Because of the change in the White House, immigration concerns have come to the forefront in our country. While there will continue be a lot of movement and changes, I want to clarify my role in immigration matters as the Garfield County Sheriff. In March of 2024, the Garfield County BOCC addressed sanctuary policies by declaring that Garfield County is not a sanctuary county. This was partially intended to address a national organization that wrongfully lists on their website Garfield County, and specifically the Sheriff’s Office, as sanctuary organizations. Their concern with me as the Sheriff was that because we

A sexually violent predator (SVP) is a person who has been convicted of a sexually violent crime and is likely to commit more. SVPs are often diagnosed with a mental illness or personality disorder that makes it difficult for them to control their sexually violent behavior. Austin Miller Wickline has temporarily moved into our community and has officially registered with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office as a SVP. A Deputy from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) completed a house check to verify his residential address and to inform Wickline that he is a SVP here in Garfield County and

Garfield County Deputies located a vehicle in Glenwood Springs that was reportedly stolen from Greeley, Colorado. Deputies attempted to contact the person driving the vehicle however, the driver refused to stop. A pursuit was initiated on westbound I-70. Deputies continuously monitored traffic and road conditions to determine if the pursuit could be continued safely. The Silt Police Department deployed a tire deflation device on I-70 near Silt. The device successfully deflated three of the four tires. The pursuit continued at a slower rate of speed for several miles. Deputies followed the suspect assuring that westbound traffic did not overtake the

On January 28, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for former Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Trisha Worley by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. On January 28, 2025, she turned herself in to the Garfield County Jail and was booked into custody. Her bond was set at $25,000; she was able to bond-out. In October of 2024, Worley was accused of embezzling funds from the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association, a local nonprofit organization. A criminal investigation was referred to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). That investigation revealed that through numerous transactions beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2024,

Aspen Hope Center serves the Roaring Fork Valley in many ways. One area, important to law enforcement, is in crisis response. The Aspen Hope Center works in partnership with law enforcement and EMS. They are available for crisis intervention, stabilization and recovery operating a 24-hour “HopeLine” that is answered locally by experienced and licensed clinicians. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Patrol Commander Osborne reflects on 2024. Our patrol deputies responded to over 24,000 calls for service averaging just over 65 calls per day. Some of these calls were with individuals reported to be struggling with a mental health crisis. We

Around 10 a.m. on Wednesday January 8, law enforcement officers from the SPEAR (Special Problem Enforcement and Response) task force conducted a “High-Risk” traffic stop on Highway 6 & 24 just east of Hospital “Hill” Road near Rifle, CO. Deputies from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and Officers from the Rifle Police Department (RPD) assisted SPEAR. SPEAR observed a vehicle driven by Victor Guzman on Airport Road in the City of Rifle. Guzman currently had a Misdemeanor arrest warrant out of Eagle County for Failure to Comply. They also recognized Jairo Ortega-Carillo in the passenger seat. Ortega-Carillo had three

Shortly after 9 a.m., the Special Problems Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) team received information from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) regarding a high-speed traffic pursuit that had begun in Mesa County. The driver of the vehicle fled a traffic stop in Mesa County and was last seen headed towards Garfield County on I-70. Both the MCSO and CSP discontinued the pursuit in Mesa County due to concerns for public safety as well as the safety of the individuals in the pursued vehicle and the Law Enforcement Officers involved in the pursuit. At approximately

This year, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has added new dimensions to “Shop with A Cop”. For the past several years the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has set aside a day to take children on a Christmas Shopping Event at the Wal-Mart in Rifle, Colorado. This year the Deputies will be joined once again by the Silt Police Department. This year, for the first time, Officers from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation will be joining the efforts. Go to the GCSO Facebook page for more information and videos. This collaborative effort of various law enforcement entities exemplifies the cooperation needed

Deputy Carter Hailey was dispatched to a citizen assist on Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day) at approximately 7:40 p.m. He arrived on scene a short time later and met with the reporting party. She advised him that her dog was stuck in the culvert and she could not get him out. She asked for assistance in digging her dog out from the culvert, as she was emotionally stressed-out. Deputy Hailey asked for help from the responding firefighters who were on scene but were unable to since their power tools were too loud and frightened the dog. Deputy Hailey took

On 10/23/2024, Corporal Trisha Worley, a 14-year member of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, was placed on administrative Leave with pay, based on allegations of embezzlement of funds from a local nonprofit organization. On November 7, 2024, as a result of an Internal Affairs administrative investigation, Worley was terminated from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. However, the criminal investigation is being led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to avoid any conflict of interest within the GCSO. They will release any information pertaining to the criminal case as the investigation allows. As the sheriff, I firmly believe that law enforcement

On October 18, 2024, the Special Problem Enforcement and Response (SPEAR), with partners from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, worked together and recovered a large amount of Hydrocodone. Robert Newman, a resident of California, was associated with a rental car at the Bair Ranch Rest Area that was transporting the Hydrocodone. The Bair Ranch Rest Area is at exit 129 along Interstate 70. SPEAR received information that Newman was a subject in multiple DEA investigations throughout several states, regarding the theft of pharmaceuticals. Upon contacting Newman

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, CO, K9 Hera has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Hera’s vest was sponsored by Suzanne Sammut of Pawleys Island, SC and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Suzanne”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with investigators from Garfield County SPEAR (Special Problem Enforcement and Response) Task Force contacted a person in a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-70 near Parachute. During the traffic stop Deputies and Investigators located approximately 59.64 pounds of suspected counterfeit OxyContin pills that are believed to contain fentanyl. It is estimated to be approximately 222,360 pills with an estimated street value of $2,668,320. The driver of the vehicle, (Leslie Lopez-Rojas, date of birth: 4/2/2004) from Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested for importing a schedule II controlled substance into the state, a class I drug

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, CO, K9 Hera is receiving a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Hera’s vest is sponsored by Suzanne Sammut of Pawleys Island, SC and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Suzanne.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving

On May 11, 2021, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a male subject who was found bleeding and unresponsive in his car on Highway 6, just west of Parachute, CO. The party was ultimately identified as Wayne Moore, a local man who lived in his vehicle in Parachute and surrounding areas. He was unfortunately deceased. An initial investigation of the scene by investigators with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that night, determined Mr. Moore had been the victim of a homicide and had been shot multiple times. During the next

Sunlight Mountain Resort hosted the 2024 alpine and downhill events for the western region of Colorado Special Olympics. Athletes from as far away as Durango and met for two days of competition. The Alpine events began at 9:30 a.m. on Sunlight Mountain with an Olympic Torch procession down the Mountain and continued throughout the day. Athletes competed in the downhill events, slalom and grand slalom. There were categories for athletes of all levels so no one was left out. The Nordic competition followed on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Argonaut Farm on Four Mile Road. There, athletes competed in various

The Eagle County, Rio Blanco County and Garfield County sheriff’s offices are working together to locate Henry David Twitchell, a resident of El Jebel who was last seen in Carbondale, CO on Thursday, January 4. Twitchell’s vehicle was reported in a slide-off accident around milepost 30 Highway 13 in Rio Blanco County on Thursday, January 4, around 6 p.m., however, Twitchell was not present when law enforcement arrived on the scene. The Rio Blanco Sheriff’s Office discovered a single set of footprints leading from the vehicle to the highway and has continued to conduct extensive searches in the area. Twitchell’s

With Christmas coming and New Year’s Day following a week later, it is easy to find yourself in a situation where you are leaving a friend’s house, the home of a family member, or a holiday party. Be responsible; if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol do not get behind the wheel. The life you save may be your own, a passenger in your car, a pedestrian or an innocent victim in another car who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you have been drinking this incident will change your

Traffic laws are applicable on all designated county roads regardless of whether or not that road passes through personal property or public property including any area where a “Travel Management Plan” is in place, managed by the U.S. Forest Service or other entity. Such “managed” areas are generally more remote and may not get the full attention of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies at all times but they do fall under their jurisdiction. Garfield County has an ordinance that determines which county roads off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can and cannot travel. The U.S. Forest Service or other such entities, generally

According to Wikipedia, “swatting” is a criminal harassment act of deceiving an emergency service (via such means as hoaxing an emergency services dispatcher) into sending a police or emergency service response team to another person’s address. This is triggered by false reporting of a serious law enforcement emergency, such as a bomb threat, murder, hostage situation, or a false report of a mental health emergency, such as reporting that a person is allegedly suicidal or homicidal and may or may not be armed, among other things. On Friday, September 23, 2023, the Garfield County Emergency Services (Dispatch) received just such

SPEAR (Special Problems Enforcement and Response) has been busy since its last update to the residents of Garfield County. Not only does SPEAR continue to provide back up and support to the various law enforcement Agencies in Garfield County, during the months of August and September ongoing SPEAR Investigations led to the seizure of various illegal drugs including: 1) 3,026 Fentanyl pills 2) One gram of Fentanyl powder 3) 226.66 grams of methamphetamine 4) 17.2 grams of crack cocaine 5) 1.18 grams of cocaine 6) 13 Morphine pills 7) 86 Xanax pills 8) 3 Hydrocodone pills The efforts of SPEAR

An expansive virtual reality program is coming to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office that allows deputies to train in realistic scenarios featuring actual layouts of local facilities and locations. The Operator XR virtual reality (VR) system is a portable training tool that provides realistic experiences and operates entirely offline, allowing use anywhere it’s needed. Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario told the Board of County Commissioners that the VR training applies to a wide range of scenarios from jail duties all the way through firearms and tactical uses. “The guys who run this have been focusing on the military and now

Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario was delighted to swear in five new deputies at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday, June 28, 2023. This brings the total number of deputies sworn in to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office since May 17, 2023 to eight. Pictured from left to right are Deputies Burke, Marquez, Tafiti, McGruder and Andrade. They will fill current vacancies both in the patrol and in the detentions departments of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. These newly sworn deputies and an addition to our administrative staff come from diverse backgrounds offering a variety of experience. Some have just

This past weekend showed just how quickly fires can start and spread in Garfield County. The moisture that fell in the spring has created an abundance of growth and “fuel” sources in our grassland areas as well as our wooded areas. With the onset of summer comes less humidity, continued winds, and higher temperatures, creating a potential volatile situation. This past weekend, two fires were reported and battled using local and district resources. The Spring Creek Fire just outside of Parachute began Saturday June 24, and burned over 200 acres. Multiple resources were required over the next two days to

In Garfield County, the Colorado River is reaching peak water flows. The Roaring Fork and Crystal rivers follow closely behind. These extreme conditions will continue over the next four to six weeks as the snow in the high country melts and water flows to the valley floors. This is great news for us in Colorado and along the Colorado River, and for those downstream who have been experiencing below average precipitation and run-off over the last several years. Many of our reservoirs and those downstream will begin to fill as the snow melts. Understand these high waters of the Colorado

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officer Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. This sixty-one year tradition was honored May 15 by Chief Funston and the Rifle Police Department. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and Colorado River Fire Rescue (CRFR) provided a joint Honor Guard to post the colors.   Others in attendance included a contingency of troopers from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), deputies from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Glenwood Springs Police Department, and officers from the Colorado Department

Introducing SPEAR, the Special Problem Enforcement and Response team! You may have heard me talk about this team, but it recently became a reality. As you know, we have had our drug task force, Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), for many years. In fact, it was the longest running drug task force in the state. We also had TAG, our threat assessment group that focused on gang activity in the region. Of course, as time passes, so do the rules of the game and with the permissiveness and acceptance of drug usage in our state, drug enforcement has changed.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Administrator Anne Milgram. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 percent of fentanyl powder and seven percent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained

On Friday Feb. 10, Ski Sunlight once again hosted the annual Alpine Events for Special Olympians from across western Colorado. Presented by Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO), participating athletes came from as far away as Durango and met for two days of competition. The alpine events began at 9:30 a.m. on Sunlight Mountain with an Olympic torch procession down the mountain and continued throughout the day. Athletes competed in the downhill events, slalom, and grand slalom. There were categories for athletes of all levels so no one was left out. The Nordic competition would follow on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the

Six people were arrested near Silt with charges ranging from outstanding arrest warrants, to possession with intent to distribute and assault on a peace officer. Additional arrest warrants are pending. Investigators recovered three stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, seized four firearms and over one pound of methamphetamine and nine pounds of marijuana.

On Friday December 30, 2022, around 2 p.m., Investigators of the multijurisdictional Special Problems Enforcement and Response team (SPEAR) and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted a vehicle near Rifle for driving recklessly. The driver chose to elude the deputy who first made contact and headed west on Interstate 70 toward Grand Junction. Spike strips were deployed near mile marker 81 of I-70 in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued west for a few more miles until it came to a stop near the Garfield/Mesa County line with both rear tires disintegrated. The driver, Dylan Thomas Zweygardt,

Phone scammers are striking in many of the municipalities and rural areas of Garfield County. They may be using auto dialers that sequentially call numbers until someone answers. Recent phone scams involved the perpetrator telling the victim that they have missed a payment on a fine or failed to show for a jury summons and that an arrest warrant will be issued. The caller identifies their self as a law enforcement officer giving the name of a deputy or police officer in our area who you might know along with the office or department for which they work. They explain

SPEAR (Special Problems Enforcement and Response), a newly established “task force” in Garfield County, recently seized several pills suspected of being Rainbow Fentanyl. The pills matched those in the attached photo, which was shown on a release by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office on Monday October 24, 2022. Citizens are once again being reminded to watch out for Rainbow Fentanyl, an illegal drug (opioid) that has recently been released into our country in massive amounts. Investigators are being advised that local narcotics users and sellers are calling the narcotics “Skittles.” The color, flavoring and sizing of the pill makes it

With Halloween less than a week away, it is good to remember a few precautions that might keep you or your child from becoming a victim. 1) While door-to-door trick or treating may be fun and exciting you are exposing yourself to the possibility of receiving “bad” treats, but also auto/pedestrian encounters that do not favor the pedestrian. The darkness of night provides opportunities for bullying and the potential for personal injury, accidental or otherwise. There is a higher probability of a personal attack at night. 2) Whenever possible limit your trick or treating to established venues, shopping malls, churches,

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has been researching body worn cameras for our deputies for over a year. This research included not only carefully examining several of the more popular systems on the market that are actively being used by other agencies but also tracking and monitoring the improvements in body-worn camera technology that has developed over the last few years. Sheriff Lou Vallario decided early on that we would not wait to implement this program in Garfield County until July of 2023, when body cameras are mandated to be worn by law enforcement officers in the State of Colorado.

Shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, Garfield County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) was activated to rescue a female stranded on a cliff above the community center in Glenwood Springs. Earlier in the day, the couple had been hiking along the Wulfshon Trail and strayed from the trail. This ultimately led to the female being “cliffed-out” about 30 yards below her male partner. Search and rescue members arrived on scene shortly thereafter; they determined that a rope rescue ultimately would be needed to get the female down. With the ropes and rigging in place, a search and rescue

The Tip-a-Cop Program with Chili’s Restaurants was resumed this year on Sunday July 24, 2022, after a four-year hiatus due to the Pandemic. Thirty-five Chili’s Restaurants across Colorado participated in this event and raised $67,923.50 for Special Olympics Colorado in eight hours. Locally at the Chili’s Restaurant in Glenwood Springs featured Garfield County Deputies teaming up with Colorado State Patrol, each taking a four-hour shift, and raising $1947.01 for the athletes of Special Olympics Colorado. Tip-a-Cop grew out of an initial fund raising effort started in Wichita, Kansas by Chief of Police Richard LaMunyon in 1981. It is part of

Following last night’s shooting at the Heron’s Nest RV Park; deputies from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office went door-to-door to ensure everyone was unharmed, as well as collect additional statements. Investigators will return today to complete our investigation by taking an aerial view of the scene with a drone. We are fortunate that no one was injured by a random bullet fired in this densely populated area. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the first responders including various law enforcement agencies and CRFR who assisted in this incident including the Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (dispatch)

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with members of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Care Flight, Classic Air Medical, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Emergency Management, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Glenwood Springs Police Department, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Grand River Health, Valley View Hospital, Grand Valley High School and the Northwest Regional Healthcare Coalition, is staging an exercise on June 29, 2022. The exercise takes place at Grand Valley High School in Parachute, Colorado, around 8 a.m., with the completion of all exercises on that site by 4 p.m. The goal is to

On June 9, 2022, shortly after 5 p.m., the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The crash involved an airplane glider and resulted in the death of the male pilot. Information on the pilot will be released by the Garfield County Coroner following his investigation and notification of next of kin. Following standard procedure, the cause of the crash is being investigated by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board). The scene was secured and all sheriff personnel cleared the area by 9 p.m. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank

On Tuesday evening at 6:54 p.m., the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) was notified of four children and two adults whose raft had been pinned on a rock in the Roaring Fork River, about one mile below Ironbridge, near Glenwood Springs, CO. The raft was being held against the rock by the strong current associated with the high water run-off of the Roaring Fork River. Garfield County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) was called out by the GCSO, arrived on scene, and began operations to rescue the two adults and four children, ages 7, 9, 13, and 14 from the river,

On Thursday April 28, 2022, Deputy Earl Gay officially retired from his duties at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO). Gay began his career with the GCSO in 1997. Although he was Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified (P.O.S.T.), he spent his initial time as a deputy in the Garfield County Jail until a position opened up in the patrol division. He enjoyed his work and spent the next 25 years of law enforcement working primarily for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Gay achieved the rank of corporal during that time. He was well known for his infectious smile and quiet

On Tuesday evening shortly after 11 p.m., a Garfield County Deputy attempted to contact a vehicle headed east on Interstate 70, about mile marker 94. The vehicle was being contacted due to a license plate violation, unfortunately the driver elected not to pull over and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle and its occupants headed east at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour then exited Interstate 70 at New Castle where they were met by the New Castle Police Department. The vehicle and its occupants headed east on US Highway 6 and again reversed direction and headed west

Garfield County Emergency Manager Chris Bornholdt has received the prestigious President’s Award from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) for his leadership during recent disasters affecting the county and region. Bornholdt was honored in late February in Loveland at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference. Known for his willingness to assist agencies throughout the state, Bornholdt was elected in 2021 to chair the Northwest All Hazard Emergency Management Region Executive Board. He worked as agency administrator during the Type 1 Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires in 2020 that burned 130,007 and 32,631 acres, respectively, in and around Garfield County. “Chris

We have all heard about the search and rescue team in Garfield County. These highly trained individuals volunteer their time and energy to help make Garfield County a better and safer place to live. What does it really mean to be a part of this dynamic group? Garfield County Search and Rescue’s (GCSAR) mission is to find the lost, rescue the stranded and injured, recover the deceased, and educate the public on wilderness and mountain safety. They operate under the statutory authority of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the legally responsible entity for Search and Rescue (SAR) in Garfield County.

At 9:06 a.m., dispatch (Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority) notified the New Castle Police Department that a body had been discovered in the Colorado River. The New Castle Police Department responded immediately, as well as Colorado River Fire Rescue, Glenwood Springs Police Department, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the Garfield County Coroner. The Glenwood Springs Police Department responded as part of its on-going investigation into a missing person report being investigated from December of 2021. The body was removed from the water by the Garfield County Coroner’s Office. This is an ongoing investigation. Information regarding the identity and probable

The Rifle Elks Lodge # 2195 has presented a check for $1,167 to Sergeant Brent Baker with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. The check was a part of a grant that the Elks were able to secure for Colorado River Fire, the Rifle Police Department, and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. The Elks, both locally and nationally, realize the additional burdens and expenses that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on the sheriff’s office, as well as other first responders. These funds are to be used by the sheriff’s office to help defray some of those costs and better serve the

The Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), began an investigation earlier this year into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) located in the City of Rifle/Garfield County area. Throughout the investigation, TRIDENT/DEA identified numerous people that were involved with the transporting and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms. On Nov. 4, 2021, TRIDENT/DEA along with the Threat Assessment Group (TAG), Garfield County All Hazards Response Team (AHRT), HSI, officers, deputies and investigators from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Rifle Police Department, Glenwood Springs Police Department and the Parachute Police Department, conducted numerous search

At approximately 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday November 2, 2021, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified of a burglary in progress that had been interrupted. The suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle and headed up Four Mile Road (County Road 117). The suspect vehicle turned around at the Sunlight Ski area and headed back down County Road 117. While traveling down Four Mile Road, the vehicle left the road at a high rate of speed and crashed into a ravine. The responding deputies initiated a reverse 911 call to direct area residents to stay inside with doors and

Important: At this time, bench warrant amnesty day applies only to those who have been issued a bench warrant by the Rifle Municipal Court. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office fully supports this effort by the City of Rifle and the Rifle Municipal Court. Avoid arrest on a Rifle Municipal Court Bench Warrant; the court is offering anyone with an outstanding warrant the opportunity to come handle the case, and get rid of the warrant without fear of arrest. Bench warrant amnesty day is set for Sept. 15, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. On that date, individuals who show

Shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday August 6, 2021, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a Greyhound bus was stuck approximately 22.5 miles up the Coffee Pot Road. There were 21 people on board, including at least one elderly female with heart conditions. Sergeant Baker immediately set out from Glenwood Springs to reach the site and bring the female down from this high mountain road. The Coffee Pot Road is a dirt and gravel road used to access the White River National Forest wilderness area. The road is generally travelled by four-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles and is

Stage 1 fire restrictions begin June 18, 2021 PRESS RELEASE June 16, 2021 The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Garfield County, U.S. Forest Service lands in Garfield and the seven Fire Districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2021. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County. This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data as well as the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern: With the level of fire danger

On Sunday May 23, 2021, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies were involved in a vehicular pursuit around 6 a.m. The subject (Jeffrey Doran Hill, DOB: 10/15/1964) exited his vehicle near mile marker 77 on Interstate 70, just west of Parachute. He headed toward the Colorado River. Additional resources were called in from the sheriff’s office, as well as the Parachute Police Department and Colorado State Patrol, to establish a perimeter around Mr. Hill. Corporal Moser and his K-9, Rex, were also called to the scene to assist with the search. The pursuit and subsequent apprehension lasted nearly two hours. Mr.

Deputies responded to a call of an injured person along US Highway 6 just west of Parachute on Tuesday evening. Upon arrival, Deputies found a vehicle parked alongside Highway 6 in a wide area of the shoulder where the car had pulled off the main Highway. Wayne Moore, DOB: 02/12/1961 was in the vehicle and had been shot multiple times. He was declared dead at the scene. While the incident is being treated as a homicide, there is no reason to believe there exists an ongoing threat to the public. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation in

On May 5, 2021, at approximately 2 p.m., the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call north of Rifle regarding a deceased body. The body was discovered in a field approximately 75-100 yards west of US Highway 13 near mile marker three. Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was a female. The Garfield County Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy ordered. This is an ongoing investigation by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the coroner’s office. The Garfield County Coroner will provide additional information regarding the deceased once the autopsy has been completed, identity confirmed and

Garfield County has donated a decommissioned 2012 Chevy Tahoe to the Lower Valley Fire District (LVFD) in Fruita for use as an emergency vehicle. The Tahoe, which has 139,000 miles and has been upfitted for use as a patrol vehicle by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, is slated to go into immediate use by the fire district, according to a letter from LVFD. The Tahoe has a Kelly Blue Book average value of $13,124, which increases to roughly $28,000 when factoring in the upfitting, including wired lights, siren, radar, cage, backseat, brush guard, and a computer console. “This is something

On Sunday April 18, 2021, shortly after 5 a.m., Oscar Canas (DOB :05/02/01) was discovered to be non-responsive in his cell. The discovery was made during normal breakfast service. Steps were immediately taken by the Deputies on duty, including CPR, to revive Mr. Canas. Glenwood Fire was notified and their EMTs arrived shortly thereafter. They took over attempts to revive Mr. Canas. When all attempts failed, Mr. Canas was determined to be deceased. The Garfield County Coroner was notified. Mr. Canas had been housed at the Garfield County Jail for 201 days. As an inmate, Mr. Canas was offered the

Following the April 8, 2021 press release that notified the public of a recent COVID-19 outbreak in the Garfield County Jail several additional, pro-active steps have been implemented. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has been working closely with the County Health Department and the CDPHE to protect the public, the inmates within the Jail, and our staff as well as other law enforcement Officers who must necessarily interface with the Jail. On Monday April 12, and again on Thursday April 15, the CDHPE sent out their Rapid Response Team to test all Sheriff Personnel as well as all inmates within

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – Confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office / Detention Facility have led to the temporary closure of services to the public at our Glenwood Springs location. As of the time of this release, 4 Detentions Staff Members and 17 inmates have tested positive. Those inmates were all housed within the same pod/area in the jail and are now in quarantine; separate from other inmates and staff. Of the current positive inmates, 5 are symptomatic with low grade symptoms and being cared for in-house by Correctional Health Partners. As far as

At approximately 4:20 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021, a Garfield County Sheriff’s vehicle was struck by a passing vehicle. The incident occurred near mile marker four, eastbound, on Highway 82. The deputy associated with the vehicle was entering through the driver’s door, after dispatching an injured deer. He noticed an oncoming vehicle headed directly at him. He was able to dive into his vehicle and avoid serious injury. The vehicle continued east bound on Highway 82 after striking the open door of the patrol vehicle. The deputy immediately began a pursuit. The driver, who had failed to stop at

Vehicle thefts continue in Garfield County GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, two Toyota 4Runners were stolen from two different locations in Garfield County. It appears that these thefts were an orchestrated effort targeting 4Runners , however in many cases the thefts are simply opportunistic. Some cars that are being stolen have been left by their owners to “warm-up” (commonly known as a puffing). Other vehicles were left unlocked with the keys in the ignition or sequestered in an easily accessible location, behind the fuel door of the gas tank, on the floorboards, above the visor, etc.

Sheriff Lou Vallario of Garfield County and Facilities Maintenance Manger Adrian Ceja receive a rebate check for thirty seven thousand one hundred nineteen dollars ($37,119.00) from Black Hills Energy as part of the Colorado Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Incentive Program. The Sheriff’s Office replaced three twenty-year old standard efficiency (80%) boilers in the Garfield County Jail with three new high efficiency (96%) boilers. They also implemented advanced heating system controls and installed high efficiency domestic water equipment to complete the project. The boiler replacement was part of the Sheriff’s planned budget for 2020. The new boilers provide heat and hot

The last several weeks have seen a rash of vehicle thefts occurring in Garfield County, Eagle County and Mesa County. There have even been some “out of state” thefts that have made their way to Garfield County via the I-70 Corridor. Many of these thefts have resulted in subsequent pursuits placing not only Law Enforcement personnel in danger but also the general public. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Colorado State Patrol and local municipal Police Departments have been successful in stopping and apprehending several individuals involved in these thefts. It is unclear yet whether these thefts

The Garfield County Sheriff, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County, as well as BLM, moved to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday, September 18, 2020. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County. Forest Service lands in Garfield County also reduced their fire restrictions to Stage 1 at the same time. Fire danger is still high throughout Garfield County, but the recent cooler temperatures and moisture have allowed for a re-evaluation of the restrictions. Local, county, state and federal officials in the area will continue to evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions weekly during the fire season. WHAT STAGE I

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the seven Fire Districts in Garfield County, along with the Bureau of Land Management and White River National Forest are implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2020. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County. The City of Glenwood Springs will join the other entities identified above by implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at the same time. This decision was not made without thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for increased wildfire activity and balance it with the impacts to our community. The current active

The Garfield County Sheriff, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2020. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County. This decision was not made without thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources. Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of

On May 18, 2020 Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2020-1 Prohibiting the Use of Fireworks in Unincorporated Garfield County for one year excluding May 31 thru July 5. On Monday June 15, 2020, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners banned the ignition/setting-off of all fireworks with an additional Resolution prohibiting the use of fireworks in unincorporated Garfield County from Monday June 15, 2020 through Sunday July 5, 2020. This restriction applies to all private citizens. All commercial vendors who may be planning or have been hired for a fireworks display anywhere in unincorporated Garfield County must receive approval

The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and a memorial service honoring all first responders, including fire personnel, EMTs and law enforcement officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty in the previous year, has been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is looking forward to 2021, when this public forum and torch run, which honors Special Olympians from around the world, returns. Continue reading Law enforcement Torch Run and memorial service canceled

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office K9 officers are receiving bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from an Illinois nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s Continue reading Garfield County Sheriff’s Office K9s Messi, Rex, Bull and Aren to Get Donation of Body Armor

IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Victim Response Team celebrated ten years of service to the citizens of Garfield County. The team was started in 2004 by Sheriff Lou Vallario to provide critical service to crime victims. While Colorado law enforcement is mandated by law to provide victim services, this team goes above and beyond what is required by providing service 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days

NEWS RELEASE IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests. Update May 9, 2014 4:37 PM Second Trooper in I-70 Shooting revealed GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Trooper Shane Gosnell, a three year veteran of the Colorado State Patrol, has been identified as the second Trooper involved in the shooting that occurred yesterday in Glenwood Canyon. Trooper Gosnell has served in the 4-C area for his career with the State Patrol. “Undoubtedly the heroic actions of Trooper Gosnell saved the life of Trooper Hofacker”

IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event. The first Torch Run was in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas and was initiated by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. That initial effort raised approximately $800.00. Three years later, in 1984 the International Association of Chiefs of Police endorsed Special Olympics as its official Charity through the Torch Run Program. The rest is history. Today the

IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – On Saturday July 13, 2013 the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) once again fielded a team for the Susan G Komen “Race for the Cure”. This National Organization raises money for breast cancer research. Corporal Megan Alstatt has captained a team for the GCSO for the past several years; the willingness of the members of the GCSO to participate in these extracurricular activities outside their normal work assignments is inspiring. This

IMPORTANT: Please direct any media requests to the contact below. Do not contact the Garfield County Emergency Communications Center or Patrol staff for media requests. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Recently at an Honor Guard Academy hosted by the Colorado Professional Firefighters Honor Guard in Arvada, Colorado a team of four members of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) joined with two members from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and two from the Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office. This team of eight competed against other teams in a final “practical” that incorporated all of their training and associated maneuvers. The composite team,

Garfield County Emergency Management is developing a countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The CWPP has two purposes. First, it assesses wildfire risks and hazards to a particular community. Second, it helps communities and their local fire departments coordinate their preparation and response to a wildfire and synchronize with nearby communities for the best communication and fastest response to a wildfire. Communities with CWPPs are given priority for grant funding to implement vegetation-fuel management and other appropriate projects improve wildfire response capabilities. Based on up-to-date information provided in the CWPP, fire districts and communities will be able to organize projects

September 26, 2011 County Road 320 is open, nearly all construction is complete. June 23, 2011 4:45 pm – County Road 317 is open, however, County Road 320 remains closed for repairs. June 10, 2011 4 pm – Colorado River rose 10.8 feet GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – On Tuesday, June 7, 2011 the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs rose to 25,643 CFS, which is equivalent to 10.8 feet, flooding some lower level areas. The river did not reach the peaked levels predicted. Flooding on the Colorado River occurred along I-70 near mile marker 94 east of Rifle, as well as,

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. — Throughout the past couple days, several cases of the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) have been recorded in the Western part of the country. There have been three confirmed cases in Mesa County, Colorado. This irreversible virus has had many local horse owners concerned. EHV-1 can be transmitted through direct contact, clothing, shoes, equipment, and even airborne and has been noted to have an incubation period of roughly 4 to 6 days. Symptoms may include: a fever of 102 degrees or higher, coughing, nasal discharge, weakness in hind limbs, gait abnormalities, difficulty defecating or urinating, and trouble