Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation #GVCopBeat
On Wednesday, October 2, at 4:44am, officers were dispatched to a report of an injured male outside of a trailer in the Paradise Valley Mobile Home Park at 585 25 1/2 Road. The victim, 25 year old Rafael “Rafa” Jaime, died at the scene. The medical examiner has determined that the victim died from stab wounds.
Last night, detectives with the Grand Junction Police Department made an arrest in this case. Hector Manuel Coria-Mendoza, 38, of Clifton, was remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility for Murder in the First Degree, a class 1 felony.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. The arrest affidavit for Coria-Mendoza has been sealed by the court.
Interstate Rollover Results in Fatality #GVCopBeat
Just before 9:30pm on Saturday night, law enforcement and medical personnel were dispatched to the area of mile marker 34 on I-70 for a report of a single vehicle crash. Witnesses stated that a SUV was traveling westbound and rolled multiple times, ultimately coming to rest on its side in the eastbound lanes. Personnel with the Grand Junction Police Department, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado State Patrol responded, as well as medical personnel with the Clifton Fire Department and the Grand Junction Fire Department. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, an adult male, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will be responsible for releasing the name of the victim, after appropriate notifications have been made. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Grand Junction Police Department.
While officers were investigating the initial crash, there was a second, unrelated crash on the interstate, near the 23 Road overpass, involving another single vehicle rollover. The driver and sole occupant of that vehicle sustained only minor injuries.
Homicide Victim Identified, Officers Seeking Information #GVCopBeat
On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at 4:44am, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of an injured male who was located outside of a residence at the Paradise Valley Mobile Home Park at 585 25 1/2 Road. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Mesa County Coroner has completed its examination of victim. The release from the coroner’s office can be reviewed here.
We are seeking information from our community that could help to solve this crime, and bring justice for the victim and his family. If you have any information that could help us find the person or persons responsible, please contact us.
Citizen Commended for Compassionate Service to Community #GVCopBeat
Tonight, at the Grand Junction City Council meeting, Deputy Chief Matt Smith got the privilege of formally recognizing a community member who demonstrated courage and compassion to help someone when they needed it most.
On July 2, 2019, at approximately 4:17 p.m., law enforcement was dispatched to respond to the area of the Riverside Parkway pedestrian bridge. This request was made in regard to a possible suicidal subject who was standing on top of the bridge structure.
Upon arrival in the area, officers could not immediately locate anyone on or below the pedestrian bridge. After searching the area under the Highway 340 bridge, an officer located a subject sitting on top of the pedestrian bridge directly over Crosby Avenue. The subject had climbed onto the bridge and it was obvious that the subject was in emotional distress.
As officers were assessing the situation, they noticed a person riding his bicycle southbound on Crosby Avenue. This person stopped and left his bicycle near the pedestrian bridge, ascended the stairs and was in verbal communication with the juvenile subject on the bridge. The juvenile’s emotional demeanor did not appear to be exacerbated by the presence of the bystander. Because of the positive interaction between the two, officers decided to monitor the contact. After approximately 12 minutes, the juvenile climbed down onto the walkway and joined the bystander.
Once the situation had been made safe and the juvenile was cared for, officers identified this kind citizen as Marcus Alexander. Marcus chose to stop and help someone who, prior to that day, he didn’t even know. He recognized that this was a human being in distress, and although Marcus was on his way to work, he stopped to intervene and see what he could offer. Whatever he said to that young woman on the afternoon of July 2nd may very well have saved her life. What Marcus displayed that afternoon represents the best of humanity, and demonstrates a level of compassion we could all strive for.
In recognition of Marcus’s support and courage, Deputy Chief Smith was honored to present Marcus with a Letter of Appreciation on behalf of the Grand Junction Police Department. Marcus is commended for his quick action and willingness to assist. His efforts to keep our community safe speaks volumes about his character and were critical to the successful outcome of this situation. We are grateful to serve a community of people like Marcus.
Arrest Made in Early Morning Shooting Investigation #GVCopBeat
On Tuesday, October 1st, at approximately 4:20am, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of a male in the roadway near 29 Road and North Avenue with injuries to his face and head. Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene, and the male was transported to the hospital, where it was determined he had been shot.
Through the course of the investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect. Law enforcement responded to a possible address associated to the suspect, and observed the suspect leave the address, driving a silver passenger car. When a marked patrol unit attempted to contact the suspect, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. A short pursuit ensued, and the vehicle ultimately crashed in the area of 32 ½ Road and E Road. The suspect fled from the vehicle on foot. Two passengers in the vehicle, an adult female and a one year old child, were not injured in the crash. Law enforcement was ultimately able to apprehend the suspect in a field near D 7/8 Road and Gentle Winds Court.
The suspect, Malcolm Martin, age 25, of Grand Junction, was arrested and remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility for offenses including Attempted 2nd Degree Murder (F3), 1st Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Vehicular Eluding, Reckless Endangerment, Child Abuse, and Reckless Driving.
A booking photo of Martin from a previous arrest is included.
This is yet another example of the thorough collaboration of law enforcement in Mesa County. We appreciate the hard work of our officers and the cooperation and assistance of other dedicated law enforcement partners in Mesa County.
Suspects Arrested for Armed Robbery Identified #GVCopBeat
The Grand Junction Police Department, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado State Patrol responded to two reports of armed robberies in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 28th. More information about those incidents can be found here. Ultimately, three suspects were located and arrested.
Antonio Mack, 19, of Clifton, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility for five counts of Aggravated Robbery (F3), five counts of Felony Menacing (F5), one count of Obstructing Police (M2), one count of Conspiracy (F6), and one count of Vehicular Eluding (F5).
Isaiah Medina, 19, of Aurora, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility for five counts of Aggravated Robbery (F3), five counts of Felony Menacing (F5), one count of Obstructing Police (M2), and one count of Conspiracy (F6).
Jonathan Melton, 19, of Aurora, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility for five counts of Aggravated Robbery (F3), five counts of Felony Menacing (F5), five counts of Large Capacity Magazine Prohibited in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, one count of Obstructing Police (M2), one count of Conspiracy (F6), and one count of 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass.
Booking photos for Mack and Melton are not available at this time.
Three Arrested for Armed Robberies #GVCopBeat
At 1:34am on Saturday, September 28th, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the convenience store at 2847 North Avenue. The reporting party stated that three males wearing dark clothing and hoods had robbed the store at gunpoint, eventually leaving on foot with a cash drawer from the register. The victim stated that the male suspects were possibly armed with two handguns and an additional larger firearm. The store employee was not injured. Officers responded within minutes and began investigating.
At 1:50am, officers were dispatched to a second armed robbery at the gas station at 599 29 ½ Road. Again, the reporting party described being robbed at gunpoint by three males wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts. The males were described as being armed with two handguns and possibly an automatic rifle of some sort. The suspects fled the scene with cash, merchandise, the reporting party’s wallet, and multiple cell phones taken from victims inside the store. No one inside the store was injured.
Neighboring law enforcement agencies were notified and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. Area convenience stores were contacted and advised to lock their doors until further notice. A K9 handler and his partner were called out to begin a scent track of the suspects.
Shortly before 3:00am, a deputy with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, who was aware of the armed robberies, located a vehicle parked near the gas station at 32 ½ Road and F Road. The deputy attempted to contact the occupants, but the vehicle drove away and failed to yield to the deputy. Eventually the vehicle became stuck on railroad tracks nearby and three males, who matched the description of the suspects from the armed robberies, fled from the vehicle on foot. The deputy pursued and was able to detain one of the males. Additional law enforcement personnel responded to the area to assist in a search for the other two suspects. An emergency notification to shelter in place was sent to 761 phone numbers registered in the area. Union Pacific was contacted to advise that train traffic should be stopped until the suspect vehicle could be removed from the tracks. Ultimately, two additional suspects were located and placed into custody, with the assistance of a K9 track. Cash, two handguns and an additional automatic firearm were located during the apprehension.
The three adult males were arrested and remanded to the Mesa County Jail for charges related to the armed robberies, as well as additional criminal offenses. More specific information will be released as the investigation unfolds.
