UPDATE: West Salt Creek Landslide monitoring continues

Road and Bridge crews fixing road
Saturday, May 28, 2016

PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo - After careful monitoring over the holiday weekend, Mesa County has decided to remain at a Level Two Response.

There is still a significant amount of snow left to melt that is expected to flow into the pond.

As of Tuesday (May 31, 2016) afternoon, the sag pond level is at 15 feet (compared 20 feet Thursday) and is showing signs of stabilizing.

GPS monitoring continues to shows no movement of the slide mass.

Right now the landslide is doing what we want and expect it to do. However, if Mother Nature decides to move more land down the landslide, we want residents to be ready to evacuate.

Road and Bridge crews fixing road
Saturday, May 28, 2016

We want Salt Creek Road residents to be prepared to move to higher ground.

That is why we are urging people to STAY OUT of the area that includes Media.

The Landslide itself is on private property and property owned by U.S. Forest Service. It is closed to public because of the DANGER it poses. Trespassing on private property is prohibited.

Mesa County Road and Bridge crews began work Saturday repairing the damage to Salt Creek Road otherwise known as 60 ½ Road.

The initial surge of water released from the sag pond Friday morning left mud and debris on about 1/4 of a mile of the dirt road. At one point the flood waters reached 8 feet high in Salt Creek.

Work has completed on Salt Creek Road, but it still remains closed. It is open to local traffic only.

 

LEVEL TWO FOR RESIDENTS: STAND BY AND PREPARE TO LEAVE.

 Personal Preparedness:

 Make an emergency kit, develop a family emergency plan, and be  prepared for any emergency that may strike your community. Visit  Ready.gov at https://www.ready.gov for personal preparedness  information

 Register your cell phone to receive community and emergency alerts from the 911 communications center. Register your device at http://www.gjcity.org/EmergencyNotifications/

At this response level, residents should expect:

1. Prepositioning of emergency response equipment
2. Notification via reverse 911 directing you to 
3. Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service 
4. News Coverage of emergency conditions 
5. Resources (i.e. sandbags) available to community 

Evacuation Routes: Please familiarize yourself with the following evacuation routes and rally points. It is important that you identify and prioritize these routes based on where you live and work.

1. Salt Creek Area: East on Hwy 330 to Clover Ln
    a. Assemble at cemetery for evacuation assistance if necessary
    b. May self-evacuate on Hwy 330 E to Silt, CO.

2. 57 ½ Rd south then west through Molina to Mesa Community Center
    a. Evacuation assistance will be organized at Mesa Community Center

3. Kimball Creek Rd north to 58 7/10 Rd east
    a. Park along right shoulder leaving one lane clear for traffic
    b. Wait for water to recede or standby for evacuation direction if required

Second Clifton shooting suspect in custody

Wanted
Andrew Watson, 29
MCSO Photo 1-30-15

CLIFTON, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested for Andrew Watson, 29, of Grand Junction in connection with Wednesday’s early morning shooting at 3202 E Road.

A No Bond arrest warrant was issued for Andrew Watson, 29, of Grand Junction for Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the 1st degree (a class 2 Felony) and Assault in the 1st degree (a class 3 Felony).

A reverse 911 notification went out to residents in surrounding Watson’s known location at an apartment on the 3200 block of D ¼ Road.

Neighboring residents were evacuated out of abundance of caution.

With the cooperation of Mesa County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Grand Junction Police SWAT Team, the Drug Task Force Unit, Both PD and SO Street Crimes Units, and the Grand Junction Police Department, Watson was taken into custody.

Surveillance video and witnesses helped investigators identify the two suspects believed to be involved in Wednesday’s incident.

Tre Richardson, 22, was taken into custody without incident after a warrant was issued for his arrest Wednesday evening.

Richardson was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges of Accessory to Criminal Attempt to commit Murder in the 1st degree (a class 4 Felony ) and Accessory to Assault in the 1st degree (a class 5 Felony) . Richardson is being held on a No Bond Hold.

Richardson was identified as the person in surveillance photos previously released.

To read the previous updates click here.

Landslide stabilizing, response remains at level two

UPDATE: 2:00 p.m.

PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo- The initial surge of water from the West Salt Creek Landslide water release has passed.

The level of the pond at the top of the Landslide is stabilizing as water continues to flow down the land mass at a slower rate than initially observed this morning.

All GPS monitoring shows no movement of the landmass on the main slide area, which is exactly what we want to see.

Salt Creek Road otherwise known as 61 ½ Road will remain closed due to localized flooding.

Water levels on Plateau Creek through the town of Collbran remain below flood stage. The water remained within its banks throughout this incident.

A Flood Watch is in place until further notice.

Mesa County will remain at Response Level Two and will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend.

This shows the level of water in the pond.

May 27, 2016
West Salt Creek Landslide

For more information about Friday's event click here.

May 26, 2016
West Salt Creek Landslide

West Salt Creek Landslide monitoring moves to elevated alert level

West Salt Creek Landslide
Thursday

PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo – Due to increased activity with spring runoff in the area of the West Salt Creek Landslide, the Mesa County has initiated Response Level Two of the Emergency Preparedness Action Plan.

At 4:45 a.m. the pond at the West Salt Creek Landslide released water.

At 5:45 a.m. a new drainage channel was cut in the mass of the Landslide.

As a result Mesa County has initiated Response Level Two which advises residents in the residents in the area to be prepared to leave.

Mesa County Sheriff Deputies are contacting people who live nearby in addition to reverse 911 notifications.

West Salt Creek LandslideFriday

Road and Bridge equipment is being staged in Collbran as well as thousands of sand bags in the event flooding becomes an issue.

The initial water surge made it through the town of Collbran without overflowing the banks of Plateau Creek.

We do have reports of erosion on Salt Creek Road, a local county road.

As of 7:30 a.m. GPS monitoring has showed no land movement.

Right now the landslide is doing what we want and expect it to do. However if Mother Nature decides to take more land down, we want residents to be ready to evacuate.

That is why we are urging people to STAY OUT of the area that includes Media.

For the media we will provide video of the landslide (call Sheriff PIO)

We have a team currently flying over the area and will continue to monitor the conditions until all potential hazards are meditated.

RESIDENTS: STAND BY AND PREPARE TO LEAVE.

Personal Preparedness:

Make an emergency kit, develop a family emergency plan, and be prepared for any emergency that may strike your community. Visit Ready.gov at https://www.ready.gov for personal preparedness information

Register your cell phone to receive community and emergency alerts from the 911 communications center. Register your device at http://www.gjcity.org/EmergencyNotifications/

At this response level, residents should expect:

Prepositioning of emergency response equipment

Notification via reverse 911 directing you to

Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service

News Coverage of emergency conditions

Resources (i.e. sandbags) available to community


Evacuation Routes: Please familiarize yourself with the following evacuation routes and rally points. It is important that you identify and prioritize these routes based on where you live and work.

1. Salt Creek Area: East on Hwy 330 to Clover Ln

a. Assemble at cemetery for evacuation assistance if necessary

b. May self-evacuate on Hwy 330 E to Silt, CO.

2. 57 ½ Rd south then west through Molina to Mesa Community Center

a. Evacuation assistance will be organized at Mesa Community Center

3. Kimball Creek Rd north to 58 7/10 Rd east

a. Park along right shoulder leaving one lane clear for traffic

b. Wait for water to recede or standby for evacuation direction if required


Please contact the Mesa County Office of Public Work at 970-244- 1765 if you have specific questions not addressed in this post.

This is video of a section of Salt Creek Road taken at 6:45 a.m. The water level has significantly dropped in the last few hours.

WARNING: Water hazards on Colorado River downstream from Blue Heron

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office wants to alert any boaters planning on heading down the Colorado River this Memorial Day weekend of some dangerous water hazards that have increased in size over the winter.

Multiple large cottonwood trees have fallen into the river causing rafts and tubes to easily become entangled in the mighty debris field.

There is an alternative route to avoid this danger.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has posted warning signs at all the major boat launches and additional warnings down river designed to be visible to boaters as they near the fork in the river. 

We strongly advise utilizing the right channel to avoid this danger. 

An easy landmark to help identify this section of river is I-70. The right channel (the recommended path) of the river flows directly alongside the interstate and is clearly visible as boaters approach the area.  

The exact location on the Colorado River is, 39 07.054, -108 41.219, and it's almost due south of 20 1/2 Road.

Those floating and recreating on the Colorado River downstream from the Blue Heron boat ramp should stay river right where the channel splits.

The hazard is a series of three obstructions including a string of multiple cottonwood trees in the main current of the river.

As water levels start to go down over the summer, the strainers will almost completely block the channel making the obstacles virtually unavoidable which very dangerous to boaters and swimmers.

Media: email PIO for higher resolution copies of videos and photo.

Clifton shooting suspect in custody, one still outstanding

Tre Richardson, 22
MCSO Photo 5-26-16

Surveillance photo 

CLIFTON, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Tre Richardson, 22, of Grand Junction in connection with Wednesday’s early morning shooting at 3202 E Road.

Surveillance video and witnesses helped investigators identify the two suspects believed to be involved in Wednesday’s incident.

Tre Richardson was taken into custody without incident after a warrant was issued for his arrest Wednesday evening.

Richardson was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges of Accessory to Criminal Attempt to commit Murder in the First Degree (a class 4 Felony) and Accessory to Assault in the First Degree (a class 5 Felony). Richardson is being held on a No Bond Hold.

Wanted
Andrew Watson, 29
MCSO Photo 1-30-15

Richardson was identified as the person in the surveillance photo previously released by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

A No Bond arrest warrant was issued for Andrew Watson, 29, of Grand Junction for Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the First Degree (a class 2 Felony) and Assault in the First Degree (a class 3 Felony).

Watson is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office tip line (970) 244-3526 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP (7867). You can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

To read the previous update on this incident click here.

Surveillance photos released in early morning Clifton shooting

CLIFTON, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to identify the person seen in these surveillance photos.

The photos are from inside the store located at 3202 E Road, where Wednesday morning's shooting occurred.

The person seen in the photos was in the store moments before the shooting and is considered a person of interest.

Investigators believe he many have critical information about the incident and would like to talk to him.

If you have information about this person's identity or the incident call the MCSO Tip Line (970) 244-3526 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP (7867). You can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

The 57-year-old male gunshot victim remains in critical condition at St Mary’s hospital.

To read the previous update on this incident click here.

One hurt in early morning shooting

CLIFTON, Colo - At 2:26 Wednesday morning Mesa County Sheriff Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at 3202 E Road.

One male victim was found with a gunshot wound and transferred to St Mary's hospital in serious condition.

Investigators are looking for the suspect.  The investigation is active and on going.

If anyone has information on this incident please call Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP (7867). You can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Fallen law enforcement will be honored at vigil

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office will hold a Memorial Vigil to honor all fallen law enforcement as part of National Police Week.

The annual remembrance is at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday May 19, 2016.

The public is invited to attend along with their families. 

Before the Memorial Vigil, a Touch-a-truck event will take place starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Mesa County Sheriff's Office parking lot.

Firetrucks, and law enforcement vehicles including patrol cars and the bearcat will be on display for kids to explore.

Public parking will be in the Criminal Justice Center Parking lot.

CLOSURES FOR THE EVENT

• Rice Street will be closed between Highway 340 and W White Ave beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• Mesa County Sheriff’s Office parking lot will be closed at 5:00 p.m.
• No jail visitation Thursday evening.

Mesa County Sheriff's Office UAS program featured in national publication

Deputy Derek Johnson launching 

Falcon fixed wing unmanned system.

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff's Office UAS program was featured by the Justice Technology Information Center or JTIC. 

The JTIC is a a program of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Program, and U.S. Department of Justice.

Mesa County Sheriff's Office
SWAT team training with UAV

The organization spent time with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office to learn about the way it uses Unmanned Aircraft Systems or UAS.  JTIC is using Mesa County as a model to show other law enforcement agencies how to use the technology to solve crime.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is one of the pioneers of UAS use by law enforcement in the United States.

The agency uses UAS to photograph and process crime scenes, assist with search and rescue operations, and help with other emergencies. 

 

Draganflyer X4 ES

Mesa County Sheriff's Office UAV

JTIC created a video featuring the Mesa County Sheriff's Office showing how UAS works and offers tips to other law enforcement agencies considering starting up a UAS programs.

You can watch the video here. 

Police Week kicks off with official proclamation

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Police Week 2016 has official begun. Monday, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners officially declared May 15th-21st Police Week.

Since 1791, more than 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice, including two from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Derek Geer on February 8, 2016 and Deputy Edward Innes on September 27, 1906.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard began Police Week with a ceremony raising the American flag to half-staff to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mesa County Sheriff's Office
Honor Guard

The Grand Junction Police Department Honor Guard, then raised their flag to half-staff to honor our fallen.

Both flags will remain at half-staff for the duration of Police Week.

Grand Junction Police Department
Honor Guard

Police Week honors not only fallen law enforcement officers, but also those who put their lives on the line each and everyday to protect the community in which they serve.

This week people are encourage to wear blue ribbons to honor local peace officers.

There are also several events going on around the community the public is invited to attend including a Memorial Vigil at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office on Thursday at 7 p.m.  Come early with the whole family for the Touch-a-truck event at 6 p.m. then stay to honor our fallen.

Torch Run for Special Olympics draws walkers, runners, even a skateboarding Sheriff!

Sheriff Matt Lewis
showing off his skills

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Thank you to everyone who came out for the 2016 Law Enforcement Torch Run 5K on Saturday.

The annual Mesa County Sheriff's Office sponsored event raises money for Special Olympics Colorado.

Mesa County Torch Run

Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis rode on a paddle skateboard alongside walkers while District Attorney Dan Rubinstein led the pack running the torch.  Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper also joined in on the fun.

Several kids, and athletes couldn't let the Sheriff have all the fun riding a skateboard, so an impromptu skateboarding class also became part of the event! 

Without events like these, Mesa County Sheriff Capt. Don Hendricks says many Special Olympics Athletes wouldn't get the opportunity to participate in the games. 

Skateboard 101

During the month of May every year, hundreds of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics Colorado athletes carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through their communities around the state of Colorado, accumulating more than 1,500 miles in anticipation of the Special Olympics Colorado Summer Games in June.

The summer games are in Grand Junction this year on June 10 - 12.

For more pictures check out our Facebook page!

A day of fun with deputies and officers

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Thank you to Mesa View Elementary School for holding an open house on Wednesday May 11th for all local law enforcement.

The school's student council hosted an appreciation reception for Mesa County Sheriff's deputies as well as other law enforcement officers.

The Mesa County Sheriff's deputies who attended had a blast with the students who treated the deputies to refreshments.

The students also challenged our deputies and other officers to rounds of chess and games of Sorry... don't ask who won!

Thank you for a fun afternoon and taking the time to honor us!
            

Possible drowning at Pot Holes

GLADE PARK, Colo - One person was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital via careflight after being swept under the current at Pot Holes in Glade Park.

It was reported at approximately 7:10 p.m. Wednesday that a 20-year-old male was not breathing after being submerged under water for a short time.

Mesa County Sheriff's deputies assisted Grand Junction Fire Department and Glade Park Fire Department in the rescue effort.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to exercise extreme caution when swimming in unknown bodies of water.

Clifton shooting update 05-11-16

CLIFTON, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for its continued help as investigators work to track down persons of interests in the shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 488 32 Road.

While investigators have conducted multiple interviews and are actively following up leads, it has taken time to release information about the progress of the case because of a number of factors the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like the public to beware of.

So far, the investigation has led investigators to believe the 27-year-old male victim was the intended target. This was not a random act, this was an isolated incident.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office believes there is no immediate danger to the public.

The victim has been released from the hospital and is now recovering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Through the course of the investigation, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has learned there were multiple witnesses to the shooting that occurred in an apartment at 488 32 Road.

Investigators are currently interviewing these witnesses. Some of them, however, are reluctant to come forward because of current warrants out for their arrest unrelated to this case.

Investigators are in the process of tracking down those witnesses and persons of interests.

Because key witnesses still need to be interviewed, certain aspects of the investigation are being withheld from the public as to not compromise those witnesses and by extension, the investigation.

Search warrants and other court documents remain sealed at this time. This is standard procedure with all investigations of this nature as to not compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office wants to assure the public every effort and resource is being used to ensure the safety of its residents.

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to call the witness tip line at (970) 244-3526 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP (7867). You can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

West Salt Creek Landslide Emergency Preparedness

PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo -- With spring runoff comes an increased focus on the West Salt Creek Landslide and the ongoing hazard that it poses to downstream residents. 

This message is to refresh your memory on the emergency action plan for the landslide and to encourage you to be prepared in the event of an emergency evacuation. 

The emergency action plan for the landslide is defined by three levels. The response level indicates both actions that may be taken by public safety agencies and landslide events that drive public safety actions. The three response levels are: 

• RESPONSE LEVEL I: “Get Ready” stance 
• RESPONSE LEVEL II: “Get Set” stance 
• RESPONSE LEVEL III: “GO!!” stance 

RESPONSE LEVEL I definition: Level I is the least serious level. This level is to direct organizations that have a role in managing incidents related to the landslide to “Get Ready”. At this level technical experts and response organizations will increase vigilance and begin preparing for an emergency response. This response level will not likely be visible to residents. 

RESPONSE LEVEL II definition: Level II is more serious than Level I but not as serious as Level III. Level II signifies that water-related and/or landslide events have occurred that may become life threatening. At this level, response organizations will “Get Set” to respond and residents should prepare or “Get Set” to leave. At this response level, residents should expect: 

• Prepositioning of emergency response equipment
• Notification via reverse 911 directing you to STAND BY AND PREPARE TO LEAVE.
• Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service 
• News Coverage of emergency conditions 
• Resources (i.e. sandbags) available to community 

RESPONSE LEVEL III definition: Level III indicates that an extremely serious situation exists. Major life-threatening releases from the lake formed by the landslide are occurring and/or the physical condition of the landslide deposit has deteriorated to such a point that failure is likely or occurring. At this level, - 2 - response agencies will be responding (“GO!!). At this response level, residents should expect: 

• Direction to evacuate and move to higher ground 
• Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service 
• Notification to evacuate via reverse 911
• Activation of NOAA weather radios 
• Television and radio override with Flash Flood Warning

 A 2014 US Army Corps of Engineers study provides estimated arrival times of flood waters. These times are based on the rapid release of 500 acre feet of water. Wave arrival times are estimated at: 

• West Salt Creek above East Salt Creek: 1 hrs 30 min 
• Salt Creek above Plateau Creek: 2 hrs 30 min 
• Plateau Creek above Collbran: 2 hrs 55 min 
• Plateau Creek below Collbran: 3 hrs 10 min 

Evacuation Routes: Please familiarize yourself with the following evacuation routes and rally points. It is important that you identify and prioritize these routes based on where you live and work.

 1. Salt Creek Area: East on Hwy 330 to Clover Ln 

           a. Assemble at cemetery for evacuation assistance if necessary

           b. May self-evacuate on Hwy 330 E to Silt, CO. 

2. 57 ½ Rd south then west through Molina to Mesa Community Center 

           a. Evacuation assistance will be organized at Mesa Community Center 

3. Kimball Creek Rd north to 58 7/10 Rd east 

           a. Park along right shoulder leaving one lane clear for traffic 

           b. Wait for water to recede or standby for evacuation direction if required 

Personal Preparedness: Personal preparedness is an important factor. Here are some tasks to help become personally prepared: 

1. Register your cell phone to receive community and emergency alerts from the 911 communications center. Register your device at http://www.gjcity.org/EmergencyNotifications/
2.  Make an emergency kit, develop a family emergency plan, and be prepared for any emergency that may strike your community. Visit Ready.gov at https://www.ready.gov for personal preparedness information 

Please contact the Mesa County Office of Emergency Management at 970-244- 1763 if you have specific questions not addressed in this post.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office honors Deputy Derek Geer

Memorial presented by
San Diego County Sheriff's Office

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The San Diego County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard presented the Mesa County Sheriff's Office with a memorial on Saturday.

The memorial shadow box was made to honor Deputy Derek Geer, who was killed in the line of duty on February 8, 2016.

Lt. Laurie Galvan, Sgt. Jamie Pennay 

accept memorial

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard stopped in Grand Junction in a special new truck designed for the occasion as they make their way to Washington D.C. for National Police Week.

They will be making numerous stops to other agencies along the way to honor and respect fallen officers.

SDCSO Honor Guard Members Deputies John Kelleher, 

Elisha Hubbard, Tamani Pugh and Dino Moreno

While it's sobering for the Mesa County Sheriff's Office to be one of their stops, we are humbled and honored by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office's gesture.

Thank you for your kindness, respect and continued support.

Clifton shooting update 5-9-16

CLIFTON, Colo -- Investigators have identified persons of interest in the shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 488 32 Road.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in gathering additional information about the events surrounding the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-Stop. You can remain anonymous and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Read the previous story here.

Attempted carjacking victim sought

CLIFTON, Colo. -- The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying possible victims of an attempted carjacking.

Wednesday, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office assisted the Colorado State Patrol in apprehending an Auto Theft suspect.

The suspect, later identified as Garret Anthony Digiallonardo, 29, fled from a stolen car near 32 Road and I-70B, then ran towards neighboring businesses.

Garret Anthony Digiallonardo, 29
MCSO 12-14-15

Digiallonardo attempted to enter one vehicle and did enter another vehicle in the Wendy's drive through.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office believes this was an attempted carjacking and is asking for the public's help in identifying the victims.

The surveillance video of the Wendy's drive through shows a female driver of a white mini-van pull up to the window.

Then you can see a person, who investigators determined to be Digiallonardo, entering the car and getting into a physical conflict with the female driver before running off.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office would like to identify and talk with the driver of the mini-van and the driver of the other, unknown, vehicle that Digiallonardo attempted to enter.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Investigator Everett Blanck at (970) 244-3261 or you can call Crime Stoppers at 241-Stop.

CNN honors Mesa County Sheriff Deputy Derek Geer

MESA COUNTY, Colo -- Friday morning CNN featured Mesa County Sheriff Deputy Derek Geer during its "Beyond the Call of Duty" segment.

Geer was killed in the line of duty on February 8, 2016, but continued to save lives with an organ donation.

CNN's Kyung Lah and her crew spent Tuesday with Geer's family and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office filming.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office thanks CNN for honoring the man who dedicated his life to protecting and serving this community.

To watch and read CNN's story click here.

Central High School student awarded scholarship

Heather L. Hunt, and Sheriff Matt Lewis

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Central High School senior Heather L. Hunt is this year’s recipient of the County Sheriffs of Colorado, CSOC, scholarship award for Mesa County.

Heather was selected because of her outstanding leadership, involvement in the community and character.

Heather is planning on attending Western State Colorado University in the fall to study Wildlife Biology and Land Management.  Her ultimate goal is to one day work for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is honored to be able to help her obtain that goal.

CSOC offered a total of 31 awards of $500 each this year to deserving high school and college students in Colorado to fund higher education expenses for the 2016-2017 academic year.

This is the 37^th year for the CSOC scholarship program. Monies for the program are derived, in part, from the CSOC honorary membership fund, which consists of contributions from individual citizens and businesses each year.

Mesa County man arrested for sexual assault on an at-risk adult

Olando Eloy Ortiz, 35
MCSO Photo 6-28-14 

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Olando Eloy Ortiz, 35, Wednesday night after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Ortiz is being charged with multiple sex crimes involving an at-risk adult.  

Those charges are four counts of Sexual Assault on an At-risk Adult (class 2 felony),  three counts of Assault in the Third Degree on an At-risk Adult (class 6 felony), and one count of Unlawful Sexual Contact on an At-risk Adult (class 6 felony).

The alleged incidents occurred in Mesa County between January and April 1^st of this year.

Ortiz was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and is being held on a No Bond Hold. 

For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Update: Hiker rescued underway

UPDATE:  The female hiker was rescued and taken to St. Mary's Hospital at approximately 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.
-------------------------------------

MESA COUNTY, Colo. –  A hiker rescue is now underway in the Colorado National Monument.

Members of the Mesa County Search and Rescue, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Junction Fire Department, and Colorado National Monument Rangers responded to a call of an injured hiker at 10:18 a.m. Wednesday.

The 16-year-old female is believed to have non-life threatening injuries about a mile in the No Throughfare trail.

Rescue teams are working to bring the hiker back to safety. It's expected to take a few hours given the remote location.