Report of Felony Menacing Results in Shelter in Place for Nearby Schools #GVCopBeat
On Thursday afternoon, shortly after 1:30pm, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of a felony menacing in the 600 Block of Ouray Avenue. It was reported to the 9-1-1 dispatchers in the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center that a male had pointed a handgun at the victim in a residence in the area. The victim had since left the scene, uninjured.
Officers arrived at the location and contacted the victim, who stated that he was at the residence gathering some belongings when he was approached by another male who lives at the address and is known to him. The suspect allegedly held a handgun to the victim’s chest for several seconds before putting the weapon down. The victim left the address immediately.
Officers swiftly set up a perimeter around the residence and placed Chipeta Elementary, East Middle School, as well as other schools and child care facilities in the area, into shelter in place. They attempted phone contact with the suspect, and ultimately used a PA system to order the suspect out of the residence. The suspect ultimately complied and was taken into custody without further incident at approximately 3:45pm. During an initial protective sweep and subsequent execution of a search warrant for the residence, officers located a loaded handgun and ammunition, tactical vests, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was determined to be a previously convicted felon. A search of the serial number on the handgun revealed that it was reported stolen.
The suspect in this case, 21 year old Tyrone Gibson, was arrested and remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges including Possession of a Controlled Substance (DF4), Felony Menacing (F5), Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (F5), Violation of a Protection Order (M2), Theft (M3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (DPO).
We recognize that situations like this are not only scary for residents in the area, as well as parents of children in neighboring schools, but can also be disruptive to routines and travel. We appreciate the patience and support of our community as our officers work to make sure everyone involved is safe.
New SCAM Affecting Retail Businesses #GVCopBeat
Attention retail employees! There is a new scam going on all over Mesa County and we want you to protect yourself and your business from falling victim.
There have been multiple reports over the last few weeks of a person claiming to be from a corporate office calling businesses around town. The person claims that they are performing an audit of some sort. They provide a control number and request that the employee prepare a specific amount of cash and, sometimes, inventory, as well. They say they are sending someone to pick up the cash and inventory as part of the audit, and the runner will provide the control number for verification purposes at the time of pick up. The person calling may tell the employee NOT to notify their supervisor or manager, stating that this is a confidential process.
THIS IS A SCAM. This is theft. These individuals are NOT from a corporate office. If you receive a call like this: first, refer to your company policies and procedures and call your corporate office to verify the activity. If it’s determined to be a fraudulent attempt at theft, call the police and report it immediately.
If an attempt at this scam has been made at your place of employment and you have not yet reported it, please do. Call non-emergency dispatch at (970)242-6707. Investigators are actively working to identify the suspects involved.
GJPD Investigating Report of Attempted Kidnapping #GVCopBeat
At 5:45pm on Monday, August 19, 2019, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of an attempted kidnapping that allegedly took place in the area of the Grand Avenue Bridge.
After gathering information from the victim and her family, initial details indicate that the victim, a 12 year old female, was walking home from Redlands Middle School after missing the bus. The victim was walking on the bike path that travels underneath the Grand Avenue Bridge when she was allegedly approached from behind by a person she described as a Hispanic male in his 60s, average build and average height, with a white mustache and wearing a green and gray hat and blue jeans. The victim stated the male grabbed her from behind and attempted to pull her off of the path, but the victim was able to escape and run home. The victim also stated the male suspect was holding a handgun at the time of the incident. The victim was not physically injured.
Officers worked diligently last night and throughout today to follow up with the victim and to verify the details of the reported incident. There are no identified suspects at this time. If anyone knows anything about this incident, please call non-emergency dispatch at 970.242.6707, reference case number 19-48048.
We understand that reports like these are very scary. We encourage parents to talk with kids who walk to and from school about what to do if they’re approached by a stranger or someone who makes them feel unsafe. Make sure your kids are traveling in groups whenever possible, and are taking well-traveled, safe routes.
GJPD Investigating Armed Robbery #GVCopBeat
On Saturday, July 27, at approximately 1:35am, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to the convenience store at 599 29 ½ Road, on a report of an armed robbery. It was reported that two subjects had just robbed the store at gunpoint, and had fled on foot with cash and merchandise, including a several packs of Swisher Sweet cigars. No injuries were reported.
One subject is described as a white male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, a light colored mask, and blue baggie jeans with designer back pockets, rolled up into a cuff above black shoes. He was observed to be carrying a black Jordan brand backpack. The second subject is described as a white male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt with black face mask or balaclava, red shirt, blue baggie faded jeans with large front pockets with what appears to be frayed stitching, and black shoes. The attached images are the best photos we could capture from the surveillance footage.
We’re reaching out to the community and asking for any information you may have regarding this crime or these suspects. Someone knows something. Please contact Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and share anything you know. Your tip could result in a reward of up to $1000, all while remaining completely anonymous. PLEASE NOTE: tips submitted as comments to this post are NOT eligible for the Crime Stoppers reward. Please submit your tips and information directly to Crime Stoppers, reference GJPD case number 19-43139.
Busy Weekend for GJPD Results in Armed Robbery, Shots Fired Investigations #GVCopBeat
Officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to 553 calls for service throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here are a few notable investigations stemming from criminal activity that our officers responded to this weekend:
A victim reported that her unlocked vehicle was entered and a handgun stolen in the 1300 Block of N. 24th Street sometime between midnight and 5:00pm on Saturday, July 13. Please remember to remove all valuable items, including weapons, from your vehicle, lock the doors, and never leave your keys in your car.
At approximately 12:45am on Sunday, July 14, officers were dispatched to a report of a fight, possibly involving shots fired, in the area of N. 5th Street and Main Street in downtown Grand Junction. Witnesses stated they saw a group of people fighting in a parking lot in the area, and then heard what they believed to be gunshots. Officers searched the area and located shell casings in a nearby parking lot. Additionally, it was discovered that a business in the 500 Block of Main Street had broken windows and damage to the building consistent with gunshots. No injuries were reported.
Shortly after 1:00am on Sunday, July 14, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at Sonic, located at 2523 Highway 6 & 50. The victims reported that a male had come into the businesses and pointed a gun at them, demanding money. The suspect is described as a white male, average height and build, wearing a blue sweatshirt and sweatpants. A still image captured from security footage is included.
Anyone with any information about these crimes is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Mesa County. A tip leading to an arrest could earn you a reward of up to $1,000 cash, all while remaining completely anonymous.
Register Your Neighborhood for National Night Out! #GVCopBeat
#UPDATE: Registration for this event is closed. Please contact our Community Resource Office with questions at 970.549.5331.
Summer has arrived! The sun is shining, people are spending time outside, and registration for National Night Out is open!
National Night Out will take place during the evening hours of Tuesday, August 6th, in neighborhoods across Grand Junction, and registration is currently underway. Registration closes July 30th, so sign up today!
National Night Out is an annual event that helps fight crime in our neighborhoods by building camaraderie and familiarity between neighbors, while also sending a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are willing to fight back against crime. All Grand Junction neighborhoods who register their National Night Out events with the Grand Junction Police Department will be eligible to have an officer stop by and visit them during the event to provide safety information and answer questions.
What does a National Night Out event look like?
That’s completely up to you and your neighbors. In years’ past, we’ve seen neighborhoods organize ice cream socials, host pizza parties, have all of the residents bring their BBQs into their driveways for a cookout, or just meet in someone’s yard for cookies and lemonade. You can find a whole list of possibilities here. The idea is to customize your neighborhood event so it encourages and invites participation from those who live around you.
How do I register my neighborhood?
Simply visit our National Night Out website. Please keep in mind that only neighborhoods within the city limits of Grand Junction can register their National Night Out events with this registration link. Check with your local law enforcement jurisdiction to see if they are participating in NNO events in your area. Not sure if you live in the city limits of Grand Junction? You can check here.
How do I know if someone else in my neighborhood has already registered an event for us?
As people register their neighborhoods, the information will show up on our National Night Out website. There’s a link to see which neighborhoods have registered and who is hosting the event. You can also call our Community Resource Unit at (970)549-5331 for more information.
What kinds of things do neighborhoods do during National Night Out?
Are you thinking of hosting an event for your neighborhood? Get some event ideas here.
Check out some photos from previous year’s events on our Facebook page.
Officers Involved in CIRT Investigation Identified #GVCopBeat
Two Grand Junction Police officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting on Friday, June 14, 2019. Both officers discharged their duty weapons during this incident.
Officer Thomas Nelson is a patrol officer who started with our agency in 2013. Officer Nelson’s collateral assignments include defensive tactics instructor and field training officer.
Officer Chris Wood joined the Grand Junction Police Department in 2018, after serving as a police officer in Tucson, Arizona, for six years, where he also served on their SWAT team. He currently serves as a patrol officer.
As is standard protocol with any officer involved shooting, both officers are currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation, which takes place separately from the criminal investigation being conducted by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. This incident remains under investigation by CIRT. Information previously released regarding this incident can be found here.
