Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Juvenile charged after armed robbery


MESA COUNTY, Colo - At approximately 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of stolen SUV at Long Family Memorial Park.

The victim told deputies four individuals, stole his SUV at gun point. The owner of the SUV was assaulted during the encounter and sustained minor injuries. Two other occupants of the SUV were not injured. The suspects drove the SUV through landscaping at the park, then continued on the street.

A short time later, deputies spotted the stolen gray 2000 GMC Yukon driving recklessly at a high rate of speed on North Ave near 29 Road. The SUV crashed into a car at the intersection of F Road and I-70 B. Two passengers in the car were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The SUV came to a stop in bushes on the 3200 block of F Road. The sole occupant of the vehicle got out and ran. Deputies located and arrested the suspect, identified as a juvenile.

Deputies did recover weapons that fell out of the SUV during the pursuit. Three suspects are still outstanding.

The juvenile was taken to the hospital via ambulance to be medically cleared, then was transported to the Department of Youth Services.

The District Attorney’s Office has filed the following charges:
  • 3 counts of Aggravated Robbery (Class 3 Felony)
  • Crime of Violence (Sentence Enhancer)
  • Violent Juvenile Offender (Sentence Enhancer)
  • Vehicular Eluding (Class 4 Felony)
  • First Degree Criminal Trespass (Class 5 Felony)
  • 3 counts of Menacing (Class 5 felony)
  • First Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (Class 4 Felony)
  • Second Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (Class 6 Felony)
  • Possession of I/II Substance (Class 4 Drug Felony)
  • Special Offender Charge 18-18-407 (Class 1 Drug Felony)
  • Possession of a Hand Gun by a Juvenile (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
  • Reckless Driving (Class 2 Traffic Offense)
  • Reckless Endangerment (Class 3 Misdemeanor)
  • Obstructing a Peace Officer (Class 2 Misdemeanor)

The juvenile has been charged with a crime of violence which permits further public disclosure pursuant to CRS 19-1-304(5) and CRS 24-72-302(1). As such, the juvenile is identified as Andre Carothers, 16, of Grand Junction.

Carothers is currently being held without bond.

The case is still under investigation.

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