Friday, July 29, 2016

Grand Junction man arrested for sex crimes on an at-risk child

Joshua Johnson, 37
MCSO Photo 7-29-16
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff's deputies arrested Joshua Johnson, 37, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Johnson is accused of several sex crimes stemming from an incident that occurred between July 16th and 17th, 2016 involving a child with special needs.

The charges he faces are: Sexual Assault on an At-risk Juvenile, (a class 2 Felony), Sexual Assault on an At-risk Juvenile under 15 years of age by a person in a position of trust, (a class 2 Felony), and Assault in the Third Degree on an At-risk Juvenile, (a class 6 Felony).

Johnson was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and is being held on a No Bond Hold until his first appearance.

The case is still under investigation.

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


Grand Junction man arrested after standoff

Clint Converse, 37
MCSO Photo 5-26-16
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Clint Converse, 37, was arrested early this morning after a standoff with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office received information Converse was at 3116 Chipeta Ave just after midnight.

Because Converse had a warrant out for his arrest and believed to be armed, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office SWAT team was called out.

Converse barricaded himself inside the home.

The SWAT team was able to end the standoff around 4:15 a.m. this morning after they entered the home.

Converse was arrested without incident on a warrant for Contempt of Court.

In the original case, Converse faces several drug related charges including Possession of a Schedule I/II Substance, and Unlicensed Manufacture of Marijuana Concentrate using Hazardous Substance.

Converse is was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and is being held on a $30,000 bond.

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

Thursday, July 28, 2016

UPDATE: Search for missing Delta County woman suspended

Mary Finnegan, 82
Last Seen July 15, 2016
MESA COUNTY, Colo - After spending 5 days combing the Uncompahgre National Forest, searchers have exhausted resources and all leads looking for 82-year-old Mary Finnegan.

In light of the time that has passed since Finnegan was reported missing, and when her car was found as well as the extensive search that was conducted, the search will be suspended at the end of the day today.

"This was a very difficult decision to make. We were really hoping to find Mary and bring some closure to her family," said Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis. "Our searchers are heartbroken, as they really put everything they had into to finding her."

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office remains in communication with Finnegan's family, who has been a part of the search from the beginning.

The Sheriff's Office is committed to resuming the search if more information or new leads come to light about Finnegan's whereabouts.

MSCO crews look over search area
Each day 40 to 60 people actively searching the wilderness where her car was found abandoned on Sunday.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse, Montrose County Sheriff's Posse, Montrose Police Department, Carbon County (Utah) Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Civil Air Patrol, local ranchers familiar with the area as well as family members were involved in the search.

All of the resources at our disposal were used including ground teams, experienced trackers, ATV teams, horses, dogs and air resources.

"We can't thank enough all of the agencies and volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to this search effort," said Sheriff Lewis. "These volunteers took time off from their jobs, and gave up, in some cases, days with their own families to help in the search for Mary Finnegan."

Staging area for search and rescue crews
in Uncompahgre National Forest
It hasn't been an easy task as the entire search area is covered in heavy vegetation. Searchers said the brush was not only difficult to move through, but also nearly impossible to see through. The terrain is very mountainous and physically challenging with steep drop-offs.

The main search was focused on a 5 to 6 square mile area around where her car was found. ATV teams went out about a 20 mile radius.

Finnegan's car was found Sunday morning about 4-5 miles off Divide Road near the Mesa County and Montrose County line.

The car was towed out of the forest Monday and was processed by Mesa County Sheriff's investigators.

Nothing has been found to indicate foul play.

Finnegan was last seen Friday, July 15th at the Rose Bowl Bowling Alley in Montrose wearing jeans, white shirt, blue sweater or sweater vest.

Finnegan is 5'1, 100 lbs, 82 years old, and has dementia.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking if anyone camping, hiking, or recreating in the area in the last week saw her or something that might be helpful to searchers to please give us a call. You can call us on or tip line at (970) 244-3526. 

Crews still mopping up Gibbler Gulch fire

Gibbler Gulch fire burned
about 25 acres next to Hwy 141
MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Gibbler Gulch fire is now contained at about 25 acres, but it will be at least another day before fire crews are finished mopping up.

Today Mesa County Sheriff's Office Wildland Team along with crews from Bureau of Land Management, and Lands End Fire Protection District are working the fire. They are looking for hot spots, and taking care of any smoldering trees so they won't flare up again if winds pick up.

MCSO Wildland Team members
mopping up Gibbler Gulch fire
The wildland fire is located south of Whitewater off of Highway 141.

It was reported around 3:45 Wednesday afternoon by a resident across the street who happened to be outside.

MCSO Wildland Team members
chopping down a tree still on fire
The early reporting helped get resources in the area to this fire quickly, but dry fuels spread the fire rapidly.

Several power poles were burned, knocking out power to homes in the area.

Fighting the fire from the air and the ground, crews were able to stop the fire from jumping Highway 141 and reaching neighboring homes.
Burned power pole
Gibbler Gulch fire

In this case geography helped firefighters. On the southern end, a rock face helped slow down the progress of the fire and targeted water drops were able to put it out.

At the height of the wildland fire, several agencies were involved in the response: Mesa County Sheriff's Office Wildland Team, Bureau of Land Management, Lands End Fire Protection District, U.S. Forest Service, and the Rifle Helitack crew.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Rifle Helitack helicopter lands after
making water drops

This is a good example of why Mesa County and BLM are under Stage I Fire Restrictions.

With as dry as the vegetation is, it doesn't take much for a small spark to turn into large wildland fire.







Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibited Activities:

  • Open burning of any kind. 
  • Personal use of fireworks. 
  • Explosive Targets
  • On Public Lands, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site, or improved site. 
  • On Public Lands smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  • On Public Lands operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either the USDA Forest Service Standard.


Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is requesting information that will lead to the identification of the subjects involved in a burglary. 

Sometime between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, unknown subjects unlawfully entered the outdoor cooler at the Berna B’s Restaurant located at 2913 Patterson Road. 

Once inside, the subjects stole numerous food products and alcoholic beverages. 

The total estimated property loss is over $3,000. 

If you know the identity of the people involved in this crime, please contact 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. For more information, see us at ww.241stop.com

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Two suspects wanted out of Utah arrested in Grand Junction

Mark Mair, 27
MCSO Photo 7-26-16
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Two suspects wanted in connection to a murder in Cedar City, Utah were arrested after a brief standoff Monday night.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office along with the Grand Junction Police Department received information Mark Mair, 27, and Elcha Hatch, 19, may be in the area after fleeing from an alleged homicide in Cedar City.

During a parole check on an unrelated matter it was discovered Hatch was at 316 29 Road in Grand Junction. Because the two were believed to be traveling together, we believed Mair was also inside the home.

Both the Mesa County SWAT Team and Grand Junction SWAT Teams set up a perimeter around the home.

Elcha Hatch, 19
MCSO Photo 7-26-16
After a brief stand-off, SWAT deployed tear gas and was able to arrest both Mair and Hatch without incident.

A number of other subjects inside the home were also detained and questioned; one was arrested on an unrelated warrant out of New Mexico.

Mair was arrested on a warrant for aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and seven counts of felony discharge of a firearm and is being held on a million dollar warrant.

Hatch was arrested on a warrant for obstruction of justice, a second degree felony and being held on a $10,000 warrant.

Both are being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Investigators with the Cedar City Police Department are continuing to interview witnesses and process evidence related to the shooting.

Contact Cedar City Police for more on the murder investigation.

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

UPDATE: Search for missing Delta County woman continues

MSCO crews look over search area
MESA COUNTY, Colo - Searchers have begun Day 3 of looking for 82-year-old Mary Finnegan in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

The main search is focused on a 5 to 6 mile radius near the area where her car was found on Sunday. ATV teams have gone out about a 20 mile radius.

Crews are working to cover as much ground as possible, but also as thoroughly as possible.

The vegetation in the area is very dense and difficult to see through and in some cases see over. Some overgrowth is 3 feet to 12 feet tall, and that doesn't include trees in the area.

Monday about 50 to 60 people searched for more than ten hours.
Staging area for search and rescue crews
in Uncompahgre National Forest

Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse, Montrose County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and local ranchers familiar with the area are now involved in the search.

Mesa County Search and Rescue has members of its ground team, ATV, tracking, and dog teams also working on the search effort.

Similar resources are expected again Tuesday.  Crews will be moving into more areas and checking others more thoroughly.

"We are taking the search one day at a time. It has been very taxing not only for family members, but for search crews as well," said Sheriff Matt Lewis.

Finnegan's car was found Sunday morning about 4-5 miles off Divide Road near the Mesa County and Montrose County line.

The car was towed out of the forest Monday and is currently being processed by Mesa County Sheriff's investigators.

They are looking for more clues as to how long the car may have been left in the Uncompahgre National Forest and any information as to where Finnegan might be as well as her condition.

Nothing has been found to indicate foul play.

Finnegan was last seen Friday, July 15th at the Rose Bowl Bowling Alley in Montrose.

Finnegan is 5'1, 100 lbs, 82 years old, and was last seen wearing jeans, white shirt, blue sweater or sweater vest. Finnegan has dementia and might be confused.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking if anyone camping, hiking, or recreating in the area in the last week saw her or something that might be helpful to searchers to please give us a call (970) 244-3526.

Video taken Sunday

Monday, July 25, 2016

MCSO arrest driver of a stolen car

Albert Mersman, 53
Photo MSCO 7-22-16
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 53-year-old Albert Mersman of Pueblo Thursday afternoon after a stolen car was recovered.

Just before noon, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a stolen jeep out of Pueblo.

The driver of the jeep, later identified as Mersman, took off and eluded deputies.

Mesa County Deputies later tracked the stolen jeep to a field off 28 ½ Road between I-70B and North Ave where they found it abandoned.

A short time later, deputies spotted Mersman near the 2800 block of Chipeta Avenue running towards a nearby shopping center.

Deputies caught up to Mersman  behind Solarus Square Shopping Center located at 28 ¼ Road and North Ave. He gave up and was arrested without incident.

Mersman is facing several charges including Second Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft.

Mersman is being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a $5,000 bond.

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

Search for missing Delta woman continues in Uncompahgre National Forest

Mary Finnegan, 82
Last Seen July 15, 2016
MESA COUNTY, Colo - The search for 82-year-old Mary Finnegan of Delta County is now focused on a remote area of the Uncompahgre National Forest after her car was found abandoned Sunday.

Finnegan was last seen Friday, July 15th at the Rose Bowl Bowling Alley in Montrose.

Sunday morning around 8:00 a.m. two men out scouting reported finding what Mesa County Sheriff's deputies confirmed to be Finnegan's car.

It was on a rough dirt road about 4-5 miles off Divide Road  in the Uncompahgre National Forest near the Mesa County and Montrose County line. 

The car was found abandoned with no sign of where Finnegan may have gone. There is nothing to indicate foul play, it appears the car got stuck and she tried to get it out.

The car may have been there anywhere from the time she disappeared, July 15th, to as recent as the day before it was found, Saturday July 23rd.

Nearly 30 people from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team, Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse, and the U.S. Forest Service immediately began searching the area for any sign of Finnegan.

A plane and helicopter also helped in the search Sunday for as long as weather and fuel permitted.

The search area is very remote with rugged and steep terrain, and very little to no cell service. Even ATVs had a difficult time navigating the road Finnegan's car was found several miles down on.

Recent rain has washed away tire tracks, or potential foot prints making tracking Finnegan whereabouts that much more challenging.

Monday's search will pick up where it left off Sunday, as well as branch out into further surrounding areas as necessary. 

Because of the remote location, it took time to make sure Finnegan's family was aware of the situation before we were able to release these details to the public. We thank you for your understanding. Finnegan's family is now aware of the situation and is involved in the search.

Finnegan is 5'1, 100 lbs, 82 years old, and was last seen wearing jeans, white shirt, blue sweater or sweater vest. Finnegan has dementia and might be confused.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking if anyone camping, hiking, or recreating in the area in the last week saw her or something that might be helpful to searchers to please give us a call. You can call us on or tip line at (970) 244-3526. 

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Months-long investigation results in over 30 arrest warrants

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Wednesday marked the end of a months-long multi-agency narcotics investigation that resulted in charges on over 30 suspects.

The investigation involved the Western Colorado Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Grand Junction Police and Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Units.

In 2015, investigators began receiving information regarding the trafficking of illegal drugs in Mesa County.

After months of investigation, over 30 individuals were identified as suspects in this drug trafficking organization.

These individuals are believed to be directly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the county, including methamphetamine, prescription narcotics, marijuana, marijuana concentrate and heroin.

Investigators found many of these illegal activities were taking place in the presence of children and near local area schools.

During the course of the investigation, several guns were seized.

Several of the suspects have been arrested on their warrants and are being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Stage I fire restrictions take effect July 22, 2016


MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service are implementing county-wide Stage I fire restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 22nd. All Mesa County fire departments and fire protection districts are supporting the fire restrictions.

“We have been very fortunate to go this long into the summer without having to implement any fire restrictions, but the hot and dry weather has caught up with us,” said Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis. “Recent rains continue to dry out fast with more hot and dry weather forecasted to increase the already present fire danger.”

Fire restrictions are implemented based on moisture content of vegetation, weather predictions and fuel content in our county.

The restrictions allow fires in government-designated fire pits only. While the restrictions do not impact most shooting sports, explosive targets are prohibited. Firefighters have already responded to wildfires started by target shooting. The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit asks the public to be extra cautious when target shooting during fire restrictions.

“Just a small spark from an open flame or a cigarette can quickly grow into a large brush fire with the conditions we are seeing,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins. “We really need people to take these restrictions seriously and do their part to help us prevent wildfires.”

If you live within the city limits, there can still be areas of heavy vegetation around residential properties that could catch fire easily and threaten homes.

"When recreating on public lands please be mindful of the high fire potential and take the time to stop and think how your actions may impact all of us as a community. In the last week alone, fire agencies responded to 19 brush fires," said Jeremy Spetter UCR West Zone, fire management officer. "We understand this will impact how people use their public lands so we're enacting these restrictions after very careful consideration."

Causing a fire in woods or prairie during fire restrictions is 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.

The Stage I fire restrictions do not impact the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Prohibited Activities:
  • Open burning of any kind. 
  • Personal use of fireworks. 
  • Explosive Targets
  • On Public Lands, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site, or improved site. 36 CFR 261.52(a). 
  • On Public Lands smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d). 
  • On Public Lands operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either the USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1a (as amended), or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a) (36 CFR 261.52(j)).
Allowable Activities:
  • Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, and fires within wood burning stoves. Professional fireworks displays permitted according to section 12-28-103 of the C.R.S. 
  • Fire suppression or fire department training fires. 
  • Tiki torches, small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in permanent fire pits or fire grates with flame lengths not in excess of four feet and which are supervised by a responsible person at least 21 years of age.
Agricultural burn permits may be issued by the Mesa County Fire Marshal. The applicant must provide a copy of the approved burn permit upon inspection. Click here for an application.






 


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Crime Stoppers needs your help to identify the subjects that stole merchandise on Monday, February 8th around 10 p.m. from Walmart, located at 2545 Rimrock Avenue.

Security cameras took a picture of two male subjects exiting the store without paying for the items inside their electric cart.

Do you know these people?
Security cameras took a picture of two male subjects exiting the store without paying
for the items inside their electric cart.

The suspects were described as one Hispanic
male and one White male both in their mid-20’s about medium height with thin builds. 

The suspects were last seen leaving in gold Toyota Camry with license plate number 441RJD. 

The total property loss is over $475. The male subjects and the female subjects they were traveling were caught on surveillance cameras. 

If you know the persons involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name. If you want more information, go to the website at www.241stop.com.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Two men found dead in the river Sunday identified

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Through forensic evidence and the help of the public, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office was able to positively identify both people pulled from the Colorado River on Sunday.

Investigators along with the Mesa County Coroner's Office are currently in the process of notifying next of kin for both men. Once all family is notified, we will release their names to the public.

Both identities of the deceased men were confirmed by their fingerprints.

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will send out a press release as to the cause and manner of death when it is available.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

We thank the public for their help in this case. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office received numerous tips and offers of help.

If anyone has any information about this case please call our Witness Tip Line (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.

Monday, July 18, 2016

ALERT: Missing teen from Colorado Springs

Brianna Sulls,18
Last Seen June 24, 2016
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo - Be on the lookout for a missing teen out of Colorado Springs. 

Brianna Sulls, 18, was last seen on June 24, 2016 in Colorado Springs.

She is a white female, with light brown hair, blue eyes. She is 5'6" and weighs about 200 pounds.

Her ears are pierced and she has "Breeze" tattooed on her left hand.

Anyone with any information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). You can also contact the Colorado Springs Police Department (719) 444-7000.





Public's help needed to identify two people pulled from the river

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Investigators with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office are asking for the public's help to identify the two people found deceased in the Colorado River Sunday.

The first person, identified only as John Doe #1, was found under the Redlands Parkway Bridge at approximately 9:16 Sunday morning by people recreating in the river.

He is described as a white male between 40 to 50-years-old, 5'10 to 6', weighing about 175 pounds with short brown graying hair and is missing some teeth.

The second person, identified only as John Doe #2, was found in the river near the Persigo Wash at approximately 11:17 Sunday morning by people recreating in the river..

He is described as white male about 5'5 between 30-50 years old, weighing about 160 pounds with brown hair, a mustache and beard. 

John Doe #2 was a smoker and has an identifying tattoo.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Grand Junction Police Department have no reports of anyone missing that match these descriptions.

At this time investigators have no reason to believe the deaths are related.

As with any unattended death, Mesa County Sheriff's Investigators are treating these cases as homicides. 

Any information about who these people are or how they may have ended up in the river please call our Witness Tip Line (970) 244-3526.

You can also call Valley 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.



Thursday, July 14, 2016

Crime Stoppers crime of the week

Surveillance photo
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Help Grand Junction Police and Crime Stoppers solve this crime!

This week Crime Stoppers needs your help to identify the subjects involved in a burglary and theft from Colorado Customs, located at 587 25 Road.

Sometime between 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 6th and 2:00 a.m. on Monday, March 7th, the unknown subjects cut through the chain link fence to unlawfully gain entry into the business. 

Once inside, the subject stole a blue 2003 Yamaha TTR90 4-stroke 125cc motorcycle. 

The total estimated damage and property loss is over $1,100. 

The suspects were captures on a security camera photo.

If you know the persons involved in this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. 

When you call Crime Stoppers and give them information on someone that gets arrested they will pay you a cash reward up to $1,000 without asking your name.

 If you want more information, go to the website at www.241stop.com.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Body Recovered on Colorado River


Body Recovered on the Colorado River

Mesa County, Colo -- Shortly after 11:00 am this morning the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center received a report of a body being found by rafters on the Colorado River.  The rafters reported seeing the body west of Fruita and east of the Loma Boat Ramp.  Mesa County Deputy's with assistance from Mesa County Search and Rescue, the Bureau of Land Management, Lower Valley Fire Department and the Mesa County Coroner's Office responded to the area.  At approximately 2:00 pm a body of a white male was recovered.  The body was released to the Coroner who will make identification.   

Thursday, July 7, 2016

School buses vandalized multiple times







GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in seeking the persons responsible for several recent vandalism incidents on District 51 property where Student Transportation of America houses its buses. The school district contracts with Student Transportation of America to provide its school busing services.

Since June 23, seven incidents occurred causing about $10,000 in damage to buses and school property. Two incidents occurred in the last two days on the bus lot, which is just east of Chatfield Elementary, 3188 D ½ Road.

Wednesday’s incident occurred around 1:30 in the morning. During that incident four buses were damaged, having multiple windows, windshields, headlights, and emergency exits smashed in. During Thursday’s incident, a window was damaged at Chatfield Elementary as well.

Most of the incidents occurred in the middle of the night around 1:30 in the morning.

The suspects are believed to be middle school or high school-aged juveniles.

Mesa County Sheriff’s investigators are asking the public for any information about these crimes and for the community to keep an eye out for the suspects should they chose to strike again.

If you have any information about these crimes please call Valley 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.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Trip down the river results in one arrest

Mesa County Sheriff Deputy
Patrolling the River
MESA COUNTY, Colo - Members of the Street Crimes Unit teamed up with members of the Remote Area Deputies Program Wednesday to patrol the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers.

The combined effort resulted in several contacts and one arrest.

Michael Alan Gersh, 38
MCSO Photo 4-06-16
Michael Alan Gersh,38, of Cedaredge was contacted and arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The two units will periodically team up to proactively address people taking up residency in areas only designated for short term camping.

 The Mesa County Sheriff's Office wants to remind the public that camping along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers as well as other areas designated in the county is for just that, camping. It is not to be used as a permanent home.