Two arrested in connection with a theft from auto

Shawn Sutherland, 24
MCSO Photo 2-8-20

MESA COUNTY, Colo – As part of an effort to prevent crimes such as theft from vehicles, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies deployed bait operation equipment on Friday, February 7, 2020 in the area of Sara Lane and Mesa Ave.

Later that day, at approximately 2:30 pm deputies were alerted an item was stolen from a vehicle used in the bait operation. Deputies tracked the item to a home on the 500 block of Sara Lane.

Shawn Sutherland, 24, of Clifton was arrested and is facing the following charges:

• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class 6 Felony)
• First Degree Criminal Trespass of Auto (Class 5 Felony)
• Theft $50- $300 from Motor Vehicle (M3)

Michael Simpson, 38, of Clifton was arrested and is facing the following charge:

• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class 6 Felony)

Michael Simpson, 38
MCSO Photo 2-8-20

Both Sutherland and Simpson were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.


The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office utilizes bait operations as a proactive investigative tool to reduce property crime. Operations are conducted in areas where on-going criminal activity has been reported to specially target auto thieves and persons breaking and entering into cars with the intent to steal property. Bait operations give deputies a proactive way to identify suspects without a community member becoming a victim of a crime.

Remember, the best prevention of theft is to lock your car and remove all valuables.