Monday, February 25, 2019

MCSO investigating the death of a teen

MESA COUNTY, Colo - On Sunday February 24th, at approximately 10:00 am deputies responded to a residence on the 2400 block of Santa Rosa Lane for an unresponsive juvenile male.

Life-saving measures were performed by both deputies and arriving first responders. The 17-year-old was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the teen’s unattended death. The teen was not a resident of the home.

Alcohol was present at the scene. It is unknown at this time, if it was a contributing factor in his death. Investigators will know more once the Mesa County Coroner’s Office completes its investigation. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Eight puppies turned over to Animal Services

MCSO deputies help
rescue 8 puppies 
CLIFTON, Colo – Sunday morning around 8:30, deputies went to a residence on the 200 block of 5th in Clifton to locate a wanted subject. While deputies determined the person with active arrest warrants was not at the residence, they spoke with an adult male living at the address.

Deputies observed two adult dogs living inside the residence and also heard barking from elsewhere on the property. Investigating the source of the barking, deputies found 8 puppies inside of a metal kennel with no flooring. The puppies were found on muddy ground with urine and feces. Their water bowls were also frozen over.

The puppies’ owner told deputies he was keeping the puppies outside because he no longer had room to care for them inside. He also told deputies he hadn’t been able to provide food for them in the last 48 hours because dog food that was donated to him had run out.

Deputies contacted Mesa County Animal Services. The dogs’ owner acknowledged he was no longer able to care for the growing puppies and signed custody of the puppies over to Animal Services for their well-being.

Animal Services also gave the dogs’ owner a warning in regards to the two adult dogs and advised officers will be contacting him and checking on the dogs frequently to ensure they are being taken care of. The dogs’ owner was also given information on how to get a discount on getting the dogs neutered and/or spayed to avoid another litter.

The 8 puppies, possibly a Shepherd mix, are now under the care of a veterinarian and Mesa County Animal Services. Animal Services advises the puppies won’t be eligible for adoption for several weeks as they are still very young.

If you are interested in adopting any animal in the Mesa County Animal Services please visit http://pets.mesacounty.us/adopt-pet-shelter to learn more.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Grand Junction man arrested, wanted for crimes in Cortez

Damien Baca, 29
Mesa County Sheriff's Office Photo
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo –Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Damien Baca, 29, of Grand Junction last night after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Baca allegedly ran from Cortez police officers on February 2, 2019. Cortez Police obtained a warrant for Baca’s arrest for the following charges:
  • Controlled Substance Special Offender Deadly Weapon DF1 
  • Controlled Substance Distribution DF1 
  • Assault 1 Threaten Peace Officer 1/ Weapon F3 
  • Vehicular Eluding F5 
  • Weapon Possession Previous Offender F5 
  • Vehicular eluding F5 
  • Reckless driving 
  • Speeding over 40 MPH 
  • Lane usage violation 
  • Failed to stop at a stop sign 
Baca is known to have a residence in Grand Junction. Through investigative work, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies were able to locate him at a residence in Grand Junction. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit with the assistance of MCSO’s Crime Reduction Unit and the Western Colorado Drug Task Force were able to arrest Baca without incident. The Cortez Police Department, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and Montezuma-Cortez Drug Task were also instrumental in this case.

This multi-jurisdictional effort resulted in the apprehension of a potentially dangerous individual – a perfect example of law enforcement working together to keep our community safe.

Baca is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on anyone in our facility visit our website.

Three arrested after armed robbery and assault

Michael Manzanares, 18
MCSO Photo
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Wednesday, February 6th, Mesa County Sheriff's deputies arrested two juveniles and an 18-year-old in connection with an armed robbery and assault that occurred on Tuesday.

At about 2:00 pm Tuesday, deputies responded to a report of a robbery and assault at Dinosaur Hill in Mesa County.

An 18-year-old male victim reported to police he was picked up by three males for a planned outing to go smoke weed. When they arrived at Dinosaur Hill, the victim reported he was beaten and robbed at gunpoint. The three males left, then the victim called for help.

The 18-year-old victim was transported to the hospital and treated for his injuries.

Michael Manzanares,18, of Grand Junction and two juveniles are facing the following charges:
  • Aggravated Robbery (Class 3 Felony) 
  • Assault in the 3rd Degree (M1) 
  • Menacing (Class 5 Felony) 
  • False Imprisonment (M2) 
  • Theft - $50 to $300 (M3) 
  • Conspiracy (Class 3 Felony) 
The two juveniles arrested in this case are not identified in accordance with the Colorado Open Records laws.

Manzanares is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond hold until first appearance. For updated bond amounts on anyone in our facility visit our website.