Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Update: One dead in Fruitvale shooting








9/29/20 Update: The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation in the August 8th, 2020 Fruitvale shooting and turned it over the 21st District Attorney’s Office for review.

On September 28th, 2020, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office received a letter from District Attorney Dan Rubinstein declining prosecution based on the Colorado "Make-my-day" statute, C.R.S. 18-1-704.5. View the letter here.

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Update: The Mesa County Coroner's Office released the following statement:

"The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has completed its examination regarding the death of Fredrick Price, a 23-year-old male resident of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mr. Price was the male involved in the shooting that occurred on August 8, 2020 in the 600 block of Grand Valley Drive Grand Junction, Colorado. The cause of death is gunshot wound of the chest and the manner of death is homicide. Toxicology is pending at this time.

The law enforcement agency overseeing this investigation is the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact them for any further details regarding this case."






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MESA COUNTY, Colo: On 08/08/20 at approximately 2:45 am, deputies were dispatch to a residence in the 600 block of Grand Valley Drive for a shooting. 

A male was found deceased inside of the home and had suffered a gunshot wound. Initial investigation has shown the deceased male does not live at the home, forced entry was present into the home and the deceased male is not known to the people who reside there.

Investigators are interviewing the residents, speaking with neighbors, processing the scene and will work closely with the Mesa County Coroner’s Office to identify the deceased. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.

If anyone has any information about the case, please call the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 970-244-3526.

This case remains under investigation.

Friday, September 25, 2020

Grand Junction Man arrested in connection with overnight stabbing

Thomas Dean Brown, 52
MCSO Photo 9-1-20
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s investigators make an arrest related to an overnight stabbing in Grand Junction.

Thomas Dean Brown, 52, of Grand Junction, was arrested Friday on the charge of Assault in the First Degree with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily Injury.

At approximately 1:18 Friday morning, the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center received a call of an injured person bleeding from the neck who needed assistance. Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence on the 500 block of Placer Drive to assist medical personnel.  Deputies quickly determined an assault had occurred.

A 54-year-old man with a serious injury to his neck was transported to St. Mary’s hospital and has since been released.

Through the course of the investigation, suspect information was developed. Brown was located and arrested without incident. Brown was treated for injuries reportedly sustained during the initial incident then booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

For updated bond amounts, visit our website.

Monday, September 21, 2020

SVP Community Notification - Privette & Gallegos

Sexually Violent Predators Move into County

Willie Privette Jr, 40
MCSO Photo 9-21-20
MESA COUNTY, Colo. -- This public notice is intended to make our community aware that a registered sex offender, classified as a sexually violent predator has moved into Mesa County. Further details about these offenders can be found on our website. Click here and choose the offender's Community Bulletin.

A 'sexually violent predator' is a term used by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board, who classifies a convicted sex offender with this additional descriptor. 

Willie Privette Jr., 40, of Whitewater, is moving back into Mesa County after recently completing a sentence for failing to register. Privette has served his convicted sentence as ordered by a Judge. Willie Privette registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, per compliance with registration laws. 

Jose Elizario Gallegos, 69, of Grand Junction, is moving into Mesa County after previously living in the City of Grand Junction.  Gallegos has served his convicted sentence as ordered by a Judge. Jose Elizario Gallegos registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, per compliance with registration laws. 

Jose Elizario Gallegos, 69
MCSO Photo 9-14-20

All community notification bulletins for all current SVPs registered with our agency are on our agency website, to view them, click here. In addition, we highly recommend you watch a 12-minute video that talks about SVPs and all registered sex offenders, resources, and other useful information specific to Mesa County. For current information on all registered sex offenders in Mesa County, visit our website.

If you have information regarding the current criminal activity of this or any other offender, please call 911 for an emergency. If you observe this offender engaging in any high risk or inappropriate behavior, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, patrol units, by calling 911 or (970) 242-6707. If you have questions or need education handouts, please contact Mesa County Sex Offender Registrar LeeAnn Camp at (970) 244-3206, or her direct supervisor Sgt. Justin Bynum (970) 244-3973.

Most sex crimes are never reported and most offenders are never detected. The greatest risk of a sex offense is from people you know. The information provided herein (on the embedded community bulletin) is current and accurate as of the date but is subject to change.

The purpose of this notification is to enhance public safety and protection. Vigilantism, or use of this information to harass, threaten or intimidate anyone associated with this notification will not be tolerated.

This law enforcement agency has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may live (however, we make it public information so citizens can be aware and educate themselves). Unless court restrictions exist, they are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose. Sex offenders have always lived in our community, but they were not required to notify law enforcement of their residence until registration laws were implemented pursuant to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act. Law enforcement may now share that information with members of the community, and in the case of sexually violent predators, law enforcement must actively notify citizens. This blog posting is only one of the means we are getting this information out to citizens of Mesa County.

Sunday, September 20, 2020

MCSO investigating overnight shooting

9/21/20 UPDATE: Investigators are looking for potential witnesses to the shooting that occurred early Sunday morning outside a residence on the 3100 block of Orson Ave.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who attended the party Saturday night into Sunday morning and may have witnessed the incident to call our witness tip line (970) 244-3526. 

If you have video or information about this shooting, you are also asked to call the witness tip line (970) 244-3526. 

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MESA COUNTY, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at a large party early Sunday morning in the Fruitvale area.

Just after midnight, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 3100 block of Orson Ave for a report of multiple shots fired outside a residence.

Within minutes, deputies arrived and secured the area. A 20-year-old male was found with a gunshot wound. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is still in its early stages. However, investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators have determined a large number of people were at the party, and a fight did occur. Investigators are working to identify the individuals involved and if the fight was related to the shooting.

This remains an active ongoing investigation. The scene is still being processed and investigators are actively interviewing potential witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding this shooting.

If you attended the party or have video related to this incident, investigators would like to speak with you. Please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office by calling non-emergency dispatch (970) 242-6707.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Fire Restrictions move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 September 18th

MESA COUNTY, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office, and the Colorado National Monument are reducing fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 18th, 2020. This applies to all of Mesa County, including the Colorado National Monument and BLM administered public lands. Land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, including the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forests, remains in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. 

Recent rain combined with shorter days and longer cooler nights have improved the extreme fire danger enough to support moving from Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Stage 1. Agencies implement fire restrictions based on specific criteria to include the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors, and firefighting resource availability. Mesa County recently received 1.0 to 1.25 inches of precipitation. As we move into fall, the longer nights provide a better opportunity for vegetation moisture levels to recover.

Allowed under Stage 1 not previously allowed under Stage 2:
  • The use of charcoal grills
  • Campfires inside designated and developed fire pits or fire rings
  • Smoking outside in an area free of combustible materials
While last week’s storms have helped ease fire danger, it was not a fire-season ending event. Mesa County is experiencing extreme drought conditions with no forecasted relief anytime soon. The potential still exists for dangerous wildfires this fall. Community members are asked to continue to be vigilant and remain cautious when using fire outdoors, especially in heavily grassy areas. The public can help significantly reduce human-caused fires by being proactive with activities that could ignite a wildfire.

Preventing wildfires:
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Extinguish fire pits and campfires in designated fire rings and ensure they are completely out and cold to the touch
  • Properly dispose of cigarettes
  • When pulling a trailer, make sure the chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging
  • Check your tire pressure and brakes. An exposed wheel rim or too thin brake pads can cause sparks.
A reminder, fireworks are never permitted on public land. Wood fires are never permitted anywhere on the Colorado National Monument.

Conditions will continue to be monitored, and restrictions will be adjusted accordingly should it change.

What Stage I Fire Restrictions Mean

Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.

Campfires are ONLY allowed in designated and developed fire pits or fire rings.

Smoking
in open areas is not allowed EXCEPT within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.

While the restrictions do not impact most shooting sports, explosive targets are prohibited.


Open Burning

The open burning of yard waste or fields is prohibited EXCEPT for agricultural burns with a Sheriff Issued Burn Permit. The Sheriff’s Fire Marshal will conduct an onsite inspection of each planned burn BEFORE a Permit is issued to ensure all safety precautions are met. If they are not met, and conditions do not allow for a safe burn a permit will NOT be issued and any agricultural burn will be in violation of the fire restrictions in place. Applications for a Sheriff issued burn permit can be found here.


Federal Lands

The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands. Wood fires are never permitted anywhere on the Colorado National Monument.


Penalties

Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment up to 18 months. Other possible charges include Fourth Degree Arson (M2) and Intentionally Setting a Wildfire (F3). You may also be held financially responsible for damage caused.

 View Interactive Fire Restrictions Map at bit.ly/Fire_Restrictions



Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Deputies involved in Loma officer-involved shooting identified

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is identifying the two MCSO deputies involved in the officer-involved shooting that occurred on the morning of August 29, 2020.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies who discharged their duty firearm during this incident are Deputy Brandon Barry and Deputy Justin Rolbiecki.

Deputy Brandon Barry is a 5-year veteran of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office currently assigned to patrol. Deputy Justin Rolbiecki is a 4-year veteran of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office currently assigned to patrol.

As per standard protocol, Deputy Brandon Barry and Deputy Justin Rolbiecki will remain on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation that takes place independently of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) investigation.

The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. For information about the CIRT investigation, click here.

11/9/2020 Update:
The CIRT investigation was completed and turned over to the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Dan Rubinstein has completed his review of the investigation, and his findings can be reviewed here. 

Two Hunters rescued from snowstorm on the Uncompahgre

MESA COUNTY, Colo - At approximately 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center received an SOS message from a satellite emergency notification device.

Dispatchers determined a 50-year-old hunter and his 27-year-old son were lost in the snowstorm on the Uncompahgre.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team immediately responded to their GPS coordinates in the area of Kelso Point. Due to the remote location, an outfitter in the area was also called to help reach the two hunters quickly.

Both were found very cold but safe. With rapidly changing weather conditions, rescue crews attribute their safe return to the GPS emergency notification device they were carrying.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind anyone recreating or hunting in the wilderness to prepare for extreme temperature conditions, especially this time of year. Even if you are only going out for a short time, always be prepared with extra water, food, and clothes. GPS devices are an excellent tool to help navigate. Make sure you are familiar with the technology and using it before going out.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Man arrested after overnight crime spree

Jorge Robledo-Aispuro, 25 MCSO Photo 9-3-20
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jorge Robledo-Aispuro, 25, Thursday after an overnight crime spree involving stolen cars and theft.

At approximately 6:15 a.m., deputies were notified a red 1999 Chevy Tahoe was stolen from a residence on the 2800 block of Lexington Lane.

About two hours later, deputies located the stolen Tahoe along with a stolen trailer and other stolen property near where a second vehicle was reported stolen.  Witnesses reported seeing a man push the broken down Tahoe from Highway 50 to the area of the 700 block of Siminoe Road, then proceed to steal a blue Ford F150 at a nearby residence.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputies alerted the Delta County Sheriff’s Office about the stolen Ford F150, possibly headed in their direction. A short time later, the F150 was spotted by Delta County Sheriff’s Deputies driving on Highway 50. When they attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle came to a stop at the parking area of Escalante Canyon, in Delta County. Delta Sheriff’s Deputies were able to take the male, identified as Jorge Robledo-Aispuro, into custody.

Upon further investigation, deputies discovered additional crimes, including vandalism at a residence on the 200 block of Snyder Creek Road.

Robledo-Aispuro is facing the following charges:

  • 2 counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft F4

  • Vehicular Eluding F5

  • 1st Degree Criminal Trespass F5

  • Theft $5000-$20000 F5

  • Criminal Mischief $750-$1000 M1

  • Theft $750-$2000 M1

  • Obstructing a Peace Officer M2

  • Criminal Mischief $300-$750 M2

  • 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass M3

  • Criminal Mischief less than $300 M3

  • 2 counts of 3rd Degree Criminal Trespass

  • Driving Under Restraint

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank community members who shared their home surveillance video on the Neighbors App. This information was able to help deputies identify additional crimes related to this crime spree. This is a perfect example as to why residents are encouraged to report all crime, no matter how small. It could be a key piece to solving a much larger crime.   

Robledo-Aispuro is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For the latest bond amounts, visit our website.