Arrest made in recent auto theft and car break-ins in Orchard Mesa

Rodion Hightower, 24
MCSO Photo 12-10-19

MESA COUNTY, Colo - Rodion Hightower, 24, of Grand Junction was taken into custody Tuesday after a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Hightower is facing the following charges:

• First Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (F4)
• Fraud – Identity Theft – Uses Info to Obtain (F4)
• 6 Counts of First Degree Criminal Trespass of Auto (F5)
• Criminal Impersonation (F6)
• Criminal Possession of a Financial Device (F6)
• Theft $750-$2,000 (M1)
• Theft $350-$750 (M2)
• Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device

Surveillance footage 

The charges stem from several theft from autos and an auto theft that occurred between 11/30/2019 and 12/05/2019 in the Orchard Mesa area between 28 and 28 ½ Roads. Surveillance footage from Rimrock Walmart showed a white male wearing an Alice in Wonderland  hooded sweatshirt attempting to make a purchase with a credit card stolen from one of the vehicles. Photos were released to the public via social media in an attempt to identify the subject. Numerous tips were sent in and investigators confirmed the subject’s identity to be Rodion Hightower.

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

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for sending in tips. Remember tips or information about any crime can be reported anytime to Mesa County Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP.