Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Update: District Attorney Clears Grand Junction Police Department Officers Involved in June OIS

Spencer Shanley, 29
MCSO Photo 7-13-19


MESA COUNTY, Colo - At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to a report of a suicidal male with a gun outside a residence in the 2400 block of Jack Creek Road. When officers arrived, the 29-year-old male was found walking eastbound on Jack Creek Road with a handgun. A confrontation occurred between the male and officers on scene and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The male was transported to St. Mary’s hospital via ambulance to be treated for his injuries. Once he was medically cleared and released, he was arrested for charges including two counts of Criminal Attempt of Second Degree Murder, a class 3 felony.

As with all officer-involved shootings in Mesa County, the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, comprised of representatives of the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado State Parole, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation, was responsible for the investigation of this incident.

The CIRT investigation was completed and turned over to the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office. The officers involved in this incident have returned to work. District Attorney Dan Rubinstein has completed his review of the investigation, and his findings can be reviewed here.



Previous Release
07/15/19
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MESA COUNTY, Colo – The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team made an arrest related to the incident that occurred on June 14, 2019.

Spencer Shanley, 29, of Grand Junction was released from the hospital over the weekend and was taken into custody.

Shanley was arrested on the following charges:
  • 2 Counts of Criminal Attempt of Second Degree Murder (Class 3 Felony)
  • 2 Counts of First Degree Assault (Class 3 Felony)
  • 2 Counts of Felony Menacing (Class 5 Felony)
  • 1 Count of Prohibited Use of a Weapon (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
Shanley is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until First Appearance. For updated bond amounts visit our website.

This investigation is ongoing.


Previous Release:
6/14/19
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CIRT activated to investigate officer-involved shooting 

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to a report of a suicidal male with a gun outside a residence in the 2400 block of Jack Creek Road.

When officers arrived, the 29-year-old male was found walking eastbound on Jack Creek Road with a handgun. A confrontation occurred between the male and officers on scene and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The male was transported to St. Mary’s hospital via ambulance and is currently being treated for his injuries. No officers were injured.

As with all officer involved shootings in Mesa County, the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, comprised of representatives of the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado State Parole, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation, is responsible for the investigation of this incident.

Law enforcement continues to process the scene of this incident for additional evidence. Residents in the area may see an increased presence of law enforcement personnel over the next several hours.

Members of the Critical Incident Response Team will conduct interviews of all witnesses and involved persons in this case over the coming days. Additional details will be released as appropriate, with sensitivity to the ongoing investigation.

The Grand Junction Police Department will be responsible for releasing the names of the involved officers. As per their agency’s policy, the officers will be placed on administrative leave.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Clifton Woman Arrested After Overnight Stabbing



Samantha Reed, 24
MCSO Photo 07/20/2019
MESA COUNTY, Colo. - On Friday night, July 19, 2019, at approximately 9:17 pm, Mesa County Deputies responded to 424 32 Rd #272 for a reported stabbing. The investigation revealed a 24-year-old Clifton man, had been stabbed in the torso by Samantha Reed, age 24 of Clifton.

Samantha Reed was taken into custody by Mesa County Sheriff's Office Investigatigator on July 20, 2019, for 2nd Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is being held without bond at the Mesa County Detention Facility. 

The case remains under investigation.  

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Two arrested on kidnapping and extortion charges

Seth Carter, 35
MCSO Photo 3-1-19
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Wednesday, July 17th, at approximately 2:30 pm deputies responded to a report of a possible kidnapping situation.

The person who called 911 said an 18-year-old friend, showed up at their residence on the 2800 block of Orchard Avenue and said he was being held at gunpoint by two people waiting in a car outside. He said they were forcing him to retrieve property believed to be inside the home. The property sought was not there. The victim was forced to leave with the two people waiting outside. His friend, then called 911.

Deputies tracked down the car the three were traveling in to a residence nearby on the 500 block of N Sparn Court.  Seth Carter, 35, of Grand Junction and Thomas Barnes, 33, of Grand Junction were arrested and the victim was rescued.

Both are facing the following charges:
Thomas Barnes, 33
MCSO Photo 6-12-19
  • Second Degree Kidnapping (Class 2 Felony)
  • Aggravated Robbery (Class 3 Felony)
  • Criminal Extortion (Class 4 Felony)
  • Felony Menacing (Class 5 Felony)
  • 1st Degree Criminal Trespass of Auto (Class 5 Felony)
  • Theft $300-$750 from a Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
All of the parties involved were known to each other.

This case is still under investigation.

Carter and Barnes are currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts visit the Inmate Locator system on our website.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Update: Found Safe


Shiann Moore, 27
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 10:30 am UPDATE: Shiann Moore and her three children were found safe. They were found in Evans, CO after a citizen recognized them from the statewide Endangered Missing Person Alert and news coverage.
Officers with the Evans Police Department made contact with Shiann Moore, 27, Lillie Faries, 10, Timothy Pearce, 7, and Sabrina Pearce, 10 months. They are safe and in good health.

Thank you to CBI, Frutia Police Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (AZ), Evans Police Department and Mesa County Department of Human Services for their assistance with this case.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank everyone who shared the missing person’s alert on social media and those who called in tips.

No more information is expected to be released.


Previous:

6:00 pm UPDATE: An Endangered Missing Person Alert has been issued through CBI for Shiann Moore, 27, Lillie Faries, 10, Timothy Pearce, 7, and Sabrina Pearce, 10 months. The children are believed to be traveling with their mother, Shiann Moore, of Clifton in a 2001 silver Pontiac Grand Prix with a Colorado license plate GOA169.  They were last seen Saturday evening at a residence on E. Carolina Ave, in Fruita. Investigators with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to make sure they are safe. If seen, please call (970) 242-6707 or call 911.
Lillie Faries, 10
Timothy Pearce, 7

Previous:

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies are trying to determine the whereabouts of a Clifton woman and her three children to determine their well-being.

Shiann Moore, 27, of Clifton is believed to be with her three children, Lillie Faries,10, Timothy Pearce, 7, and Sabrina Pearce 10 months.

They were reported missing last night by family who have not heard from them in several days. They were last seen Saturday evening at a residence on E. Carolina Ave, in Fruita. They are believed to be traveling in a 2001 silver Pontiac Grand Prix with a Colorado license plate GOA169.
Shiann holding Sabrina

Investigators do not have anything to indicate the family is in immediate danger, but would like to verify Moore and her children are safe.

Sabrina Pearce, 10 months 
Shiann Moore is described as a white female, 27 years old, 4’11, 125 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes. It is possible she could have a different hair color.

Lillie Faries, 10, is described as a white female, 4’0, 60 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Timothy Pearce is a 7-year-old boy, Sabrina Pearce is a 10-month-old girl.

If seen, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707 or call 911.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Man rescued from fall at Potholes




MESA COUNTY, Colo - A 36-year-old male was rescued from Potholes near Glade Park yesterday. At approximately 5:30 pm Friday, July 5th, we received reports of a male had fallen 25-30 feet into a rock crevice.

Glade Park Fire Department, Grand Junction Fire Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Technical Rescue Team, and CareFlight responded to the remote area.

The Mesa County Technical Rescue Team and Grand Junction Fire Department Rescue Team used ropes to reach the injured man, then hoisted him back up the cliffside. It took several hours to complete the very technical rescue.

The man was transported to the hospital via CareFlight with major injuries, but was conscious and breathing.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident. We want to remind everyone choosing to recreate outdoors to do so sober.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

29th Annual Independence Monument Climb on 4th of July

Climber reaching the summit of
Independence Monument
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Search and Rescue Technical Rescue Team is gearing up for their 29th annual climb up Independence Monument to raise the American Flag. There are a total of 15 climbers at this year’s event. Nine Search and Rescue members will be accompanied by six guest climbers. Four of the guest climbers this year are military veterans, two Army and two Marines.

Along with the celebration of our nation’s freedom, all proceeds from this event will go towards the purchasing of equipment and training for Mesa County Search and Rescue Team.

How to watch

Independence Monument
This year’s flag-raising ceremony will take place on top of Independence Monument around 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM on July 4th. Plan on being in place around 10:00 AM. They are very experienced climbers and climb fast!

The viewing opportunities to see this event will be Independence Monument View and at the end of Otto’s Trail. If both of these parking areas are full, you will also have a view of Independence Monument from Book Cliff Shelter and Grand View.

Please keep in mind the entry fee for the Colorado National Monument is $20 per vehicle. Colorado National Monument annual passes and America the Beautiful Passes are also honored.

No fire restrictions for July 4th, fire danger still a concern



MESA COUNTY, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit have determined current conditions do not warrant implementing fire restrictions, but advise people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly. 

Spring rains created an abundance of rarely seen green around the valley, but that lush growth is now dormant, dried and ready to burn. Right now in Mesa County fine fuels, such as grass, have already dried and cured for the season and could easily catch and spread wildfire quickly.

“We wish everyone a safe Independence Day. Please be responsible and respectful if you choose to use legal fireworks. There is a concern for human caused fires during the holiday weekend, especially in lower elevations,” said Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis. “Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of others as you enjoy this holiday weekend.”

On July 4th more fires are reported than any other day of the year and fireworks are the cause for more than half of them, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“As we head into the busy holiday weekend remember to exercise caution and common sense when setting off LEGAL fireworks,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins.

When using fireworks it is extremely important to stay away from dry grass and wooded areas. It just takes one spark to start a wildfire that can put lives and property at risk.

"Recreational users on public lands should keep a few things in mind that can help prevent an unintentional wildfire,” said Bureau of Land Management Acting Field Manager Wayne Werkmeister. “Practicing proper vehicle maintenance; ensuring that tow chains are secured and a vehicle has no dragging parts, and properly maintaining your breaks. Park your vehicles/trailers and off-highway vehicles away from dry grass or brush. When target shooting taking a few simple precautions can prevent devastating results: place your target on dirt or gravel, switch to paper targets, bring a shovel and fire extinguisher, and report any fires by calling 911."

The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.

FIREWORKS FACTS
  • The use of fireworks on federal land is always ILLEGAL. 
  • It is ILLEGAL to knowingly sell or provide fireworks to anyone under 16 years of ages. No one under the age of 16 can purchase fireworks. Colorado law requires adult supervision for persons under 16 years of age to possess or discharge fireworks. 
  • Permissible LEGAL fireworks include: Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke devices, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible. 
  • ILLEGAL Fireworks: Fireworks not meeting the definition of permissible fireworks including but not limited to cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters are all examples of illegal fireworks. 
  • A good rule of thumb: anything that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely ILLEGAL in Colorado.

 If you see a fire start, call 911 immediately.
DISPLAYS

Wednesday, July 3rd
  • 9:30pm at Snooks Bottom in Fruita: The Fruita Parks and Recreation department will be hosting a fireworks display at dusk. The fireworks will be launched from Snooks Bottom. There is no designated viewing area.
Thursday, July 4th
  • 10:30-11:00am Independence Monument: Mesa County Search and Rescue Technical Team will climb Independence Monument and raise the American Flag. Viewing locations at several view points on the Colorado Monument.
  • Fireworks after the GJ Rockies Game at Lincoln Park: Game attendees are invited to stay in the stadium to enjoy the fireworks show, and community members are invited to bring their families and watch the display from Lincoln Park.