Friday, April 28, 2017

Do you recognize this person?

Home invasion burglary suspect
composite sketch
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in identifying the suspect involved in a home invasion burglary that occurred the morning of Sunday, April 23rd.

It happened around 5:30 am at a home on the 300 block of Sunnyside Ct in Grand Junction.

A homeowner told deputies they woke up to someone watching them from outside their bedroom. The male suspect entered the home and attacked the homeowner. The homeowner was able to reach for a gun and scare the suspect off. No shots were fired. The homeowner received minor injuries.

The suspect is described as an African American male, mid-to-late 30s, about 5'9-5'10 with a medium build. He is described as clean cut, with a light beard and last seen wearing a black hoodie and jeans.

If anyone knows who this suspect is, or has information about this crime, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Information line at (970) 244-3262.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

UPDATE: Confirmed, Dogs' bodies mutilated by train

BB, 1 1/2 years old
ORCHARD MESA, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has learned the two dogs found dead on the train track last week were hit by a train in Orchard Mesa.

A train conductor with Union Pacific confirms seeing the two deceased dogs on the tracks the morning of April 19th. The dogs were noticeably dead and intact before the train passed by. Unfortunately, the train was moving too fast to stop and move the bodies of the dogs out of the way.  

We are still asking for the public's help in finding how the dogs died and how they got on the train tracks.

Two people were seen in a dark green Pontiac, possibly late 90s or early 00s model, in the area around that time. We are asking for the public's help to locating those individuals. Deputies want to see if they may have witnessed how the dogs came to be on the tracks.

Calypso, 6 months old
Their remains were found by people recreating in the area the evening of April 19th.

The two pit bull dogs went missing on Saturday, April 15th after escaping the backyard by jumping the fence in their Orchard Mesa home.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office takes all cases of animal abuse very seriously. We are continuing to follow up leads and tips from the public. Thank you to everyone who has called in information.

If anyone saw these dogs around the train tracks, or saw anyone with these dogs in that area please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or call 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.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Information sought in animal abuse case

BB, 1 1/2 years old
ORCHARD MESA, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding the person(s) responsible for the deaths of two local pets.

Wednesday evening the bodies of two pit bull dogs were found mutilated on the railroad tracks in Orchard Mesa by people recreating in the area.

The dogs were found in separate locations on the tracks near the river by the waterfall just past the shooting range.

The dogs were not tied down to the tracks, and there was no evidence of any rope nearby. However, deputies are treating this as a case of animal abuse.

The dogs went missing on Saturday, April 15th after escaping the backyard by jumping the fence in their Orchard Mesa home.

Calypso, 6 months old
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office takes all cases of animal abuse very seriously and is asking for the public's help for more information about these animals whereabouts after they ran away the weekend of April 15th until their bodies were found April 19th. If anyone saw these dogs around the train tracks, or saw anyone with these dogs in that area or during that time frame please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or call 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.

UPDATE: Missing campers found safe

Kayden Cook, 8
Missing
UPDATE!!! MESA COUNTY, Colo. The missing campers arrived home safe just before 9:00 am this morning. The two ended up camping an extra night in Montrose County, not in the Glade Park area as originally thought.

It is always a good idea to keep loved ones informed of travel, camping, and/or hiking plans. If those plans change, make sure to get a message to them with the updated information.

Thank you to everyone who helped send in tips during this search.

.......................

Monday April 24, 2017 2:42 am

Missing campers: Man and 8-year-old

MESA COUNY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding two overdue campers.

Terry Jackson, 34
Missing
Terry Jackson, 34, and his fiancé's 8-year-old son Kayden Cook went camping Friday and did not return home Sunday as planned.

Jackson left Clifton around 4:30pm Friday with the intention of going camping and fishing on the Colorado National Monument or the Glade Park area.

They left in a white 2011 Ford Ranger with temporary tags and a front tag from "Drive Time" car sales. The truck is a single cab and does not have a topper, it is in good condition.

Terry is a white male, 5'08" weighing 155 pounds with graying brown hair and blue eyes.

Kayden is white male, 4'00" weighing 60-70 pounds with blonde hair and blue eye.

2011 Ford Ranger
Temporary Tags
Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies along with the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team have spent Sunday night thoroughly combing the areas of Glade Park and most of the Colorado National Monument. All of the area hospital have been checked as well. Jackson has a history of changing his mind about where he's going while he's en route. He has no phone.

If anyone sees the vehicle or the two missing persons please call 911 immediately. If you are out of cell phone range, make note of the time and location then call as soon as you can.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Early morning robbery suspect caught on surveillance camera

Surveillance photo of suspect
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying an armed robbery suspect.

At 12:15 Thursday morning, a masked man entered Slick Ricks Entertainment at 2923 North Ave and demanded money at gunpoint.  He got an undisclosed amount of cash and then left on foot.

The business was closed, only an employee was inside at the time of the robbery. No one was hurt.

The male suspect was seen on surveillance video wearing dark clothing, a red mask and sunglasses. He was last seen walking away Northbound on 29 1/4 Road. 

If you know the identity or whereabouts of this person, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Investigations Tip Line at (970) 244-3526 or call 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.

Case #17-12286

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Crime Stoppers: Crime of the Week


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating the suspects involved in a vandalizing a church sign.

Sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2016, unknown subjects spray painted graffiti on the welcome sign at New Vision Assembly of God Church located at 823 S. 7th Street. 

If you know the identity or whereabouts of the subjects 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 www.241stop.com. 

GJPD# 2016-34165

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Scam Alert! Woman conned out of thousands by fake officer

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is reminding the public, it does not call people over the phone demanding payment.

Friday, a Mesa County woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars after receiving a local phone call by someone claiming to be Pamela Brewer of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. The caller said if she wanted to avoid getting arrested and going to court she needed to send money.

The scammers gave instructions to purchase prepaid VISA gift cards or MoneyPak cards, give the numbers over the phone, then mail the cards to a P.O. box in Orchard Mesa.

The victim reported speaking to several convincing scammers on the phone, before following instructions.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office does NOT ask for payment via prepaid card, nor do we demand payment in return for not arresting you. Anyone who does have an actual warrant for their arrest would be contacted in person.

If you ever get a call like this and are not sure if what the caller is telling you is true, CALL US! (970) 244-3500. We are happy to help! 

Friday, April 7, 2017

Person involved in Riverfront trail incident identified

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has identified the person involved in the groping incident on the Riverfront Trail Tuesday as a juvenile male.

The teen was issued a summons to appear in court for the charge of unlawful sexual contact, a class one misdemeanor. Because of the subject's age and the severity of the charge the Colorado Open Records Act dictates his name not be released.

Tuesday evening deputies took a report of a woman who experienced unwanted sexual contact from an unknown male while out on a, afternoon walk on the Audubon portion of the Riverfront Trail in Redlands.

The woman described a young African American male, who grabbed her after closely following her along the trail. He ran off after she hit him on the side of the head with her water bottle. She was not hurt.

While the Mesa County Sheriff's Office is confident the person in this incident was identified, we always want to encourage people to remain vigilant while recreating. It is smart to always take basic safety precautions when enjoying the outdoors.
  • Always carry a charged cell phone.
  • Remain aware of your surroundings. 
  • Go in groups. If not, make sure someone knows where you plan to go. and when to expect you back. There are many phone apps and fitness trackers that will send a friend your exact location, some even let them follow along on your adventure. 
  • Take a water bottle or a walking stick, it can be used as protection.
  • Music lovers stay aware of your surroundings, it's a good idea to keep one earbud out so you can hear what is going on around you. 

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Statement on Holzer court decision

April 6, 2017

Statement From Sheriff Matt Lewis

I am pleased this phase of the case is finally concluded.  I agree with the decision to prosecute the defendant in this case as an adult. As I said during the hearing, ‘I don’t think another option would be something that would be acceptable to this community.’   Deputy Derek Geer dedicated his selfless life to this community and will forever be remembered. We still have a long road ahead of us, but are appreciative this phase of the case has been decided.”

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Stay aware while walking on local trails

Audubon Riverfront Trail is highlighted in red
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is urging walkers and runners who use the Riverfront Trail to be extra cautious in light of a recent incident.

Tuesday evening deputies took a report of a woman who experienced unwanted sexual contact from an unknown male while out on a walk.

The incident happened on the Audubon portion of the Riverfront Trail in Redlands between 3:30 and 4:00 Tuesday afternoon.

The woman noticed an African American male closely following her along the trail. When confronted, the suspect was making sexual gestures and then grabbed her chest area. She was quick thinking and hit him on the side of the head with her water bottle and he ran off. She smartly waited for another person to come along the trail to escort her back. She was not hurt.

The suspect is described as a young adult African American male with short hair, 5'6"-5'7" tall, and approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue and white striped polo shirt with blue jeans. He was described as well groomed and did not appear to be a transient. He also may have an injury to the left side of his face.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols in the area as call volume allows.  
  • Walkers, runners, and hikers should remain aware of their surroundings when out recreating on local trails. 
  • Always carry a charged cell phone.
  • When possible try to go in groups. If not, make sure someone knows where you plan to go. and when to expect you back. There are many phone apps and fitness trackers that will send a friend your exact location, some even let them follow along on your adventure. 
  • Take a water bottle or a walking stick, it can be used as a weapon for an attacker or wild animal
  • Music lovers stay aware of your surrounding, it's a good idea to keep one earbud out so you can hear what is going on around you. 
If anyone has information about this crime or this suspect call the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707 or call 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.