FRUITA, CO — A man was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly causing damage inside a Fruita convenience store with a sledgehammer and aggressively refusing police commands.
On May 11, at approximately 2:19 a.m., Fruita Police officers responded to the Maverik store located at 1103 East Highway 6 & 50 for a reported emergency involving an armed male.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect wearing a bandana over his face and holding a sledgehammer. Investigators noted damage throughout the store, including to the main counter, food displays, and a glass display case.
According to police, the suspect refused commands and acted aggressively toward law enforcement. Officers successfully deployed a Taser to safely take the man into custody.
The suspect, identified as Thomas David Kielek, was transported to the Mesa County Jail and booked on the following charges:
- Aggravated Robbery (Class 3 Felony)
- Felony Menacing (Class 5 Felony)
- Criminal Mischief (Class 6 Felony)
- Obstructing a Peace Officer (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
- Theft (Class 2 Petty Offense)