Wildfire in West End of Montrose County

Jul 17, 2019 | MCOEM, MCSO News

Montrose, COLO. — Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is aware of a small wildfire approximately 3.5 miles north of Norwood on Deer Mesa on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM, MCSO deputies, San Miguel Sheriff’s Office deputies, Norwood Fire, Placerville Fire, and Telluride Fire Protection District’s Wildfire Crew are currently working the Nelson Ditch Fire. Two Single Engine Air Tanker (SEATs) and one helicopter have been ordered as air resources.

The Nelson Ditch Fire is estimated at 10-20 acres and moving northeast, and is not currently threatening any structures. The flame lengths are 30-40 feet and the fire is burning in pinyon-juniper fuels towards San Miguel Canyon area. There is a large amount of smoke in the area. Individuals with concerns for air quality should stay indoors, filter air through an air conditioning unit or evaporative cooler, and avoid exercise or strenuous activities in smoky conditions.

There are currently horses being evacuated in the area as well. The San Miguel County Fairgrounds is accepting evacuated horses. Please contact DeeAnna Burbridge at 970-428-3303 to arrange accommodations at the fairgrounds.
Fire updates will be posted to westslopefireinfo.com.

Please avoid the area of County Road 42ZN and Moondance Trail in order to give fire and emergency personnel space to work. Do not call dispatch to report the smoke. There is additional smoke in the area in both the east and west end of the county from wildfires burning in surrounding states.

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for CodeRED emergency notification. You may list your home phone (landline) or download the CodeRED app for your smart phone. The best way to ensure your safety is to stay informed and signing-up for automated emergency messaging through Code Red. It is free and the application process only takes a minute. Click here.

7/15/19 MCSO Blotter

Jul 15, 2019 | MCSO News

07/15/19

0714 A deputy responded to a stray dog at the intersection of Highway 90 and Popular Road.

0716 Deputies responded to a civil matter in the 8000 block of HighMesa Road.

0721 Deputies responded to a stray cow at the intersection of 6400 Road and Orchard Road.

0821 A deputy responded to a civil matter in the 17000 block of 6250 Road.

0829 A deputy assisted the Olathe Police Department on Highway 50 at mile marker 81.

0924 A deputy responded to a vicious dog in the 16000 block of 6450 Road.

1013 A deputy responded to an accident in the 1000 block of Spring Creek Road.

1027 A deputy responded to a civil matter in the 11000 block of 5910 Trail.

1139 A deputy conduced a welfare check in the 61000 block of Highway 90.

1210 A deputy responded to the sheriff’s office for an information report and ended up assisting the Montrose Police Department for a trespassing in the 400 block of Weldon Road.

1229 Deputies responded to a civil matter in the 67000 block of Miami Road.

1236 A deputy responded to an animal welfare call in the 60000 block of Highway 50.

1317 A deputy responded to a medical call in the 60000 block of Highway 50.

1327 A deputy responded to a vicious animal in the 700 block of Orchard Road.

1343 Deputies responded to a traffic hazard in the 13000 block of Marine Road.

1407 A deputy responded to a 911 hang up in the 60000 block of Carnation Road.

1410 Deputies responded took a report of a possible protection order violation in the 62000 block of North Star Drive. The report was found to be unfounded.

1442 Deputies assisted a citizen on 90 Road at mile marker 12.

1446 Deputies responded to a stray goat in the 13000 block of Carefee Drive.

1523 A deputy responded to a civil matter at the 59000 block of Joey Road.

1530 A deputy responded to an animal welfare call in the 700 block of 6530 Road.

1541 Deputies took an information report for an incident that occurred on Highway 550 at mile marker 115.

1644 Deputies took an information report of an incident that occurred at the intersection of Spring Creek Road and Marine Road.

1707 A deputy took an information report in the 600 block of Spring Creek Road.

1730 A deputy took a theft report in the 4000 block 5945 Road.

1924 A deputy took an information report in the 700 block of Orchard Road.

2008 Deputies responded to a fire in the 9000 block of 6115 Road.

2358 A deputy responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of Chipeta Road.

07/13/19

0015 Deputies responded to a domestic violence call in the 67000 block of East Borough Road. Yvonne Bailey, 39, and Eric Bailey, 34, were both arrested for harassment and domestic violence.

0126 A deputy responded to call of suspicious in the 61000 block of Nighthawk Road.

0154 A deputy conducted a welfare check in the 61000 block of Monroe Road.

0229 A deputy assisted a citizen in the 14000 block of Arabian Court.

0622 Deputies assisted Mesa County Community Corrections in the 16000 block of 6900 Road.

0709 Deputies responded to a traffic complaint at the intersection of South Townsend Avenue and East Oak Grove Road.

0806 Deputies responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of Spring Creek Road. Devin Benally, 28, was arrested for third degree assault as an act of domestic violence and bond violation.

0910 A deputy responded to a civil matter in the 14000 block of Marine Road.

1145 Artemio Moreno-Verdin, 52, was cited for driving with expired plates in the 900 block of 6530 Road.

1155 Deputies took an information report in the 14000 block of Marine Road.

1250 A deputy took an information report in the 1000 block of 6435 Road.

1341 Deputies took an information report in the 500 block of Chipeta Road.

1643 A deputy responded to a parking problem in the 59000 block of Highway 50.

1646 A deputy responded to a stray dog in the 62000 block of North Star Drive.

1713 A deputy took an information report in the 21000 block of Highway 550.

1729 A deputy responded to an abandoned vehicle in the 300 block of Chipeta Road.

1817 Deputies responded to an accident at the intersection of Highway 50 and Carnation Road.

2102 Deputies conducted a welfare check in the 62000 block of LaSalle Road.

2125 A deputy responded to an information report in the 2000 block of James Street.
2138 A deputy responded to a call of suspicious in the 17000 block of Chipeta Road.

2230 A deputy responded to a disturbance at the intersection of 6355 Way and Jig Road.

07/14/19

0059 A deputy assisted the Montrose Police Department in the Black Canyon.

0131 A deputy conducted a field interview on Sims Mesa Road.

0139 A deputy responded to a disturbance in the 63000 block of Juniper Road.

0250 A deputy responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of Fruit Park Road.

0807 Deputies responded to a trespassing call in the 1000 block of 6435 Road.

0935 Matthew Bodle, 21, was cited for disregarding a stop sign at the intersection of 5975 Road and Jig Road.

1108 Deputies responded to the 1200 block of North Grand Avenue for a medical call.

1110 Deputies responded to the 16000 block of 6794 Court for a stray dog.

1604 A deputy responded to the report of found property at the intersection of Highway 347 and Bostwick Park Road.

1922 Deputies responded to a call of suspicious in the 8900 block of 6400 Road.

1937 A deputy responded to the 62000 block of LaSalle Road for a civil matter.

1940 A deputy responded to an alarm in the 66000 block of Ogden Road.

2036 Richard Lucas, 36, was cited for driving with a suspended license and displaying expired plates in the 62000 block of LaSalle Road.

2055 Deputies responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of Chipeta Road. Juanita Herrick, 43, was arrested for third degree assault, obstruction of a peace officer and third degree trespassing.

2320 A juvenile was cited for operating a vehicle without a driver’s license and no proof of insurance in the 700 block of Spring Creek Road.

07/15/19

0146 A deputy took an information call in the 13000 block of 6250 Trail.

Deputies conducted
14 civil processes
18 directed patrols
8 VIN inspections
3 Warrant Attempts

07/12/19

Timothy Allen Pruitt, 02/28/90
Montrose, CO
Mittimus

Darren Dwayne Kropf, 06/16/92
Olathe, CO
By Ouray County SO
Criminal impersonation
Bond violation
Obstruction of a peace officer
Failure to appear
Fugitive of justice
Bond $11,550.00

07/13/19

Cheryl Amy Niehaus, 07/08/64
Ouray, CO
By State Patrol
DUI
Reckless driving
No proof of insurance
Driving with open container
Bond $750.00

Alex Mac, 09/26/91
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
DUI
Head Lamps
Bond $750.00

Yvonne Marie Bailey, 07/14/79
Montrose, CO
By Montrose SO
Harassment
Domestic violence
No bond

Eric James Bailey, 12/28/84
Montrose, CO
By Montrose SO
Harassment
Domestic violence
No Bond

Gareth Kyle Cronenberg, 04/11/95
Ridgway, CO
By Ouray County SO
Failure to appear
Bond $500.00

Devin Ray Benally, 05/24/91
Montrose, CO
By Montrose County SO
3rd degree assault
Domestic violence
Bond violation
Warrant arrest
No Bond

Kalana Marinda Fleming, 05/03/78
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
3rd degree assault
Domestic violence
Obstruction of peace officer
2nd degree assault
Criminal impersonation
Fugitive of justice x3
No bond

Larry Lay Harwick, Jr., 06/02/78
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Criminal impersonation
Theft
Failure to appear
Bond $13,000.00

Courtney Ann Ferganchick, 07/01/87
Delta, CO
By State Patrol
DUI
DUI per se
Weaving
No proof of insurance
Child abuse x3
Bond $1000.00

Deirdra Marie Mascarenas, 06/29/81
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Possession of a controlled substance
Failure to appear
Bond $3200.00

Ricky Lee Seaman, 11/04/63
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Failure to appear
Bond $500.00

Brock Daniel Melton, 04/30/98
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
DUI
Bond $750.00

Roger David Ellison, 08/26/92
Delta, CO
By State Patrol
DUI
DUI per se
Seat belt required
Obedience to traffic control
Bond $750.00

Leslie Meri Marquez, 07/09/98
Grand Junction, CO
By Montrose PD
DUI
Careless driving
Driving under restraint
Bond $750.00

Terry Joe Buck, 03/22/74
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Contempt of court x2
Bond $1750.00

Jose Manuel Arroyo, 03/03/98
Montrose, CO
Montrose PD
3rd degree assault
Domestic violence
Criminal mischief
Obstruction of telephone
Protection order violation
No bond

Zimri Magdiel Cruz-Damian, 12/09/95
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Theft
Possession of paraphernalia
Criminal impersonation
Obstruction of a peace officer
Bond violation
Failure to appear

Juanita Karen Herrick, 06/24/76
Delta, CO
By Montrose County SO
3rd degree assault
3rd degree criminal trespass
Obstruction of a peace officer
Bond $1500.00

MCSO Seeks Information About Vehicle Shooting

Jul 11, 2019 | MCSO News

Montrose, COLO.— At 10:22pm on Tuesday, July 9th, deputies responded to a report of gunshots at mile marker 81 on Highway 50. A woman and a juvenile were driving northbound on Highway 50 when another vehicle drove up next to the victim’s car. A suspect or suspects opened a window in their vehicle and began shooting at the victim’s vehicle. The victim dialed 911 while continuing to drive and met authorities in the 900 block of Main Street in Delta. The suspect vehicle may have followed the victim’s car, but was not located. The victim sustained minor injuries from broken glass and the juvenile was unharmed.

The suspect vehicle is believed to be a white four-door sedan. The case remains under investigation, and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding this incident. Anyone with knowledge of this incident is urged to call dispatch at 970-252-4020. To remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 970-249-8500 or through the mobile application P3 Tips. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Sheriff’s Office Creates Peer Support Team

Jul 5, 2019 | MCSO News

Montrose, COLO.— The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is committed to supporting the safety and mental health of sheriff’s staff and first responders in the Seventh Judicial District. Sheriff Gene Lillard is proud to announce a Peer Support Team. The team is designed to provide support to officers and their families. Across the nation, an estimated 159 police officers took their own lives in 2018, and this team aims to combat stressors that may lead to mental health issues.

“I believe strongly in the peer support team. It is very necessary that we embrace its members and what they are tasked to do. The men and women of the MCSO often see and experience the more ugly part of life. This can and does take a toll on our officers and their families,” said Sheriff Gene Lillard. “No division within the MCSO is immune from the ugly side of life, which includes our records division who reads and downloads the deputies’ reports into our records system. We, as a team, are developing a safety net to help our people through some of the trying times that they have experienced or will be experiencing in the future.”

“Our intent is to be a peer support team that not only helps our deputies and families, but first responders across the Seventh Judicial. A career in law enforcement can be a stressful lifestyle and the team’s goal is to help alleviate those stressors,” said Deputy Dominic Lovato. “Suicide rates in law enforcement officers are on the rise, and I want officers to know that the team will be there for you in your time of need whether it is an incident at home or at work.”

The team will serve to provide a resource for mental health and support for officers who have been exposed to a critical incident, life-circumstance change, or other stressors. Officers face trauma, shootings, and horrific accidents that have the potential to lead to mental health issues that are often untreated. Also, the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression for law enforcement officers is significantly higher than the majority of the population. The team is led by a steering committee including Team Coordinator Deputy Rick Mayer, Assistant Coordinator Deputy Lovato, and Acting Coordinators Victim Advocate Linda Carl and Sergeant James Evans. The next step is to continue to grow the team internally. Clinical oversight for the team is led by Dr. Suzy Coykendall. The steering committee has attended several training days and additional training will be provided by Dr. Coykendall. For more information on the sheriff’s office, please visit montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com.

Motor Vehicle Fatality Identified

Jun 26, 2019 | MCSO News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2019

Contact: Dr. Thomas M. Canfield, MD, Montrose County Coroner
Office: Montrose County Coroner’s Office of Medical Investigations, (970) 252-4524
coroner@montrosecounty.net

Motor Vehicle Fatality Identified

Montrose, CO—On the morning of June 24, 2019, a 16-year-old Naturita male, Tad Sickles, died in a car accident. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the Montrose County Coroner’s Office of Medical Investigations, Colorado State Patrol, and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. The cause and manner of death are pending the investigation, and an autopsy is scheduled.

Thomas M. Canfield MD, Coroner

Foot Pursuit Leads to Arrest

Jun 19, 2019 | MCSO News

AguayoOn the morning of June 18, a deputy with the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) attempted to contact Victor Aguayo, 35-year-old male of Montrose, on an outstanding arrest warrant in the 600 block of Spring Creek Road. Aguayo was walking down the street and the deputy issued a verbal command to “stop.”

Aguayo took off running from the deputy and ran to a neighboring property. The deputy gave chase and was able to catch up to Aguayo, at which time Aguayo continued to resist arrest. The deputy was able to detain Aguayo and place him in custody. Aguayo was found to be in possession of approximately 13 grams of suspected methamphetamine, brass knuckles, ammunition, and an assisted-opening knife.

Aguayo was booked into the Montrose County Jail and charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, possession of an illegal weapon, protection order violation, resisting arrest, and on a warrant for a parole violation. Aguayo is being held at the Montrose County Jail on a $30,000 bond.

To sign-up for additional news from the MCSO, please visit montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com.