Friday, September 26, 2014

Man Fires Off Round From Glock & Woman Drives Stolen Car To Visit Jail Inmate

Beverly Lock, 43, of Montrose

Overnight Arrests Include Charges For Stolen Car & Firing Gun

Mesa County, Colo. -- On Thursday night, patrol deputies were notified by Montrose law enforcement that a stolen vehicle was possibly in the area of the Mesa County Detention Facility. A deputy located a vehicle matching the description and license plate of a vehicle showing as stolen, out of Montrose County, parked in the front parking lot of the jail.

The deputy contacted Beverly Lock, 43, of Montrose, in the driver's seat of the suspected stolen car. She was ultimately arrested and charged with one count of Motor Vehicle Theft. She was released today on a $5,000 PR bond, scheduled to appear in court next on October 2, at 8:15 a.m.

And, early this morning, patrol deputies responded to a report of a shot fired in the area of 32 Road and I-70 Business Loop, Clifton. Through interviews of people contacted in that immediate area by deputies, Stuart McFarland, is suspected of firing off a single round from a Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol located in his possession. Stuart is 28-years-old and from Clifton.

Deputies arrested and booked Stuart into the jail on three counts of Felony Menacing, and one count each of Prohibited Use of a Weapon and Reckless Endangerment. He received a $10,000 bond. There is currently no booking photo available of Stuart.

For information on any inmate currently in our detention facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Wanted Man Arrested With Meth

Deputies Recognize Wanted Man, Meth Found In Pocket

Shaye Pierce, 23, of Grand Junction
March 2014 Photo
Mesa County, Colo. -- A deputy on routine patrol recognized a wanted man walking on Unaweep Avenue, in Grand Junction in the early morning hours of September 23. The patrol deputy contacted Shaye Pierce, 23, of Grand Junction and arrested him on the multiple outstanding warrants.

In Shaye's pocket the deputy located two packages of suspected methamphetamine, with a combined weight of about 22 grams (included packaging). Shaye was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one felony charge of possession of a schedule I/II (meth) and the warrants. Shaye received two cash only bonds, totaling  $3,350 and a $5,000 PR bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on September 29, at 8 a.m.

For information about any inmate in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


ARRESTED: ASU Walk Away, Escape Warrant Issued

Tommi Justine Toler, 26, of GJ

DUI Sentenced Inmate Walks Away From Alternative Sentencing Unit

UPDATE Posted October 2, 2014 -- Patrol deputies arrested Tommi Justine Toler in Mesa County on the night of October 1. She was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on a warrant for escape.
_______________________________________

Originally Posted September 24, 2014
Mesa County, Colo. -- Tommi Justine Toler, 26, of Grand Junction was sentenced this past spring to one year in jail, with probation. The Alternative Sentencing Unit (ASU), is our local jail alternative providing work release. Tommi's convictions stem from driving under the influence of alcohol (misdemeanor) and vehicular assault while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (felony). For the felony charge, she was given a 4 year deferred sentence.

Tommi started her sentence with ASU on June 4, 2014, to serve one year. She was job searching and did not return to the facility at the scheduled time. On September 22, a misdemeanor escape warrant plus a probation violation warrant was issued for her arrest. If you know her whereabouts or see her in the community, contact 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 242-6707, to report her location. 

GJ Man Arrested On Charge Of Child Abuse

Mother's Boyfriend Suspect In Child Abuse

Andrew Herne, 23, of Grand Junction
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Monday, Andrew Herne, 23, of Grand Junction, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one charge of child abuse, a class 3 felony. He remains in jail as of this posting, being held on a $60,000 cash or surety bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on September 30, at 8 a.m.

Andrew is the boyfriend of the baby's mother, Brianna. The baby boy was nearly 3 months old when injuries were found by an emergency room physician at a local hospital in August 2014. A review of the various injuries to the baby by multiple medical professionals resulted in broken ribs and legs were not accidental trauma.

To report suspect child abuse in Mesa County, call 911 or the Child Protection Hotline at 242-1211. And, for information on any inmate in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Deputies Arrest Two With Meth

Tomi Highline, 49, of GJ

Three Grams Of Meth, Off The Streets

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies conducting a traffic stop in the area of 29 1/2 Road and North Avenue on Friday night, arrested two adult females with suspected methamphetamine in their possession. 

Wendy Butler, 43, of GJ
Tomi Highline, 49, and Wendy Butler, 43, both of Grand Junction were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one charge each of Possession of a Schedule I/II (meth). Tomi is suspected of possessing approximately 2 grams of meth, which has a street value of about $200. Wendy is suspected of possessing approximately 1 gram of meth, which has a street value of about $100.

Both woman were released from jail on PR bonds in the early afternoon of September 22, 2014. They are both scheduled to appear back in court on September 29, at 8 a.m. For information on any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Also, for information about emergency scenes in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Overnight Man Passed Out In Front Of Grand Junction Business

GJ Man Charged With Cocaine & Heroin Distribution

Robert Ray, 24, of Grand Junction
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies contacted Robert Ray, 24, of Grand Junction, in the 3100 block of Main Street, just before midnight on Thursday. Deputies were originally dispatch to the area on a report of a man passed out or unconscious in that area, as well as witness reports of a suspicious male in that same area.

Ultimately, deputies arrested Robert on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court. He advised deputies of a hypodermic needle and drug user paraphernalia, along with suspected cocaine in his pants pocket. Robert admitted to additional drugs in his possession, which included more than 4 grams of brown tar heroin and more than 9 grams of cocaine.

Robert was charged with two counts each of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule I/II, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance Schedule I/II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and has a $51,750 cash or surety bond.

For information on any inmate in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for other area emergency details.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Slow Driver Catches Attention Of Deputy, Arrested With Meth

George Gonzalez, 30, of Grand Junction

Suspect Arrested With Meth

Mesa County, Colo. -- As the clock moved into the early hours of September 17, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near 30 Road and Gunnison Way, Grand Junction, after deputies saw the driver watching television on a mobile device while attempting to drive. The driver was the only occupant in the vehicle and he was driving on a suspended driver's license (for non-payment of child support). 

George Gonzalez, 30, of Grand Junction, was arrested on charges related to methamphetamine possession, drug paraphernalia possession, driving under restraint and TV visible to vehicle operator. George received a $5,000 cash or surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in court next on September 23, at 8:30 a.m.

For information on any inmate in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. And, for updates on emergency situation happening in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #MesaCounty and #GVCopBeat.

Do You Know These Two?

These Two Men Are Suspects In A Local Business Theft

Mesa County, Colo. -- On September 9, deputies took a report of a theft at a local business, that also included damage to property. Damage and theft value is estimated to be over $1,000.00. Video surveillance from the business captured these two adult, white men, who are suspects in the theft.

The first man, is estimated to be over 6' tall, upwards of 6'5" tall, weighing about 300 pounds. He is wearing a dark shirt and white tennis shoes/sneakers. The second man, appears older, with a blue button-up, short sleeve shirt. He is estimated to be about 5'8" tall and weighing about 150 pounds. Both suspects arrive and leave the business together in a green Ford Explorer.

If you recognize them, please call non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707, and reference MCSO case number 14-27218, or private message us on Facebook.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Man Wanted To Be Arrested

Not Joking, Suspect Told Deputy He Wanted To Be Arrested

Mesa County, Colo. -- Yesterday evening, deputies responded to the C and F convenience store located in the 400 block of 32 Road, Clifton, on a report of a male suspected of stealing a Monster energy drink. According to the two store clerks, the suspect was asked to leave the store no less than six times by store employees, eventually grabbing a Monster energy drink and walking out.

Deputies contacted Guillermo Medina-Holguin, 26, of Grand Junction, outside the store as he matched the description of the suspect given to deputies. Guillermo told deputies he stole an drank the Monster because he just wanted to be arrested.

Guillermo was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one count each of 2nd Degree Burglary and Theft/Shoplifting. He was issued a $100,000 cash only bond and is next scheduled to appear in court on September 22, at 8 a.m.

**Special Note: A booking photo currently is not in the system. When one becomes available, it will be posted here. Check back for that update.**

For information on any inmate in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #MesaCounty and #GVCopBeat.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Heroin, Meth and a Stabbing

Sister Stabs Brother, Drugs Found In Backyard 

In Overnight Arrests

Ashley Smith, 31
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies on routine patrol around 6 p.m., yesterday were flagged down by a citizen reporting suspicious behavior by an adult female around his backyard area. This was in the 300 block of Fire Willow Street, just off D and 30 Roads, in Grand Junction. Deputies located female personal items, drug paraphernalia, hypodermic needles, along with suspected heroin and methamphetamine.

Ashley Smith, 31, of Grand Junction, was contacted by deputies in the immediate area and ultimately admitted ownership of the items found by deputies in the backyard. About 2 grams of heroin and approximately 1 gram of meth were recovered from Ashley's possessions.

She was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on two counts of Possession of a Schedule I/II Drug and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released today on a $5,000 PR bond and is scheduled to appear in court next on September 23, at 8 a.m.

Ashlee Blanchette, 31
Closer to midnight, deputies responded to the 400 block of 32 1/8 Road, on a report of an adult male with a stab wound. Through the course of an investigation, Ashlee Blanchette, 24, of Clifton is suspected of stabbing her brother in the right side of his chest with a kitchen knife. The victim was transported to an area hospital to receive medical treatment, for what is believed to not be a life threatening injury.

Ashlee was booked into the jail on one count each of 2nd Degree Injury With a Deadly Weapon and Violation of Bail Bond Conditions (as Ashlee is currently out on bond for previous charges). She was given a $10,000 cash or surety bond and is scheduled to next appear in court on September 23, at 8 a.m.

For information on any inmate currently in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty, for emergency update in our area.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Weekend Arrest Wrap-up

Weekend Arrests Included Meth, Contributing & Auto Theft

Angel Caballero, 19
Mesa County, Colo. -- Early Sunday morning, Angel Caballero, 19, of Grand Junction, is suspected of banging on a resident's front door in the 3100 block of Arrowhead Trail. The home owner became suspicious of activity outside his home when his dogs started barking and he saw a stocky man outside his front door trying to enter his house.

Deputies contacted Angel in the immediate area, matching the description from witnesses as a possibly trespass in progress. Ultimately, deputies determined Angel was not sober, which is a bond condition issued by a judge related to previous case/charge(s).

Angel was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to First Degree Criminal Trespass, Bail Bond Violation, Second Degree Criminal Tampering, Obstructing a Peace Officer, Violation of a Protection Order, (2 counts) Second Degree Criminal Trespass and Third Degree Criminal Trespass. Angel was released today from jail on a $3,000 PR bond.
Jose Fernandez, 23
On Saturday, just after midnight, deputies contacted Jose Fernandez, 23, of Grand Junction, sitting in the Colorado River near D and 32 1/2 Roads. Jose was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued out of Bent County. Three scales, 14 small baggies of suspected meth and a used pipe were located on Jose's person and in his backpack.

Jose was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance (meth). Jose received a $5,000 cash or surety bond, and a $10,000 cash, surety or property bond. He is scheduled to appear in court next on September 22, at 8 a.m.

Amanda Cunningham, 24
Also on Saturday, deputies contacted Amanda Cunningham, 24, of Clifton, who was suspected of stealing a car that was reported stolen on September 9. The vehicle has since been recovered and returned to the owner. But on Saturday night, deputies located Amanda, in Clifton and arrested her on one charge each of Driving a Vehicle when License Under Restraint/Revoked and Second Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicle driver's license records, they report to deputies Amanda has 10 active driving restraints, some for previous alcohol offenses. She was booked into the jail and received a $1,000 cash or surety bond and is next scheduled to appear in court on September 23, at 8 a.m.

Jaime Palomares, 18
Friday night, deputies responding to a suspicious vehicle parked in the 600 block of Orion Court, Clifton, and found three males occupying a white passenger vehicle. Ultimately, deputies arrested Jaime Palomares, 18, of Clifton, on charges related to Possession of a Schedule I/II, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jaime is also currently on probation for a previous trespass conviction.

The other two males with Jaime are 17-years-old, and each received a summons to court for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (and one juvenile also was charged with Open Container in a Motor Vehicle). Both teens were picked up and released to their parents.

For information about any inmate currently in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. Also, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Deputies Searching For Elderly Woman, Walked Away From Restaurant

FOUND: Missing Endangered Woman

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies believe Kay Covey walked home from the Clifton restaurant after she and her husband somehow separated from each other as they were leaving the diner.

Kay was fine and deputies have cleared this call. Thank you to everyone in our community who shared the information about her and who were extra vigilant while out in our community.

Previously Released at 11:20 a.m. -- Kay Covey, 80, of Grand Junction, separated from her husband at Starvin Arvins Restaurant (Clifton location) this morning about 9:30 a.m. Deputies have been searching for her in the Clifton area of F Road and the I-70 Business Loop.

She is described as having white hair, about 5'2" tall, weighing about 130 pounds, wearing black pants and carrying a black purse. Her husband reports she has early stages of dementia. A current photo of her is posted here.

Anyone who has seen her this morning or comes across her, please call 911 or 242-6707.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Repeat Offender Arrested With Meth & DV Suspect Arrested With Meth, Mushrooms

Separate Arrests Net More Meth Off Streets

Gary Labor, 29, of Grand Jct.
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies during the early morning hours of September 11, responded to a report of domestic violence incident in the 3000 block of Hill Court, Grand Junction. After arresting the suspect, Gary Labor, 29, of Grand Junction, deputies located suspected psilocybin mushrooms (also known as psychedelic mushrooms), a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue and more.

Gary was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges of domestic violence, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule I substance (meth) and possession of schedule I substance (psilocybin). Gary received a $5,000 cash or surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in court next on September 18, at 8:15 a.m.

Dustin Scott, 34, of Clifton
Also yesterday, deputies contact Dustin Scott, 34, of Clifton, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Deputies found packaged methamphetamine, on his person. This is Dustin's seventh booking into our jail in 2013-14. He was booked on the warrant and possession of a scheduled I/II substance. 

Dustin received a $3,000 cash or surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in court next on September 18, at 8 a.m.

For information on any inmate in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry website. And, for breaking news in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Not Yet 21, Arrested With Marijuana

Separate Marijuana Arrests, Under Legal Age Limit

Mesa County, Colo. -- In two recent, but separate arrests, deputies issued a summons to appear in court on possession of marijuana by a 20-year-old and an 18-year old. In November 2012, Colorado voters passed a decriminalization law allowing people 21 years and older, to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. 

Ted Place, 20, of Clifton, claimed ownership of marijuana and hash found in his possession, as well as in the vehicle of which he was a passenger. Ted was charged with one count each of Littering in Public, Possession of Marijuana Concentrate, Obstructing Government Operations, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of 2-6 ounces of Marijuana. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 6, at 8:15 a.m. (Special Note: No prior booking photo of Ted Place is in our system for release.)
Kyle White, 18, of Grand Jct.
July 2014 MCSO Booking Photo
Kyle White, 18, of Grand Junction, was contacted in the Pear Park area just before 4 a.m., on September 9, by patrol deputies. Two bags of marijuana were found to be bulging out of his sweatshirt pocket. Kyle is currently on probation for a previous criminal mischief charge. He was charged with one count of Possession of Marijuana, in this incident.

For information on breaking news in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopbeat and #MesaCounty.

Woman Arrested For Pointing Rifle At Neighbor Kids

60-year-old Woman Arrested After Pointing Rifle At Kids

Cheryl Pifer, 60, Grand Junction
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were dispatch to the 600 block of Middleridge Court, Grand Junction, on a report of a woman pointing a rifle at the kids in her neighbor's backyard. Deputies were able to contact the suspect, identified as Cheryl Pifer, 60, of Grand Junction. 

Cheryl told deputies she was upset over some of the children's behavior (in their yard) and admitted to knowing the reason why deputies were contacting her about 4:30 p.m., on September 10. The rifle Cheryl is suspected of pointing at the children was located by deputies and identified as a 7mm Mauser. No witnesses reported shots were fired during this incident and no one was injured.

Deputies believe Cheryl was under the influence of alcohol at the time they contacted her about this incident. She was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on four counts of Felony Menacing, seven courts of Reckless Child Abuse/No Injury and one count of Prohibited Use of a Weapon. Cheryl was given a $5,000 PR bond today and is scheduled to appear next in court on September 19, at 8 a.m.

For information on any inmate currently in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty, for breaking news information in our area.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Arrests Made Overnight For Meth

Separate Meth Arrests Made Yesterday

Joshua Bowers, 26, of Cortez
Mesa County, Colo. -- Last night, deputies on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of 32 Road, in Clifton. The only person in the vehicle was the driver, identified as Joshua Bowers, 26, of Cortez.

Joshua provided deputies with a Utah driver's license that was expired along with having expired license plates on the vehicle, and the insurance on the car had expired in 2011, along with the car title being under another name. Ultimately, the vehicle was towed from the driveway it was blocking when Joshua was arrested on the following charges:
  • Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II (meth)
  • Unlawful Possession of a Schedule III (prescription pills)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • No Proof of Insurance
  • Expired Driver's License and License Plates
Joshua was released from the Mesa County Detention Facility just before 2 p.m. today, on a $3,000 PR bond.

__________________________________________________

Martin Caballero-Magana, Jr.,
in tank top & boxers
Mesa County, Colo. -- The first report was made on September 8, for a 1999 Dodge Durango that had been stolen from a driveway in the 2900 block of D Road, Grand Junction. In the late morning of September 9, deputies were called to the same address on D Road, after the vehicle owner has confronted his son about stealing the Dodge Durango, the day prior. The son and suspect, Martin Caballero-Magana, 21, ran from the home before deputies could arrive.

The Durango was located and ultimately the suspect was also arrested after attempting to hide in a corn field and then behind a fence in a separate field. Martin was wearing a tank top and boxer shorts with no shoes when deputies arrested him. They located personal items of Martin's in the stolen Durango, along with just over 4 grams of methamphetamine. 

Martin was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on an outstanding warrant, along with new charges of:
Martin Caballero-Magana, Jr.,
21, of Grand Junction
  • Resisting Arrest
  • 1st Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (along with unlawfully attaching the wrong prates)
  • Possession of a Schedule I/II
  • Obstructing a  Peace Officer
Martin remains in the jail on two separate $5,000 cash only bonds. For bond or charging information on any inmate in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Rx Take Back Event, Sept 27, 2014

Rx Drug Take Back Event, Sept 27

Mesa County, Colo. -- Prepare to dispose. It's time for the second event this year where local law enforcement partners with the Drug Enforcement Agency to provide area residents with a safe, confidential, no questions asked option to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 27, law enforcement will oversee disposal sites at the Palisade City Hall, Fruita Police Department, Grand Junction Police Department and the Sheriff's Office main location.

Anytime during the year, prescription drugs can be properly disposed of during business hours in our agency's permanent take back box, located in our lobby at 215 Rice Street, Grand Junction. These bi-annual take back events are convenient for residents across the valley and ideal for properly disposing of large amounts of unwanted or unused prescription drugs. This is a no questions asked service, however we can not accept a few items, listed here:
  • Needles/Sharps
  • Aerosol
  • Mercury Containing Item(s)
  • Chemotherapy or Radio Active Substances
  • Oxygen
  • Pressurized Canisters
Mesa County Hazardous Waste Collection Facility will take many of these items, such as needles/sharps, pressurized/aerosol and mercury containing items, free of charge from Mesa County residents, Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, they are NOT able to accept controlled substances (narcotics), chemotherapy or radio-active substances or oxygen tanks. Mesa County Hazardous Waste Facility can be reached directly at (970) 257-9336 or (970) 256-9543 for more information, or visit their website: www.mesacounty.us/swm

Upcoming Community Class, The Science of Marijuana

The Science of Marijuana: The Teen Files

Sponsored by Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Mesa County

Mesa County, Colo. -- The monthly Safe Teens America class is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., at the Grand Junction City Hall Auditorium (250 N 5th St., Grand Junction).

This month's the class topic is The Science of Marijuana: The Teen Files. Deputy Chad Williams will be discussing the latest peer-reviewed research on the effects of marijuana use on teens. You may have heard about groundbreaking research in the news… find out the truth about what science actually knows. We have come a long way in just the past few years!

This class seeks to educate teens and parents on the dangers of drugs that are becoming increasingly more popular in schools, college campuses and night clubs. This month's class is limited to the first 150 participants due to limited seating. Please RSVP at www.safeteensamerica.org and list how many seats you need.

See you there!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Collbran Area Residents Advised Of Possible Hazardous Weather

Salt Creek Road To Hwy 65, Possible Flash Flooding Overnight

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Mesa County Emergency Manager, Andy Martsolf, used dispatch's community notification system to reach 1,083 phones, about 4 p.m., today, sending a message to residents along Salt Creek Road, in Collbran proper, along Plateau Creek down to Highway 65, a top the Grand Mesa. That message relayed the possibly of flash flooding from a storm system moving into the area overnight. This weather event is likely to produce 1-2 inches and is anticipated to be the most significant rain event since the landslide occurred, for the landslide area.

The National Weather Service issues a flash flood watch for the Western Slope and parts of eastern Utah, early this morning. This isn't unusual wording or weather for our area, however, out of an abundance of caution these residents were sent a specific message advising them of the possibility of flash flooding.

This is NOT an evacuation order, but rather information for those area residence to be aware of possible flash flooding and hazardous conditions, from approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., tomorrow. Anyone with an emergency should call 911, always climb to high ground immediately and never drive into flooded areas. 

All Mesa County residents are encouraged to opt-in to the community notification system, to receive a variety of message like this direct from dispatch, on occasion. Click here if you want to enroll in the community notification system.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Man Gone Missing On Gunnison River, Found

Former GJ Fire Chief's Body Recovered From Gunnison River

Mesa County, Colo. -- Earlier this week, Rick Beaty, a Grand Junction resident was recreating on the Gunnison River with friends and went missing while in the river. Extensive search efforts were suspended on the evening of September 3, with river runs continuing daily. Late this afternoon, searchers checking the river for Rick, found his body in nearly the exact location where he was last seen in the water.

Rick's body was recovered from the Gunnison River about 5:30 p.m., by deputies and the Mesa County Coroner, south/east of Whitewater (in the area where searches have been conducted). The Coroner has made official notification to Rick's family this evening. The cause and manner of death is expected to be released in the next 24 to 48 hours. Foul play is not suspected in this case.

Many have inquired about the location of where Rick was found. That location is: 38 degrees, 56 minutes and 29.7 seconds by 108 degrees, 27 minutes and 1.4 seconds. Photo provided for media use with credit given to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. All photo are of the Gunnison River in the area of Whitewater, Colorado with the Sheriff's Office boat in the water.

Previously released information about this case can be found here.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Man Missing In Gunnison River Identified

Deputies Still Searching For Man Missing On Gunnison River

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies, along with Mesa County Search and Rescue Control, Inc. members, resumed active search efforts along the Gunnison River today around 8:30 a.m., near Whitewater. The man has been identified as Grand Junction resident, Rick Beaty, 59-years-old (DOB: 06/30/55). 

Searchers have been running the Gunnison River by boat and with swimmers in the water, in an area approximately 2 to 3 miles east of the Whitewater boat ramp. Spotters have traveled as far north along the Gunnison River, to the confluence of the Colorado River, in an effort to try and locate Rick. Also, no signs of him self rescuing have been located.
Searchers today, on their second day, suspended extensive search efforts around 4:30 p.m. Deputies will continue to run the Gunnison River by boat on a daily basis.

Previous information about this incident can be found here. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Photos are provided for media use with credit given to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. All photo are of the Gunnison River in the area of Whitewater, Colorado with the Sheriff's Office boat in the water.

Multiple Scams Reported Recently

A Variety Of Scams Reported By Local Citizens

Mesa County, Colo. -- SCAM warning and reminder, yes "they" are at it again. The Sheriff's Office has had several phone calls and taken various reports from local citizens about a variety of scams. Here are a few summaries of the more popular scams recycling through our community, once again.


  • Relative In Need Of Funds: The obligatory call claiming to be your relative needing money wired to post bail from jail (perhaps they claim they gt a DUI or were arrested on a warrant) or pay an outstanding IRS bill. Sometimes they claim to be out of the country, traveling in Canada or Mexico, and  may even beg you not to tell their parents about this money request.

  • Computer Virus Update: A call comes into your home saying they are a representative from a computer company (perhaps Microsoft or Apple) and they need to remote into your computer to update virus software. Once they get access, even remotely, into your computer they may be able to access your personal financial records, identification information and more.

  • Cell Phone Company Claims Outstanding Bill: Calls from your cell phone carrier (some say they are AT&T and other Verizon, etc.) Those "cell phone representatives" ask for person identification and payment information (bank, credit/debit card account numbers, etc.). They may also ask you to make a payment over the phone, obtain pre-paid credit cards or wire money to pay an outstanding bill.


In any cold call solicitations, where you CAN NOT be certain of who is CALLING YOU, always treat it with skepticism, at a minimum. No legitimate company will be upset with you verifying the legitimacy of the information they are contacting you about. Take the time to vet the claim, if you are in fact serious about pursuing their pitch. Also, government agencies (such as the IRS, law enforcement, etc.) don't call you to pay outstanding debt via phone.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or fraud and you live in Mesa County, please report it to non-emergency dispatch by calling: (970) 242-6707. Dispatch will assign your report to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Man Missing After Jumping Into Gunnison River

Man Boating On Gunnison River, Missing

Mesa County, Colo. -- An adult male was reported missing by fellow boaters while on the Gunnison River, near Whitewater, at about 5:15 p.m. Initial information from those reportedly with the man were that he was not wearing a life jacket when he jumped into the Gunnison River.

Multiple people boating with the man reportedly searched for him and notified emergency responders. Multiple deputies along with members from the Mesa County Search and Rescue Control, Inc., with at least one boat from the agency, responded to the Whitewater boat ramp for entry into the Gunnison River. As of 7:40 p.m., the man was still unaccounted for.
Updates will be provided as they become available. Photos are provided for media use with credit given to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. All photo are of the Gunnison River in the area of Whitewater, Colorado with the Sheriff's Office boat in the water.