Friday, September 22, 2017

Two people no longer sought in weekend hit-and-run

David Arellano Jr., 19,
MCSO Photo 9-22-17
CLIFTON, Colo –The two people Mesa Count Sheriff’s investigators were looking to speak with in connection to a vehicular assault early Saturday morning were arrested overnight on unrelated charges.

David Arellano Jr., 19, was arrested for a Failure to Appear Warrant and Obstructing a Peace Officer. 

Cheyenne Dean, 25, was arrested for a Parole Violation and Obstructing a Peace Officer. 

Mesa County Sheriff’s investigators are still investigating the hit and run that occurred in the early morning hours of September 16th.

At 4:16 a.m. a 22-year-old female was hit by a vehicle in a parking lot located at 422 32 Road.

The suspect’s vehicle was identified as a silver colored 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It left the scene after hitting the victim.

Cheyenne Dean, 25
MCSO Photo 8-18-17
The victim was taken to St. Mary’s hospital where she remains hospitalized with life threatening injuries.

Investigators are still determining what roles Arellano and Dean played in the incident. No charges related to this incident have been filed at this time. 

All documents related to this case are under seal by the court. 

Arellano and Dean are currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage










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Previous Release September 16, 2017: 

Cheyenne Dean, 25
MCSO Photo 8-18-17
CLIFTON, Colo -  Investigators are looking for the public's help concerning the vehicular assault which occurred at 422 32 Road in the early morning hours of September 16, 2017.

Investigators are looking for silver colored 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with North Carolina temporary license plate TJ46689. The vehicle may have driver's side damage. 

Investigators are also needing to speak with David Arellano Jr. and Cheyenne Dean.

If you have any information regarding the vehicle Mr. Arellano or Ms. Dean please contact the MCSO at 970-242-6707 or Crime Stoppers at 970-241-STOP (7867).

David Arellano Jr., 19
MCSO Photo 9-14-17
The victim in this incident remains hospitalized with life threatening injuries and the incident remains under investigation.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Crime Stoppers: Crime of the Week



GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Grand Junction Police Department needs your help to identify and locate the subject involved in fraudulent activity.

On Sunday, September 3rd, the victim noticed her wallet was missing. A credit card from the missing wallet was used that same day by a subject at several local businesses on North Avenue including, Walgreens, Payless and Dollar Tree. Security cameras captured a subject that appeared to be a male dressed as a female in a black dress with a pink polka dot scarf and high heels. Photos of male subject can also be viewed at www.241stop.com.

If you know the identity or whereabouts of this subject, please 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. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

GJPD Case# 2017-56658

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

UPDATE: Bucket Fire burns 5-7 acres near Gateway

Bucket Fire Monday
BLM Photo
UPDATE: Firefighters have made progress on the Bucket Fire on Sky Mesa Ranch near Gateway.

Fire crews have stopped the forward progression of the wildfire. The cabin near the fire is no longer threatened.

MCSO crews fighting the Bucket Fire
MCSO Photo
Full containment is anticipated by tomorrow, however strong winds are expected later this afternoon.

Engines and firefighters from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are still actively fighting the fire. BLM Smoke Jumpers are also on their way to help contain the wildfire.

Lightning is suspected as the cause of this wildfire.
Bucket Fire Monday night
MCSO Photo












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Previous release 9/18/2017:

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Firefighters are working to contain the Bucket Fire burning near Gateway.

Smoke was first reported around 1:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Sky Mesa off John Brown Road.

The fire is about 5-7 acres in size and is currently threatening one cabin.

Several single engine air tankers (SEAT), and a mutual aid helicopter are dropping water and fire retardant on the wildfire. Fire crews from BLM, Gateway Fire Department, Lands Ends Fire Protection District and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office are also working to build a containment line around the fire.

It is burning on private land in a mix of ponderosa pine, sage, oakbrush and manzanita fuels.

If you have plans to recreate in the area, please stay away until the wildfire is fully contained.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

MCSO investigates suspicious incident Tuesday morning

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Deputies are continuing to investigating what occurred Tuesday morning in a neighborhood near 29 ½ and Patterson.

At 9:02 am deputies responded to reports of a shooting on the 500 block of 29 1/2 Road.

When deputies arrived they found no one hurt, and no evidence of a shooting.

Witnesses described an older model white passenger car was stopped in front of a home. An unknown male with his face covered by a bandana got out, and pointed a gun north along 29 ½ Road. He then chased another male before returning to the vehicle. It drove off southbound on 29 ½ Road.

There are conflicting witness reports as to whether any shots were fired and the vehicle’s description.

The man with the gun was described as having short hair and wearing dark clothing with a bandana on his face.

If anyone has any information about this crime contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Mesa County Warns of Dangerous Fire Conditions

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis, Bureau of Land Management, and Grand Junction Fire Department are alerting the public to the high fire danger in Mesa County and the need for people to make informed decisions in regards to burning.

Hot and dry weather recently renewed concerns for fire danger in Mesa County. Usually this time of year it’s monsoon season. But, this year, those seasonal afternoon rain showers have been few and far between. As a result, local vegetation on the valley floor and in higher elevations are drying out.

It is hunting season, and fall colors will be starting soon. With more people headed into our forests and public lands to recreate, camp and hunt, the danger for wildfire increases. There is also high fire risk for target shooters. It is very critical people are aware of the high fire danger.

All of this is a recipe for dangerous wildfires. We are very concerned for the enormous potential for wildfires.

We recognize campfires are an important part of the camping and hunting experience. Right now there are no fire restrictions in place, but people still need understand the fire risk.

If you light a campfire it is YOUR responsibility to make sure it is out BEFORE you leave it unattended. A campfire is COMPLETELY out when the embers are cool to the touch. Even a small amount of heat can reignite and start a dangerous wildfire.

If you are planning on camping or hunting during these high fire danger conditions, please be fire aware at all times. A wildfire can start at any time, if you see smoke CALL 911 and LEAVE the area immediately. Hunters should check for active fires BEFORE leaving. Access to hunting areas may be cut off due to fire activity. Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website for more information on Hunting safety.

This warning is being issued in the hopes of avoiding any loss of life or property due to a failure to heed fire warnings during this time of high fire danger.

  

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Crime Stoppers: Crime of the Week


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers needs your help to identify and locate a male subject involved in a theft. 

Shortly after 2:50 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23rd a black and gray “Specialized Rockhopper Comp” bicycle with 29” tires was stolen from the east bike rack of Pinon Hall at Colorado Mesa University. 

The total estimated property loss is over $800. The male subject was captured on surveillance video. 

If you know the subject involved in this crime, please 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. For more information, visit www.241stop.com.

GJPD# 2017-53710

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Grand Junction man arrested after making threats

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo- Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at 10:02 a.m.Tuesday morning of a man making threats against a family. The person accused of making threats was identified as Kyle White, 21, of Grand Junction.

White also has an outstanding warrant out of the Grand Junction Police Department from an unrelated case. The warrant is for the following charges:
  • Assault Second Degree with intent to cause by strangulation (Class 4 Felony) 
  • Felony Menacing (Class 5 Felony) 
  • False Imprisonment (Class 5 Felony) 
  • Assault in the Third Degree (Class 1 Misdemeanor) 
  • Obstruction of a Telephone Service (Class 1 Misdemeanor) 
  • Domestic Violence 
Members of the Mesa County Sheriff Office Street Crimes Unit located White in a residence on the 600 block of Copper Canyon Drive Tuesday evening. Grand Junction Police and Mesa County Sheriff SWAT teams responded. White was taken into custody.

A emergency notification did go out to the surrounding homes advising residences to shelter-in-place. It was lifted after White was arrested.

White is being charged with three counts of Intimidating a Witness or Victim (Class 3 Felony) and Domestic Violence related to Tuesday's events.

White is being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. For mugshots visit Vinelink.com 

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Fire destroys cabin near Vega Reservoir

MCSO Photo
MESA COUNTY, Colo - An unattended campfire is the cause of a fire that destroyed one cabin and evacuated a neighborhood near Vega Reservoir Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 3:23 p.m. at 67625 Vega Vista Drive. Everyone inside the cabin was able to get out safely. No one was hurt.

At 4:01 p.m. an emergency notification informed residents of 45 seasonal cabins and homes in the area to evacuate to Vega Lodge.  Residents were allowed to return home less than an hour later.
MCSO Photo

The Plateau Valley Fire Department credits nearby residents and vacationers for helping stop the rapid spread of the fire. Instead of running from the fire many people ran towards it with buckets of water, until fire crews arrived.

The Plateau Valley Fire Department, De Beque Fire, Vega State Park, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, and Collbran Marshal all responded.

The fire was contained to one property. A cabin, outbuilding, half acre of land and a power line were burned.

Remember campfires are not truly out unless the embers are cold to the touch. Seriously, put your hand on the embers!!! Campfires may look out, but even a small amount of heat can reignite and cause a destructive fire.