Grand Junction Family Surprised by Intruders

Two arrested after breaking into Grand Junction Home

Sergio Ramirez, 28
MCSO Photo: January 2016

Mesa County, Colo -- On January 4, a very frightened Grand Junction woman called 911, just before midnight, after two individuals entered her home unexpectedly. The caller, who was home, in the 2900 block of Cedar Place, Grand Junction, was with her young son watching television waiting for her husband to return home.

The caller heard the front door open and unexpectedly heard the family dog begin to growl. The caller looked toward the front door and saw an unknown man standing in her living room. The male stated he wanted "shelter or food."

The caller retreated to her bedroom  with her son and immediately called 911. The caller said they were going to attempt to leave the residence through a window but when the caller looked outside they saw a female acting as a lookout. The caller then locked themselves and their son in the bedroom closet waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

Maricella Lozano,  29
MCSO Photo: January 2016

When law enforcement arrived they found Sergio Ramirez, 28, of Grand Junction, and Maricella Lozano, 29, of Grand Junction, in the residence. They were arrested and during a search, drug paraphernalia was found on Ramirez and drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine were found in Lozano's possession.

Ramirez was arrested on an outstanding warrant and charged with 2nd Degree Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lozano was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Burglary,  Possession of a Schedule II Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Both remain in custody at the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Shane Whittaker, 33
MCSO Photo: January 2016

Shortly after the previous incident, at 1 a.m. on January 5, deputies were dispatched to 540 29 Road, Grand Junction, after a 911 call was received from the residence stating an assault was occurring. When deputies arrived they contacted Shane Whittaker, 33, of Grand Junction, who refused to speak with them because he had an active Contempt of Court arrest warrant. Deputies then contacted the victim who said, Whittaker had choked her and had threatened her while holding a large butcher knife toward her.

Whittaker was arrested and charged with Felony Menacing, Second Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault in the 3rd Degree and Contempt of Court. 

He remains in custody at the Mesa County Detention Facility. For bond and charge updates on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.