Monday, August 31, 2015

Deputies respond to a report of shots fired

Shots Fired in Pear Park neighborhood 
On Sunday August 30, 2015 at about 2:00 pm, deputies from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a report of several shots fired in the area of 30 1/2 Road and Colorado Avenue.  Upon their arrival, three vehicles sped away, and two subjects from the altercation were seen running into a nearby residence.

After deputies gained consent to search the residence, they made contact with a juvenile male who had several outstanding warrants for his arrest.  The juvenile was subsequently placed into DYC custody for those warrants.

Shell casings from two different firearms were also discovered in the vicinty of the disturbance.  

Deputies later contacted two other subjects who were persons of interest in the incident and placed them into custody.  One was a juvenile male and the other was 26 year old Adam Phillips (see booking photo below). 

Adam Phillips MCSO Booking photo Aug 2015 
One of the two subjects was found to be in possession of a defaced Ruger .22 caliber handgun.  The gun was loaded and a round was in the chamber. 

The juvenile was screened to DYC for several charges.  Adam was booked into the Mesa County Jail for obstructing a peace officer and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

There were no known injuries in connection with this incident.  The investigation into this incident is still ongoing at this time. 

Friday, August 28, 2015

Man Arrested On Sex Assault Charge

Two Counts Of Sex Assault On A Child, Charged


David Haskin, 24, of Grand Junction
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Yesterday evening, deputies arrested David Lee Haskin, 24, of Grand Junction, on a warrant issued for two counts of sexual assault on a child with a pattern of abuse. Investigators found evidence that substantiates the victim's account of meeting David on the Internet and remaining in touch with him through the social media outlet, Facebook.

The victim tells investigators, that in February 2015, she invited David into her home without her guardian knowing he was there. The victim was 12-years-old at the time she claims multiple sexual encounters occurred.

We would be remiss to not remind locals about an upcoming free safety class hosted and taught by Grand Junction Police Officer, Suzette Friedenberger. The class is tailored to parents, along with their high school and college age children, to attend together. It will be on the evening of September 8, 2015. For more information, CLICK HERE.

David's bond has been set at $50,000.00 cash only, and he currently remains in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated information on any inmate currently in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website.

For community resources related to talking to children about sexual assault and/or getting them assistance, click here.



Friday, August 21, 2015

Weekly Arrest Wrap-ups

A Stolen Corvette, Rape, Warrants & DV Top This 

Week's Arrest Wrap-ups


Chase Wheeler, 18
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- The blue Corvette Stingray was reported missing five days prior to deputies locating it Wednesday evening, from the 200 block of Huffer Ln., Grand Junction. Video surveillance from the area where the car was stolen showed a dark haired male and a light haired male in the immediate area when the car was taken from the owner's residence.

The driver and passenger of the stolen car were Chase Wheeler, 18 and Peter Hamby, 21, both Grand Junction,  respectively, when deputies contacted them in Orchard Mesa and conducted a traffic stop just before 7 p.m.

Peter Hamby, 21
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Chase was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, second degree burglary, criminal mischief and displaying fictitious license plates. He was released from jail on a $10,000 PR bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 1, at 8 a.m.

Peter was arrested on outstanding warrants, and was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, second degree burglary and criminal mischief. He has been released from jail after posting a $175.00 cash/surety bond and a $10,000 PR bond. His next court date is September 1, at 8 a.m.

In a separate case, transport deputies brought Robert Ortego, 50, from a Canon City prison back to our facility after CBI matched his DNA to swabs taken from a suspected victim of sexual assault. The incident is believed to have occurred at Robert's then home near 29 and D Roads, in Grand Junction.
Robert Ortego, 50
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Robert is being charged with a class 3 felony of sexual assault. He is currently serving a 5 year prison sentence on an unrelated case, which began in January 2015. Because he is a current Department of Correction inmate, he is not eligible for bond while in our facility.

Deputies have been looking for the man riding the orange rimmed bicycle in the Clifton area, known as Paul Henderson, 25, of Clifton. Yesterday, around 5:15 p.m., they saw him in the area of 32 and D 1/4 Roads, and arrested him after a short foot chase.

Paul Henderson, 25
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on four outstanding warrants, in addition to charges related to retaliation against a witness/victim, criminal mischief and domestic violence. Three separate deputies had individual open cases against Paul at the time of his arrest, and he had in his possession multiple items believed to have been stolen (connected to open cases). Total value of the suspected stolen property was nearly $1,000.00.

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


Suspicious Item Found In Apartment Building, Clifton

Elementary School Sheltered In Place As Precaution

Update Provided August 21, 2015 -- 


Mesa County, Colo. -- The suspicious item was rendered safe by the Grand Junction Police Department-Fire Department Bomb Squad, yesterday. The incident remains under investigation.

Previously Released (by email/FB) August 20, 2015 -- 


Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were dispatched to 3249 Main St., Clifton, at 10:49 a.m., on August 20, 2015. Dispatch received a report of a suspicious item located inside the apartment building. The building was evacuated for safety and 32 1/2 Road, between D 1/4 Road and Downey Court, were closed for a short time.

The Grand Junction Police Department-Fire Department Bomb Squad was called out to assist in rendering the item safe, which occurred on the same day. With their assistance we hope to determine and define the suspicious item.

Our agency's School Resource deputy initially placed Rocky Mountain Elementary School on shelter in place, out of an over abundance of caution, because of this incident. Updates on school levels should be directed to School District 51.

As updates become available, we will provide them.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Weekend Meth Arrest Wrap-Up

Damon Gant, 24, of Clifton
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Meth Arrests, Also Include Stolen Vehicle, Child Abuse & More


Mesa County, Colo. -- An astute citizen reported a man removing seats and other parts from a vehicle in the desert north of 3002 I-70 Business Loop, just before noon, on Saturday. Deputies contacted Damon Gant, 24, of Clifton, with a partially burned vehicle, which was found to have been reported stolen 10 days prior.

Ultimately, Damon was arrested on one count each of first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence, second degree arson, possession of drug paraphernalia and littering on public lands. His bond has not yet been set.
Ambyr McInerney, 40, of Clifton
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

As school kids are arriving at Grand Mesa Middle School, deputies are watching for speeders and other unsafe drivers in the immediate area. While doing so, at around 7 a.m. on Thursday, a vehicle was stopped by deputies. It was a two seated car with three adults in the front compartment and a baby in the back compartment, surrounded by multiple heavy items and unrestrained.

Raymond Woodward, 41
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Ambyr McInerney, 40 and Rodney Hundley, 48, both of Clifton, along with Raymond Woodward, 41, were arrested and charged with distribution of methamphetamine, child abuse and second degree criminal trespass. Raymond was charged with additional counts related to a failure to appear in court warrant and a contempt of court warrant. Ambyr was charged additionally with driving a defective vehicle and a seatbelt violation. Mesa County Department of Human Services was called by deputies to assist with the child.

Rodney Hundley, 48, of Clifton
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Ambyr and Rodney have since been released from the Mesa County Detention Facility on a $5,000 PR bond, each. Raymond remains in jail on a $15,000 cash or surety bond, as well as a $2,000 cash only bond.

Patrol deputies contacted multiple adults in the 1000 block of Ouray Avenue, Grand Junction, on Saturday afternoon. They were found to possess drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and prescription drugs, not prescribed to them.

Jerry Sherrill, 25, of Cedaredge
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Zearah Leyba, 29, of Denver was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to possession of a schedule I/II drug, possession of a schedule III/IV/V drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence. She has since been released from jail on a $1,000 PR bond.

Zearah Leyba, 29, of Denver
MCSO Photo/ Aug 2015
Arrested along with Zearah, was Jerry Sherrill, 25, of Cedaredge, who was charged with driving a vehicle with a denied driver's license, possession of a schedule I/II drug and drug paraphernalia. Jerry was driving the vehicle, which had two passengers in it when deputies first noticed it. The occupants all exited the vehicle prior to deputies contacting them on the sidewalk along Ouray Avenue.

James Golden, 30
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
James Golden, 30, the third person with Jerry and Zearah, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule I/II drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bond has not yet been set for James or Jerry. For updated bond information on any inmate currently in our detention facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.




Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Victim Follows Suspects To Residence, Two Arrested

William Golden, 20, Homeless
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Stolen Purse Leads Two To Jail


Mesa County, Colo. -- Yesterday around 8:40 p.m., a woman witnessed two males break into her vehicle and steal her purse before leaving the area. The victim was able to safely follow the suspects and report to deputies the house they entered, where deputies were able to make contact with both men.

Steven Little, 19, of GJ
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Initially, William Golden, 20, gave a fake identity in an attempt to conceal an active warrant he had for his arrest. He was ultimately arrested on one count each of, second degree burglary, probation violation, theft from a motor vehicle, second degree assault, criminal impersonation, the warrant and more.

The second suspect, Steven Little, 19, was arrested on an active warrant and one count each of theft from a motor vehicle, first degree criminal trespass of an automobile and second degree burglary.

For current bond information on any inmate currently in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


Kokopelli Classic Run, Fundraiser

Attention All Runners, It's Trail Run Time


Mesa County, Colo. -- Calling all trail runners to the 9th Annual Kokopelli Classic 8 & 16 Mile Trail Runs, in Loma, on Saturday, August 29.

The Ground Team supports all the teams that comprise Mesa County Search & Rescue Control, Inc., a non-profit organization that operates under the umbrella of the Sheriff's Office, but is it's own entity. By Colorado statute, the Sheriff is required to provide search and rescue functions. Here in Mesa County, everyone (visitors and citizens) benefit from this partnership of local experts who volunteer their time allowing no charge to anyone requiring a rescue mission.

Media are invited and encouraged to cover the run on Saturday, August 29, at the Kokopelli Trailhead, in Loma. Ground Team members will be on-hand to speak with media the morning of the event, and in advance, media can contact Doug directly, at (970) 234-0763.

For anyone interested in registering for the run, there is still time! But, don't delay. Register for either the 8-mile or 16-mile trail run HERE or call (970) 270-6147.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Domestic Violence, Meth & Child Abuse Charges

Felisha Lawrenz, 36
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Two Arrested, Charges Include Meth Possession, Child Abuse

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were called to the area of 29 Road and Ronda Lee Road, in Orchard Mesa yesterday morning for a welfare check. Deputies were told an adult female had come to a residence door asking for help after a domestic violence issue had occurred.
Charles Lawrenz, 30
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Deputies contacted Felisha Lawrenz, 36, and her husband, Charles Lawrenz, 30, both of Grand Junction, at 177 Manry Drive. Through the course of an investigation, deputies arrested Charles on one count each of second degree assault with injury and with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, possession of a schedule I/II (meth), child abuse with criminal negligence and possession of drug paraphernalia. Felisha was arrested on one count each of possession of a schedule I/II (meth), child abuse with criminal negligence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

For current bond information on any inmate in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.



Friday, August 7, 2015

Patrol: Three Meth Arrests

Three Arrested For Meth

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were called to the 500 block of 32 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, yesterday on a report of a burglary in progress at 10 a.m. Deputies located one male suspect at the residence, one suspect returned to the residence while deputies were still on-scene and the third suspect was located across the street.

The three were identified and charged, as follows:

  • Israel J. Massingill, 18, of Grand Junction
    • 1 Count - Possession of Meth
    • 1 Count - Prohibited Use of a Weapon
    • 1 Count - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • 1 Count - Illegal Possession or Consumption of Marijuana (by a person under 21 years of age)

  • Thomas Shriver, 20, of Grand Junction
    • 1 Count - Possession of Meth
    • 1 Count - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

  • Alexis Miranda-Ruiz, 23, of Grand Junction
    • 1 Count - Possession of Meth
    • 1 Count - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Thomas Shriver, 20
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Alexis Miranda-Ruiz, 23
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015
Israel Massingill, 18
MCSO Photo/Aug 2015

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Arrestee Hid Meth Pipe, Found During Booking Process

Woman Arrested On Meth Related Charges

Tammy Gagnon, 48
MCSO Photo/August 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies conducting school checks yesterday, observed a suspicious vehicle in a church parking lot, in Clifton just before 11 a.m. The driver of the vehicle admitted to deputies she didn't possess a valid driver's license and the licence plate on her vehicle returned as a stolen plate.

Tammy Gagnon, 48, of Grand Junction, was arrested on charges of meth possession, driving vehicle while under suspension, operating an uninsured vehicle and then two felony counts of introduction of contraband (into the jail).

Bond updates can be obtained through our Inmate Inquiry System webpage, for all inmate's currently in our Detention Facility.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

I-70 Interdiction Nets Cocaine, Meth

Two Arrested, Charged With Meth & Cocaine Distribution

Faustino Martinez, 36, of Mexico
MCSO Photo
Jesus Galvez, 27, of AZ
MCSO Photo
Mesa County, Colo. -- On August 4, around 2:30 a.m., a deputy assigned to the Western Colorado Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 16 on Interstate 70, eastbound. Two men were ultimately arrested in connection to large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine, located inside the vehicle they were traveling in.

Deputies located 6.4 pounds of meth and 8.2 pounds of cocaine in combined packages, inside the vehicle. Jesus Galvez, 27, of Arizona, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on 2 felony charges of distribution of a schedule I/II drug(s) and a traffic violation. Faustino Martinez, 36, of Mexico, was booked into the Detention Facility on 2 felony charges of distribution of a schedule I/II drug(s).

For updated bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.
Packaged meth & cocaine located in the vehicle,
which Martinez & Galvez were traveling in.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Deputies Respond To Reported Stabbing

One Adult Female Victim With Non-Life Threatening Injury

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were dispatched to an apartment in the 3200 block of White Avenue, in Clifton, at 8:53 p.m. One adult female with injuries consistent with a stab wound to her upper body area was transported to a local hospital by Clifton Fire Department. The initial assessment of the victim was that her injury(ies) are not life threatening.

The circumstances leading up to the assault incident and the suspect(s) associated with this incident are under investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

National Night Out, August 4

Clifton’s Kimwood Park site of National Night Out Party

Mesa County, Colo. -- Getting out to meet your neighbors and keep your community safer is the goal of National Night Out—America’s Night Out Against Crime, which is why Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office are hosting a free community party in Clifton on Tuesday, August 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Kimwood Park.

National Night Out is an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. We are excited to add Big O Tires to this year's list of community supporters for this annual event. Also, for the fourth year, Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and the Sheriff’s Office have partnered to host this free, family event.

The Kimwood Park community event will include information from Crime Stoppers, Clifton Fire Department truck/water demonstrations, a live DJ, free ice cream, bump 'n' jumps, multiple games and much more!

In addition, Safe Teens America—The Neural Activity Drug Free Crew will be giving away free sports equipment, bicycles and will have anti-drug mini-classes for the kids.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Kimwood Park is located at 3240 White Avenue, Clifton, Colo.

            Event Sponsors Include:
Big O Tires, Western Slope Stores
Crime Stoppers of Mesa County
Safe Kids America-Neural Activity
Clifton Fire Protection District
Spin City