MCSO make an arrest in weekend crime spree

Derrick Randall, 33
MCSO Photo 10/31/19

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Derrick Randall, 33, of Grand Junction related to a recent crime spree.

On Saturday, October 26, just after midnight Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a two cars with windows broken out on the 500 block of Garfield Dr. The total estimated cost of the damage is $1400.

About ten minutes later. deputies responded to a burglary in process at the Alta gas station at 2999 North Ave, about a 12 minute walk from Garfield Dr. During this incident three businesses, the Alta Gas Station (2998 North Ave), the Domino's (510 30 Rd) and the La Milpa Tortilla Factory (514 30 Rd), all had glass windows and doors broken. Items were also stolen from the Alta gas station. A vehicle north of the Alta Gas Station was found with multiple windows shattered. Two fires were started in the same area and time of this incident and are believed to be related.

Later the same day (October 26), at about 4:30 pm a person called in to report their car had been damaged on Texas Ave near 30 Road sometime during the night.

On Tuesday, October 29, the Alta gas station was burglarized a second time at about 12:30 am. A window pane was broken and items stolen were from the store. The cost of the damage was estimated to be about $2700.

Through the course of the investigation, Randall was identified as the suspect in these four recent cases. Total cost of the damage from these cases is estimated to be about $53,100.

A sword believed to be an object used to break windows during these incidents was recovered at Randall’s residence as were items believed to been stolen during the burglaries.

Randall is facing the following charges:

• 2 counts of 2nd Degree Burglary (Class 4 Felony)
• Criminal Mischief $20,000 or more, less than $100,000 (Class 4 Felony)
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or more, less than $20,000 (Class 5 Felony)
• 5 counts of Criminal Mischief $1000 or more, less than $5,000 (Class 6 Felony) 
• Obstructing Peace Officer (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
• 2 counts of 2nd Degree Arson, less than $100 (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
• Theft $50-$300 (Class 3 Misdemeanor)
• Theft Less than $50 Shoplifting (PO1)

Randall is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts visit our website.

To view the previous press release click here.

Have a safe and fun Halloween with these useful tips

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Halloween is this Thursday, and the Grand Junction Fire Department, Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, and Mesa County Valley School District 51 want you to have a safe, fun holiday! Stay safe with these Halloween tips.

Have an adult come with you to trick-or-treat, and go in a group.

Avoid wearing costumes to school that are gory, scary, violent, or include full-face makeup or a full-face mask.

Light colored costumes and reflective clothing or tape help drivers see trick-or-treaters.

Light the way by carrying flashlights or glow sticks.

Outfits should allow freedom of movement and be fire retardant or fire resistant.

Watch for cars, use crosswalks, and plan a safe route and stick to it.

Eyes should be able to see up, down, forward, and from the sides if you’re wearing a mask.

Eat treats only after your parents have inspected them for signs of tampering.

Never go inside a stranger’s home or vehicle while trick-or-treating, and don’t eat homemade treats unless you know the person who made them.

MCSO investigates weekend burglary and vandalism

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - On October 26, 2019 at approximately 12:14 am, Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputies and Grand Junction Police Officers responded to the area of 30 Rd and I 70 Business Loop for a Burglary in progress.

Witnesses reported a male in a dark colored hooded sweatshirt was breaking windows at multiple businesses.

The Alta Gas Station (2998 North Ave), The Domino's (510 30 Rd) and the La Milpa Tortilla Factory (514 30 Rd) were all damaged. There was also a vehicle north of the Alta Gas Station with multiple windows shattered. Two fires were started in the same area of this incident and are believed to be related. One in the alleyway North of the Gas station, flames were put out by a deputy using a fire extinguisher and the homeowner using a garden hose. A second fire was started in the field just Northeast of North Ave Storage  (516 30 Rd). Deputies worked to contain the fire, until the fire department arrived.

Deputies observed what appeared to be the suspect running north bound in the alley behind the North Ave Storage. With the assistance of the Grand Junction Police Department as well as the Colorado State Patrol, deputies searched for the suspect. Ultimately, a suspect was not located.

List of damage (preliminary estimate):

Alta Gas Station (2998 North Ave)

• Three double pane windows and two glass doors were broken
• Inside store: items throw around, display box knocked over, items stolen 
• Estimated damage $5,000

Domino's (510 30 Rd)

• All double pane windows on West side of business and glass entrance doors were broken
• Estimated damage $40,000

La Milpa Tortilla Factory (514 30 Rd)

• Two double pane windows and a glass door were broken
• Estimated damage $3,000

Car

• Several windows broken
• Estimated damage $1,000

Deputies are currently reviewing surveillance footage and processing evidence. This case is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this crime, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707. You can also contact Mesa County Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. 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.

MCSO Volunteers honored and recognized for work in the community

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office partners with several volunteer groups that are vital to providing services to Mesa County. Over 300 dedicated volunteers give their time selflessly to help our agency and our community.

Recently, they were recognized and thanked for their efforts during a volunteer appreciation lunch. This year, five individuals were awarded Volunteer of the Year for their contributions to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, respective volunteer organization and the community.

Ovella Fick Victim Advocate Program

 Volunteer of the Year

Ovella Fick, a volunteer for the Victim Advocate Program since 2015, was recognized for her dedication and compassion with helping victims of crime and trauma. So far this year, Victim Advocates responded to over 200 callouts, serving over 400 individual victims. Advocates respond 24/7 to assist victims and families of not only crimes, but also assist victims and families on search and rescue missions as well as fires.

Ken Dorman
Support Services Volunteer of the Year

Ken Dorman has been a volunteer of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years. Ken was recognized as Support Services Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding dedication and professionalism. He is a mentor, a leader, and an excellent example for his fellow volunteers in the Civil Unit. Over 700 hours donated yearly by volunteers like Ken accounts for at least 15% of civil processes served from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office!

Mike Verbit and Sarah Eller

 SARC Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year for Mesa County Search and Rescue was awarded to a couple involved in several teams and subcommittees with the volunteer organization. Mike Verbit and Sarah Eller are both volunteers for Mesa County Search and Rescue’s Ground Team. Sarah is also the team leader for the Swift Water Rescue Team and Mike is also a member of the Technical Rescue Team. The pair have repeatedly donated their personal time to enhance the capabilities of the search and rescue in Mesa County. So far this, Mesa County Search and Rescue volunteers were called out 82 times for missions which included rescuing lost or injured hikers and hunters, evidence recovery, and river rescues.

Danny Daniels accepting 

Detentions Volunteer of the Year Award

Danny Daniels, a religious volunteer for the Mesa County Detention Facility since 2008, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award. Daniels ministers and visits with the inmates; always with a smile on his face and kind words for each person he encounters. Affectionately known as, the “Book Guy.” Danny visits each housing unit in the facility monthly and exchanges the books available to the inmates for leisure reading. For many inmates these books fill their hours with something on which to focus and they look forward to Danny’s arrival and delivery of new reading material.

The volunteers that work in the Detentions Facility include representatives from Mind Springs, the Jail Ministry, numerous other religious volunteers, and various other educational groups. So far this year volunteers for all of these groups totaled 1,142 hours.

Jan Moss Volunteer of the Year
Citizens on Patrol program

Jan Moss, a volunteer since 2005, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program. Jan is a Field Training Officer for the COP Program and assists with the administrative work associated with unattended deaths, as well as, abandoned and red-tagged vehicles. Jan’s primary task is providing support with towed vehicles. She contacts more than 25 tow companies each week to check for towed vehicles and determines if the last known registered owner needs to be contacted.

In 2019, Citizen on Patrol volunteers volunteered over 3350 hours. Volunteer tasks include performing school checks, VIN Inspections, Red Tags of vehicles, serve Civil Papers, vacation home checks, providing scene security and assisting in special events. Their work helps allow patrol deputies to focus and respond to more 911 calls.

Gene Admire "Victor 1"

Citizen on Patrol volunteer (retired)

And finally, long-time volunteer Gene Admire was thanked for his dedication to our community. Gene recently retired from the Citizens On Patrol (COP) program with 26 years of service. He was one of the original volunteers when the program first began. Gene was known on the radio as “Victor 1” and carried his radio number with distinction. In Gene’s honor the radio number “Victor 1” is now retired.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly fortunate to have such hard working and dedicated volunteers. The hundreds of hours donated in service to our community truly make a difference. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office could not possibly provide the high level of service to our community we do without the amazing work our volunteers perform each and every day.

Thank you.

If you would like to become a volunteer for the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, you can learn how on our website.

MCSO investigating a shooting

9:30 am Update:

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Investigators are asking for the public’s help with regards to yesterday’s incident. Anyone in the area of 2200 block of I Road between the hours 8 am -1 pm yesterday (Wednesday, October 23, 2019) are asked to please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators wish to speak to potential witnesses of yesterday’s incident. People they wish to speak with include drivers who pass the area as part of their daily commute.

Please call our Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526. Please note, this phone line is not manned 24/7, please leave a message with your name and contact information and an investigator will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Previous:
10/23/19 4:00 pm

MESA COUNTY, Colo - At 12:19 this afternoon Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting on the 2200 block of I Road.

When deputies arrived an adult female was found deceased. Deputies immediately began searching the area as well as going door to door to speak with any potential witnesses. During this same time an Emergency Notification to shelter in place was sent out to 39 residents in the area. It has since been lifted. I Road remains closed between 22 Road to 22 1/2 Road and I 1/4 Road.

At this time no suspect is in custody. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will determine cause and manner of death, as well as release the identity of the deceased once next of kin is notified.

If anyone has information about this crime please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707 or you can call Mesa County Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP.

To sign up for Emergency Notifications visit this website. 

Fruita man facing murder charge

Matthew Logan, 33
MCSO Photo 10-5-19

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Friday night, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Matthew Logan, 33, of Fruita related to the disappearance of Frank Taylor.

Logan was arrested earlier in the evening for two unrelated warrants. He now faces charges of Murder in the First Degree (Class 1 Felony) and Tampering with a Deceased Human Body (Class 3 Felony).

53-year-old Franklin “Frank” Taylor, was reported missing in March by friends under suspicious circumstances.

This case remains an active investigation. All documents related to this case have been sealed by the court.

Logan is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold. 

For previous press releases about this case click here.

One arrested after late night shooting in the desert

MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 12:30 Saturday morning members of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Junction Police Department and Colorado State Patrol responded to a report of a shooting at a party in the desert near 27 ¼ Road in an area commonly known as “the dam.”

Law enforcement began contacting everyone leaving the area. Several witnesses and multiple victims were quickly identified. It was determined no one was injured and there weren’t any outstanding injured victims remaining in the desert.

One victim told deputies a male was shooting at them as they were escaping from the area in a truck. No one inside the truck was injured. The truck did sustained damage from a bullet hole through the driver’s side mirror.

In all, approximately 25-30 vehicles were contacted, and about 60-80 individuals were identified and spoken to. Firearms were recovered at the scene and collected for evidence.

Angel Rodriguez-Archuleta, 20, of Grand Junction was arrested and is facing charges related to this incident including Attempted Second Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Assault, Felony Menacing and Illegal Discharge of a Weapon.

Rodriguez-Archuleta is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts visit our website. A booking photo of Rodriguez-Archuleta was not immediately available.

This remains an active investigation.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707. You can also contact Mesa County Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP. 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.

MCSO investigates escape attempt from Mesa County Detention Facility

Malcolm Martin, 25
MCSO Photo 10-2-19

MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 9 Saturday morning, an inmate in the Mesa County Detention Facility attempted to escape.

The inmate, identified as Malcolm Martin, 25, of Grand Junction, climbed up into a crawl space above the ceiling tiles and proceeded to move to another part of the jail. Martin was heard in the ceiling by detention deputies and booking staff. Detention deputies helped Martin down. He was secured and is now being housed in another part of the facility.

Martin never left the secured facility. The Mesa County Detention Facility remains secure.

The damage to the ceiling is being assessed and repairs are being scheduled.

Martin is facing new charges as a result of the incident.

This remains an active investigation.

Two arrested after late night armed robbery

MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 11:15 Thursday night, Mesa County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at a gas station at 3218 F Road.

The reporting party told deputies two people entered the store, one wearing a black sweatshirt and black pants, the other a red sweatshirt and a red bandana over their face. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim, and then both of them took the cash register drawer and ran away from the area on foot.

Through the course of the investigation, one of the suspects was quickly identified. Deputies and Colorado State Patrol troopers quickly surrounded and secured the suspect’s known address on the 600 block of Leah Ct. An emergency notification to shelter in place was sent to 518 phone numbers registered in the area.

All of the occupants came outside of the house. Two suspects were arrested, they are identified as juveniles.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence. Investigators recovered a replica weapon, and other evidence related to the robbery.

The two juveniles were transported to the Department of Youth Services. Charges stemming from this incident are pending. The District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine the appropriate charges.

This case is still under investigation.