports, explosive targets are prohibited. The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit asks the public to be extra cautious when target shooting during fire restrictions.

"We've responded to a lot of human caused fires already and the dryer conditions make it harder to keep wildfires contained," said Jeremy Spetter UCR West Zone, fire management officer. "A lot of vegetation in our area had frost damage and died back. Those fuels are ready to burn." Spetter also cautions that low elevation fuels in nearby counties remain ready to burn.

For the entire county, open burning yard waste or fields is prohibited EXCEPT for agricultural burns with a Sheriff Issued Burn Permit. The Sheriff’s Fire Marshal will conduct an onsite inspection of each planned burn BEFORE a Permit is issued to ensure all safety precautions are met. If they are not met, and conditions do not allow for a safe burn a permit will NOT be issued and any burn by that farmer will be in violation of the fire restrictions in place.

Causing or allowing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment up to 18 months. Other possible charges include fourth degree arson and intentionally setting a wildfire.

Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions will be adjusted accordingly if conditions change. However, the National Weather Service is predicting a higher probability of a drier than average summer.

Wood fires are never permitted anywhere on the Colorado National Monument.


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Two arrested in connection with N. View Drive shooting

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The male arrested Tuesday in connection with Saturday's deadly shooting on N. View Drive will be arraigned in court today on murder charges.

John Stene, 27, is being charged with Murder in the Second Degree, (a Class 2 Felony).

The female passenger detained along with him is identified as 25-year-old Jornai Snodgrass. Snodgrass was arrested on charges of Accessory to a Crime, a Class 4 Felony, and Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, (a Class 4 Felony).

The investigation is still active and ongoing. More charges are expected.

Mugshots are not available for release at this time.

View the preview press release on this case here.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

UPDATE: View Drive shooting suspect in custody

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Tuesday afternoon the Mesa County Sheriff's Office arrested the male believed to be the lone suspect in Saturday night's homicide on View Drive.

The 27-year-old male was arrested in the desert off the I-70 Cameo exit by the joint efforts of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Grand Junction Police Department SWAT Team. Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, and the De Beque Marshal's Office also assisted.

A female passenger was also detained for questioning.

Investigators were able to track the male subject to the Cameo area and locate his vehicle on dirt roads in the Coal Canyon area. He and his female passenger were taken into custody without incident.

Investigators believe there are no outstanding suspects in this case.

The investigation is still active and ongoing. Investigators are still conducting interviews with witnesses. Once those are complete, the suspect's identity and photo will be released.

Documents related to the case are still under seal by the courts.

For previous press releases on this case click here.


Monday, June 19, 2017

Overall stats for Country Jam 2017

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from all four days of  Country Jam 2017

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers patrolled the four-day festival and made 186 arrests: 186 summons were issued for alcohol violations.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

 Country Jam Stats                                    
2017
 2016
2015
Total                     
186
182
238
                                                              



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses                          
179
155  
228
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor      
8
14
 8
Fake ID                                           
4
10
11
False reporting        
4
1
1
Possession of another’s ID                               
1
0
0
Possession of Marijuana
1
0
0
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
1
0
0
Resisting Arrest           
1
0
0
Obstruction                   
0
1
0
Assault on a peace officer                                 
0
1
0
Attempt to purchase Alcohol                         
0
2
1
Disorderly conduct           
0
1
1
Bringing alcohol onto premises             
0
0
1

Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies also made several arrests during the four-day festival. One person was arrested on a 2nd Degree Assault charge after a fight at the campground, one person was arrested for a DUI, and another was arrested for violating a restraining order. Deputies also investigated a report of a sexual assault and responded to several calls including reports of a fight, theft, trespassing issues, traffic and after-hours loud noise complaints.









Country Jam Stats Day 4 June 17, 2017

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 4 of  Country Jam 2017.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Sunday and made 34 arrests: 34 summons were issued.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Day 4 Stats
2017
2016
2015
Total
34
37
35




At Festival:                                        



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses      
15
16
9
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor        
3
4
0
Fake ID                     
1
1
0
Disorderly Conduct
0
1
0
Attempt to purchase Alcohol                          
0
1
1




At Campground:



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses                
17
18
15
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                               
0
1
0
Fake ID                                      
0
1
0
False Reporting
0
1
0
Obstructing a peace officer                            
0
1
0

Mesa County Sheriff Deputies also responded to a several calls including a report a trespass and suicidal subject.

View Drive shooting now a homicide investigation

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -  At approximately 10:30 Saturday night, Mesa County Sheriff Deputies and Grand Junction Police Officers responded to reports of gunshots and a man who had been shot near the 2900 block of View Drive.

When deputies and officers arrived a 36-year-old man was found lying in a driveway suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital where he later died of his injuries.

One female was found inside the home and was arrested on active warrants not related to this incident.  

Investigators are actively interviewing witnesses. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office believes this was an isolated incident and there is no immediate danger to the general public.

The case is active and ongoing. All documents related to this case are still sealed by the courts.  Any information about the victim's identity, cause and manner of death will come from the Coroner's Office once an autopsy is complete and next of kin is notified.

If anyone has any information about this case please call our Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. Crime Stoppers also allows you to submit tips online at www.241stop.com as well as through text. Text your tip to CRIMES (274637) and start your message with “241STOP.” Crime Stoppers tips remain anonymous and you could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Country Jam Stats Day 3, June 17, 2017

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 3 of  Country Jam 2017.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Saturday and made 57 arrests: 57 summons were issued.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.


Country Jam Day 3 Stats  
2017
2016
2015
Total
57
42
69
At Festival                                            



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses    
26
15
28
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor              
0
3
1
Fake ID
1
0
3
False reporting                                       
1
0
0
Resisting arrest                
1
0
0
At Campground:



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses    
28
17
41
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor      
1
2
0
Fake ID
0
0
1
At Parking lot:



Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses              
2
3
0

Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies also responded to several calls including a report of
an assault, traffic complaint, trespass and a DUI.

We encourage festival goers to have a good time, but be safe and follow the law. Please DON'T DRINK and DRIVE.