Wednesday, February 24, 2021

MESA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAUNCH DIGITAL CRIME FIGHTING TOOL

****This Blog is No Longer Updated. For the latest information follow us on CRIMEWATCH.******


New website offers direct access to crime and public safety-related information

MESA COUNTY, Colo – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the launch of a new interactive website and mobile app to give community members an easier, more effective way to stay informed and help fight crime.

The new Mesa County Sheriff’s Office CRIMEWATCH website was developed in partnership with CRIMEWATCH Technologies and is part of the CRIMEWATCH Network (crimewatch.net). This new website and mobile app work in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office’s existing website to give the public direct access to crime and public safety-related information. Community members can use CRIMEWATCH to learn more about crime occurring in their specific neighborhood as well as ways to prevent crime and prepare for emergencies.

“It is vital for any law enforcement agency to work in partnership with the community they serve. I’m pleased the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office can offer this new public safety tool and excited about its potential. We hope community members will feel empowered with this new technology to partner with us in finding new ways to reduce crime and create safer neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Matt Lewis.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is the first Colorado-based law enforcement agency to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network; a communications platform developed specifically for law enforcement agencies that allow for direct engagement with community members.

This free resource allows Mesa County residents and businesses to do the following:
  • Sign up for customized alerts about emergencies and crime happening in your neighborhood,
  • Connect directly with deputies,
  • Learn about ways to help prevent crime and spot the latest scams,
  • Easily submit tips,
  • Collaborate with law enforcement to solve crime using existing security systems. Learn more about the camera registry program here.
  • View recent cases, arrests, and wanted lists,
  • Learn ways to prepare for emergencies and potential disasters,
  • Share information with others through social media, and
  • Get connected with resources and services.

Community members are strongly encouraged to visit MesaSheriffCrimewatch.org, connect with Sheriff’s Office social media sites, and/or download CRIMEWATCH Mobile for free from the Apple or Android App Store.

Current subscribers of MCSONews.com will automatically be subscribed to CRIMEWATCH. We encourage followers to customize their notifications by clicking here. MCSONews.com will no longer be updated.

For more information or to view the new Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Website visit MesaSheriffCrimewatch.org, or to learn more about CRIMEWATCH visit crimewatch.net.

Monday, February 22, 2021

New Online Service for Concealed Handgun Permit Applications

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is now offering an online process for Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) applications.

Mesa County residents can now apply for, renew, and submit payment for their CHP electronically from the convenience of their desktop or mobile phone. The online service, Permitium, takes applicants through the online application and then schedules an in-person appointment. During the scheduled appointment at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, applicants will be fingerprinted and have their photo taken to complete the CHP application process.

“We want to be respectful of people’s time and provide better customer service. During peak times, people have had to wait more than an hour. We are looking to reduce that to less than 20 minutes,” said Records Administrator Donna Draper. “This new service moves the application process online where it can be completed at your convenience.”

The online CHP application process is now live. Residents are encouraged to have a copy handy of their Colorado Government photo ID and training certificate before beginning the application.


Start your application here.


As of February 22, 2021, all New and Renewal applications are required to be submitted electronically. No walk-in appointments will be available.

Thank you for your patience while we make this transition.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Grand Junction man arrested after running from deputies

CLIFTON, Colo - At approximately 1:15 Thursday afternoon, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a person checking door handles and possibly trying to break into cars in a neighborhood near Cottonwood Lake Drive and D ½ Road.

When deputies arrived and approached the female, she got into a Toyota sedan with three other people. The car took off at a high rate of speed.

The Toyota was ultimately located in the area of 29 Road and Orchard Ave. The driver stopped the car and ran away on foot. Deputies located the adult male and arrested him without incident. Charges for reckless driving and eluding are pending further investigation.

The three remaining passengers are believed to have exited the car en route to 29 Road. One passage was detained and later released. Deputies are looking to identify the two other people believed to be in the car including the female who was reportedly seen checking door handles. If you have information about their identities or this crime, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707. You can also send information to Mesa County Crime Stoppers (970) 241-STOP.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

DA Review of CIRT Investigation Complete


The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).

The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has completed its investigation of the
October 11, 2020 officer-involved shooting and turned it over to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The review of the investigation is complete and the findings can be viewed here.

All officer-involved shootings in Mesa County are investigated by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, which is comprised of representatives of the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Corrections, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. CIRT is activated when a law enforcement agency is involved in a critical incident to ensure an independent investigation. Because Grand Junction Police Department personnel was involved in this incident, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office is leading this investigation on behalf of CIRT.

Both officers involved have returned to work, however, one officer is still recovering from injuries sustained during the incident and is performing transitional duties until cleared for full duty.

For previous press releases about this incident, click here.

Friday, January 29, 2021

Barricaded subject in protective custody

ORCHARD MESA, Colo - At approximately 8:00 this morning Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a person in crisis causing damage to vehicles in an Orchard Mesa neighborhood.

When deputies arrived, the person barricaded themselves into a residence on the 2900 block of Jon Hall in Orchard Mesa. A Mesa County Sheriff’s Office crisis intervention trained negotiator and Mind Springs Mobile Clinician were called to assist with the individual experiencing a crisis.

A Community Notification to shelter-in-place was sent to residents with a quarter-mile. Nearby schools were not affected. The shelter-in-place has been lifted.

Ultimately, the person was taken into protective custody. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, free services are available 24/7/365. Call 844.493.TALK (8255), Text: TALK to 38255 or visit ColoradoCrisisServices.org for help.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Update: Homicide suspect now in custody

Frank Kurtz, 56
MCSO Photo
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Today, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Frank Kurtz, 56, in connection with the homicide of Marcos Bencomo on January 21, 2021.

This morning investigators located Kurtz and Charity Perschbacher, 37, while following up on leads about their whereabouts. Law enforcement located the pair walking in Clifton. Both were taken into custody without incident in the area of 32 3/8 Road and White Ave.

Kurtz was arrested on an outstanding warrant for the charges of Murder in the First Degree (F1) and Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (F5).

Charity Perschbacher, 37
MCSO Photo
Perschbacher, who investigators were seeking as a person of interest, was also arrested. She’s facing felony drug and weapon possession charges related to the shooting. 

Over the last seven days of extensive investigation and searches, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the assistance and cooperation in this case by the Grand Junction Police Department, the Western Colorado Drug Task Force, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigation, the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center, the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Hollister Police Department (CA) and our community.

The case remains under investigation.

Kurtz and Perschbacher are being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts, visit our website.

For more information about this case, click here.

Monday, January 25, 2021

Update: Arrest warrant obtained for suspect in White Ave homicide

Frank Kurtz, 56
Wanted
MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigators have obtained a warrant for the arrest of Frank Kurtz related to the White Ave shooting on January 21, 2021.

The arrest warrant is for the charges of Murder in the First Degree (F1) and Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (F5).

Kurtz is described as a 56-year-old man, 5’10” and weighs 175 pounds with black hair, brown eyes with visible tattoos.

Investigators are still seeking to speak with Charity E. Perschbacher as a person of interest. Perschbacher is described as a 37-year old white female, 5’05” and weighs 200 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Charity E. Perschbacher, 37
Person of Interest

Both are considered armed and dangerous. If seen, do not approach and call 911.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707.

All documents related to this case have been sealed by the court.

For previous press releases about this case, click here.

September shooting now a homicide

Update:

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has completed its examination regarding the death of Hugo Pablo Rodriguez, a 20-year-old male resident of Fruita. Mr. Rodriguez sustained a gunshot wound during a shooting on the 3100 block of Orson Ave on September 20, 2020. He died at a hospital on January 14, 2021. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has determined the cause of death to be complications of a gunshot wound of the head and the manner of death to be homicide.

This shooting occurred at a large gathering. Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigators are encouraging members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

If you have information about this homicide, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office tip line (970) 244-3526.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

For previous releases about this case click here.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

MCSO investigating overnight shooting

MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to numerous reports of shots fired in the Candlewood Mobile Home Park (424 32 Rd, Clifton, CO).

Deputies arrived in the area and found numerous shell casings in the roadway and two homes that had been shot. One adult victim was identified. They were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital and have since been released.

At this point in the investigation, investigators believe this was a targeted shooting and not random.

The shooter(s) is believed to have left the area in a 4-door black passenger car. Investigators are seeking information and video of the incident. If you have video of the vehicle in the area around the time of the shooting or information about this incident, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

MCSO looking to speak with two individuals related to today’s shooting

January 25, 2021 Update: 

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has completed its examination regarding the death of Marcos Bencomo, a 36-year-old male resident of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mr. Bencomo was the male shot on White Avenue near 32 3/8 Road on January 21, 2021. The cause of death is gunshot wound of the head and the manner of death is homicide. Toxicology is pending at this time.

Investigators are looking to speak with two persons of interest related to this shooting. Frank W. Kurtz, 56 and Charity E. Perschbacher, 37. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707. 

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MESA COUNTY, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred around 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon outside of a residence on White Ave near 32 3/8 Road.

When deputies arrived, an adult male was found with a gunshot wound. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene.

Rocky Mountain Elementary School was put on shelter-in-place as a precaution while deputies investigated. School Resource Officers helped assist with the reunification process.

Witnesses reported seeing a black Jeep Liberty leave the scene. Deputies located the vehicle matching the description abandoned in the parking lot for the Clifton Nature Park on D Road.

Deputies searched the area with the assistance of the Grand Junction Police Department K-9, Colorado State Patrol, Grand Junction Regional Communication Center’s Incident Dispatch Team, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The person(s) who left the car is believed to be no longer in the area.

Investigators are looking to speak with two persons of interest related to this shooting. Frank W. Kurtz, 56 and Charity E. Perschbacher, 37.

Kurtz is described as a 56-year-old man, 5’10” and weighs 175 pounds with black hair, brown eyes with visible tattoos. 

Perschbacher is described as a 37-year old white female, 5’05” and weighs 200 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Both are considered armed and dangerous. If seen, do not approach and call 911.

Investigators are also asking the public if you have information about this incident or have video of the black Jeep in the area during the time of the incident to contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707.

The Mesa County Coroner’s Office is responsible for releasing the identity of the deceased as well as the cause and manner of death once next of kin is notified.

This remains an active investigation. 

 Charity E. Perschbacher, 37
Person of Interest
Frank W. Kurtz, 56
Person of Interest
 
Frank W. Kurtz, 56
Person of Interest



Thursday, January 7, 2021

Palisade Rim Trail now open

MESA COUNTY, Colo – After an extensive search of the area around the Palisade Rim Trail for a suspect, the hiking area is now back open to the public.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies began looking for an assault and attempted robbery suspect yesterday morning after a hiker reported the incident on the trail.

Multiple law enforcement agencies searched the area extensively on foot, with a K-9 unit, drones, and a multi-mission aircraft with inferred equipment. Investigators are confident the suspect is no longer in the area.

The investigation into the initial incident remains on-going.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind people recreating in our community to remain vigilant and take basic safety precautions.
  • If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 911
  • Have a plan on where you are going and when you expect to return and share it with someone not recreating with you
  • Recreate with another person or in a group
  • Dress for the weather and take plenty of water
  • Carry a charged cell phone
For more recreation safety information, visit Sheriff.MesaCounty.us

For the previous press release about this incident click here.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Palisade Rim Trail remains closed while MCSO searches for suspect

MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 10:25 a.m. Wednesday, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault and attempted robbery about a half a mile into the Palisade Rim Trail.

A woman reported an unknown individual struck her with a rock and attempted to take her keys while hiking on the trail. She was able to get away and call for help. She sustained minor injuries.

Deputies in the area immediately began searching for the suspect. Several agencies are assisting with the search, including Mesa County Search and Rescue, Grand Junction Police Department K-9 Unit, Palisade Police Department, Grand Junction Regional Communication Center’s Incident Dispatch Team, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

The suspect is described as an adult male, approximately 5’6-5’7, wearing a dark multi-colored jacket and a black face covering. If seen, please call 911. 

Residents of the Rapid Creek Road area are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The Palisade Rim Trail is temporarily closed to the public. Please avoid the area until further notice.

As a reminder, here are recommended safety precautions to follow when recreating:
  • Have a plan on where you are going and when you expect to return
  • Share your plan with someone not recreating with you
  • Recreate with another person or in a group
  • Dress for the weather and take plenty of water
  • Carry a charged cell phone
For more recreating safety tips, visit Sheriff.MesaCounty.us