CLIFTON, CO — A 47-year-old Grand Junction man was arrested Wednesday after investigators linked him to a destructive commercial burglary in Clifton earlier this week.
The investigation began on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, when a business in the 3200 block of the I-70 Business Loop reported a break-in. According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect breached the building, caused substantial property damage, and fled with stolen items.
The following day, April 15, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department contacted a pedestrian identified as Mikel Smith, 47, of Grand Junction. Mesa County deputies responded to the scene, as Smith was wanted for questioning regarding the break-in. Based on evidence recovered at the crime scene, deputies positively identified Smith as the suspect and took him into custody. While detaining him, authorities also located drug paraphernalia on his person.
Smith was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on the following charges:
- Second-degree burglary of a building (Felony 5)
- Criminal mischief – $1,000-$2,000 (Misdemeanor 1) (four counts)
- Second-degree criminal trespass of an enclosed/fenced area (Petty Offense)
- Third-degree criminal trespass (Petty Offense)
- Theft – $300-$1,000 (Misdemeanor 2)
- Unlawful possession of under 4 grams of schedule I/II controlled substances (Drug Misdemeanor 1)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Drug Petty Offense)
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Grand Junction Police Department for their partnership and assistance in locating the suspect.