Press Releases
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January 6, 2012

Garfield County, Colorado: On Friday, January 6, 2012, at approximately 3:17 p.m., Rifle Fire Protection District was notified of a structure fire located at 3063 State Highway 325 in Rifle, Colorado. No injuries were reported and there are no obvious signs of arson at this time, however; fire officials are currently on scene investigating the cause of the fire.

Rifle Fire Protection District responded with two fire engines, two water tenders, an ambulance, a command vehicle and 13 firefighters. Burning Mountains Fire Protection District responded with a water tender and two attendees. Other agencies on scene include: Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies, Victim Response Team Specialist and Animal Control Deputy, State Patrol Officer and Colorado Department of Transportation.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

 

 

December 14, 2011

Garfield County, Colorado: On Friday, December 9th, 2011, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Garfield County Emergency Communications advised Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies of a dark colored sport utility type vehicle driving erratically on I-70. After running the plate on the vehicle, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Grand Junction. Within 15 minutes, deputies were able to locate the stolen vehicle on County Road 315, where a short vehicle pursuit developed. The pursuit was called off at approximately mile marker 3.2 on County Road 315. Within minutes, deputies located the stolen Honda Ridgeline crashed into a stack of metal pipes, which were a part of a pipeline under construction. Before deputies arrive on scene, the driver left the scene on foot. The first deputy to arrive on the scene of the accident was a certified tracking canine team and a track for the suspect began immediately. Canine Bak and his handler tracked the area for approximately one hour in freezing conditions. The canine team was called off and Garfield County Sheriff’s Detectives were called to photograph and process the scene.

A little over three hours later, at 10:52 p.m., Garfield County Emergency Communications contacted Sheriff’s Deputies about a burglary in progress at a residence in the area of mile marker 1 on County Road 352, southeast of the Garfield County Regional Airport and approximately a mile and a half north of the crash site. The home owner noticed suspicious activity when they left the door unlocked and came home to a locked house. When deputies arrived at the residence, they noticed several shoeprints track out the back door. Jewelry and clothing were stolen from the house. Deputies also noticed that the shoe prints recovered from the pursuit scene were identical to the shoe prints at the home burglary. Another certified tracking canine team, Ejon and his handler were deployed and tracked the suspect for approximately one hour, ending at the East access gate to the Garfield County Regional Airport.

As deputies continued to search the Garfield County Regional Airport area for the suspect, at approximately 12:57 a.m., two deputies observed a silver and red Chevy Suburban driving northbound on the airport tarmac. At that moment, the vehicle began to reverse at a high rate of speed and headed towards the airplane hangars. Deputies followed the suspect and attempted to detain him and the vehicle at gunpoint between two of the hangars. At which point, the suspect failed to comply with verbal commands and drove the vehicle around the deputies. This initiated a second vehicle pursuit, westbound on the Garfield County Regional Airport Tamarac. Deputies immediately notified the airport to shut down air traffic to the runway. The suspect traveled north across the airport runway and traveled down the embankment, taking out approximately 50 yards of airport perimeter fence. The vehicle eventually came to a rest at the bottom of the hill, near the bottom of County Road 346. The suspect again fled from the vehicle eastbound on foot. As deputies searched the area, they discovered the suspect hiding in the brush, where he was then taken into custody.

During their investigation, deputies collected evidence, associating all three crime scenes. Lewis was transported to Grand River Hospital and was treated for injuries sustained in both vehicle crashes.

Damage to the Garfield County Regional Airport is estimated at $1,500.00.

For charges, see attached booking card. No further information will be released at this time, as this case has been filed with the District Attorney’s Office.

 

 

 

 

 

December 12, 2011 – Update 10:20 p.m.

Garfield County, Colorado: On Monday, December 12, 2011, at approximately 4:10 p.m., a Garfield County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a welfare check at a residence on West Bank Road, located in the West Bank subdivision outside Glenwood Springs, Colorado. When the Garfield County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to make contact with the resident, the resident open fired, shooting several rounds at the deputy. The deputy avoided being shot by taking cover behind his patrol vehicle, which was struck multiple times by gunfire. The deputy immediately notified the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center of shots fired and began to secure the area.

Law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions responded to the scene and began evacuating residents in the immediate area. The Garfield County Emergency Communications Center sent an Everbridge emergency message to the landline of residents in a three block radius asking residents to shelter in place.

The Garfield County All Hazard Response Team was able to approach the residence and establish communications with the suspect under the protection of the All Hazards Response Team, BearCat. Once negotiators made contact with the suspect via phone, negotiators asked the suspect to surrender and follow instructions given by the All Hazards Tactical Team situated outside the residence. The suspect complied and exited the front of house, completing the surrender to the tactical team without incident.

It is the practice of this multijurisdictional team, AHRT, when possible, to begin with negotiations, in an attempt to resolve all situations peacefully.

“I’m thankful no one was hurt and for the quick response from all responding law enforcement agencies. I have a great deal of confidence in the decision making of my deputies in these situations. Because of our commitment to training and equipment, we can safely work toward a peaceful resolution. I would also like to thank the citizens and media for their cooperation during this incident,” says Sheriff Lou Vallario.

Incidents like this remind us all how important it is to get all Garfield County residents signed up on the Everbridge emergency notification system. This system supports continued communication with residents affected during a crisis in our community. Please go to www.garco911.org and register yourself and your family today.

Agencies involved include: Garfield County Emergency Communications Center, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Glenwood Springs Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Garfield County All Hazards Response Team, Eagle County Special Operations Unit, Silt Police Department, Rifle Police Department and the Carbondale Police Department.

Below you will find the suspect’s booking photo. Craig Dance, a 61 year old Garfield County resident is still in the process of being booked into the Garfield County Jail. Booking card with charges will be released tomorrow, 12/13/11.

Dance Booking Photo

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December 12, 2011 – Update 7:25 p.m.

Garfield County, Colorado: Suspect is in custody without incident. Residents should be able to return to their homes in the next 30 minutes.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

# # #

December 12, 2011

Garfield County, Colorado: On Monday, December 12, 2011, at approximately 4:10 p.m., a Garfield County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a welfare check at a residence on West Bank Road, located in the West Bank subdivision outside Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The incident led to an officer involved shooting. At this time, there are no reported injuries and the suspect has barricaded himself in the residence. The Garfield County All Hazards Response Team and their crisis negotiators are on scene.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is asking all residents in the area to stay in their homes and any residents along the West Bank Road to secure their homes and shelter in a safe location inside, away from windows or in their basements.

The Garfield County Emergency Communications Center sent out an Everbridge Emergency information message to residents in the area and will follow up when it is safe to leave or return to their homes.

The identity of the suspect is not being released at this time, and further information will be released as it becomes available.




November 18, 2011

Garfield County, Colorado: On November 1st, 2011 the Garfield County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Deputy was notified by the United States Forest Service of several underfed, possibly sick, horses at the Budge’s Flattops Wilderness Lodge, which is located at Forest Service Road 600, Gypsum, 81637. After further investigation by Animal Control Deputies, it was determined that the animals were being neglected by the owner of the lodge, Larry Gene Parks. A representative from the United States Forest Service went to the ranch and took several pictures of the neglected horses and provided the photos to law enforcement. The pictures supported the claims of neglect and animal cruelty.

On November 8th, 2011 the Eagle County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Protections, who reported potential neglected horses at 14533 Highway 6, Gypsum, Colorado. This report stemmed from a connected investigation in Garfield County.

Upon contacting the property care taker at 14533 Highway 6, Gypsum, it was determined that the horse in question of neglect, belonged to Larry Parks, age 63, and that the property care taker was allowing the horses on the property, in order to feed them.

On November 10th, 2011, Garfield County Sheriff's Office Animal Control deputies obtained a warrant for Larry Gene Parks charging him with Cruelty to Animals. At that time, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, along with the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Protections executed a search warrant for the property located in Gypsum. The search resulted in two of the horses being seized for treatment and one treated in the field. The rest of the horses were removed from the Budge’s Flattops Wilderness Lodge and are currently in the care of Larry Gene Parks.

Parks was taken into custody on November 14th, 2011 by Garfield County Sheriff’s Deputies and served a summons for three counts of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty by Eagle County Deputies. Parks immediately posted bonded with a $2,500 cash surety. Parks is scheduled to appear before a judge on November 30, 2011.

No further information will be released at this time. This case has been filed with the District Attorneys office.



The mission of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is to provide solutions for the people by utilizing and employing strong morals, good character, untarnished integrity, technical knowledge and fiscal responsibility through professional, ethical and equitable conduct.
 
CONTACT:
Tanny McGinnis
Community Relations
Garfield County Sheriff's Office
107 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: (970) 309-9248
Email: tmcginnis@garcosheriff.com

Press Release Archives

 


Click on any of the links below to open up an archived Press Release sent out by the Garfield County Sheriff's Office Community / Media Relations Department.

 


11.18.11 Animal Cruelty Arrest

11.17.11 Eluding Update
11.12.11 Eluding
11.04.11 Local Law Enforcement Uncover Latino Gang Auto Theft Ring
10.25.11 Community Wildfire Protection Plan
10.21.11 Salmonsen Arrest
09.12.11 Sheriff's Office Hosts Vaccine Clinic
08.31.11 Sheriff's Office 9/11 Ceremony
08.25.11 Sheriff's Office Offers Sex Offender Website
08.12.11 Auxiliary Golf Tournament
07.28.11 Community Prevention Notification
07.26.11 Sheriff's Office Organizing National Night Out Event
06.29.11 Tips For Staying Safe This 4th of July
06.23.11 Multi-Jurisdiction Gang Enforcement Operation
06.09.11 River Flooding Update
06.01.11 Garfield County High Water Information
05.27.11 Rifle Bank Robbery
05.18.11 Equine Herpes Virus in Colorado
05.11.11 Sexually Violent Predator, Ronald Noel, In Custody
05.09.11 ACLU Case Dismissed
05.02.11 Dogs Only Vaccine Clinic
04.05.11 CRHS Pre-Prom Alcohol Awareness & Education
04.01.11 Philip Amonette Shooting Update
04.01.11 CCW Online Certificates
03.22.11 Carbondale PD Suicide
03.22.11 Sheriff's Office Investigating Possible Suicide in Carbondale
03.16.11 Sheriff Returns 3 Million to County
02.19.11 Marcus Bebb-Jones Arrives in Garfield County
11.12.10 Sheriff's Employees Receive Prestigious Awards
10.23.10 Rifle Police Officer Shot, Alleged Shooter in Custody
10.18.10 Personal Safety Training for All Ages
10.08.10 State-of-the-Art FRED Assists in Busting Child Porn Suspect
10.01.10 Community Education on Gangs and Their Local Impacts
09.16.10 2010 Garfield County Crime Stoppers Community Report
09.15.10 Investigators Find Stolen Solar Panels and Batteries, Arrests Made

09.07.10 Sheriff's Office Staff Recognizes Leader
08.06.10 Rash of Thefts from Well Pads in Garfield County
08.05.10 US District Court Rules in Favor of Law Enforcement
08.01.10 Arizona Escapee, Daniel Renwick, Captured
07.30.10 National Night Out & Touch-a-Truck Event
07.29.10 Community Education on Gangs and Their Local Impacts
07.23.10 River Rescue Operation Suspended
07.22.10 River Rescue
07.16.10 GarCo Sheriff's Office Organizing Local National Night Out Event
07.14.10 GarCo Sheriff's Office Signs Response Agreement with Search & Rescue Team
07.09.10 Grand Opening of New Garfield County Sheriff's Annex in Rifle
07.02.10 Sheriff's Deputies, Dog Arrest Mesa County Registered Sex Offender
06.23.10 Body Recovered From River Identified
06.19.10 Busy Weekend for Garfield County SAR Team
06.10.10 Bebb-Jones Closer To Extradition
06.03.10 River Rescue Operation Suspended After Second Day
06.02.10 River Rescue Operation To Continue
05.27.10 Crime Stoppers - Suspected Catherine Store Burglar
05.13.10 Sheriff Vallario Succeeds in Persuading CSU to Lower Fire Fees
05.11.10 Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Garfield County Sheriff's Office
05.06.10 River Mission Concludes
05.05.10 River Mission
03.17.10 Family Safety Education on Sex Offenders in Our Area
03.12.10 Sex Offender Carlyle Arrest
03.02.10 2009 Sheriff's Office Budget Savings
03.01.10 VINE Announcement

02.16.10 "Just the Facts" - Fire Fees
01.31.10 "Crime Stoppers" - Unsolved Crime
12.29.09 Model Traffic Code
12.22.09 CSOC Scholarship
12.21.09 GCSO K-9 Tracks Suspect
11.19.09 Cold Case Murder Arrest
11.13.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Animal Cruelty
11.13.09 Animal Cruelty - Horse Shot
10.26.09 "Operation Shepherd" - Sex Offender Sweep
10.24.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 4
10.24.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 3
10.24.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 2
10.24.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 1
09.23.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Crime of the Month
09.15.09 "Search & Rescue" - Cline Top Mesa & Coffee Pot
09.15.09 Mock Crisis Drill
09.13.09 Mineota Wildfire
09.11.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Crime of the Month
09.09.09 Indecent Exposure Incidents
09.09.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Do You Know This Man?
09.04.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Flasher
08.25.09 "TRIDENT" Cattle Creek Marijuana Siezure
08.25.09 "Search & Rescue" - Mullen Gulch
08.21.09 Life Saving Award Presentation Ceremony
08.20.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Voyeurism
08.19.09 Cave Clean Up
07.30.09 Police Impersonator Booking Photo
07.30.09 Police Impersonator Arrested
07.28.09 National Night Out
07.23.09 "Search & Rescue" - Base Jumper Photos
07.23.09 "Search & Rescue" - Base Jumper
07.15.09 Burke Lawsuit Dismissal
07.10.09 Colorado / Utah (Roan Cliffs) Fire Update
07.09.09 Colorado / Utah (Roan Cliffs) Fire
07.06.09 Animal Licensing & Vaccination Drive
07.01.09 "TAG" - Battlement Mesa Gang Presentation
06.27.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Annual Rafting Trip
06.25.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Homicide
06.23.09 Courthouse Bomb Threat Update
06.23.09 Courthouse Bomb Threat
06.22.09 "Search & Rescue" - Coulter Mesa
06.19.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Victim Identified
06.15.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 5
06.14.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 4
06.13.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 3
06.13.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 2
06.12.09 Canyon Creek Homicide Update 1
06.12.09 Canyon Creek Homicide
06.10.09 "Search & Rescue" - Stillwater Ranch
06.01.09 Juvenile Vehicle Pursuit
06.01.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Crime of the Month
05.29.09 "TRIDENT" - Danielle Trujillo
05.26.09 "Wanted" - Ruben Nevarez-Lopez
05.17.09 "Crime Stoppers" - Donation by Sheriff's Auxilliary
05.15.09 Lottery Scam
05.11.09 Animal Licensing & Vaccination Drive
03.29.09 Colorado River Island Wildfire
03.20.09 Inmate Death
03.14.09 "Search & Rescue" - Bison Lake
03.12.09 "TAG" - Threat Assessment Group
03.10.09 Impersonation of a Deputy