GRAND JUNCTION, CO — The Grand Junction Police Department arrested four individuals and seized a firearm and various narcotics during a series of three separate traffic stops on Saturday, August 15.
Below is a summary of the incidents:
Early Morning Stop Leads to Meth and Cocaine Seizure
At approximately 1:00 a.m., officers patrolling the area of 28 1/4 Road and Elm Avenue initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Derek Buford, 48, was detained while GJPD K9 Brisa conducted a sniff of the vehicle.
During the search, officers located approximately 8.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine. Later, corrections deputies at the Mesa County Detention Facility discovered an additional 4.17 grams of methamphetamine on his person.
Buford was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Distribution/Manufacture/Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (>4g Schedule I/II)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- No Insurance in Possession
- Vehicle Not Equipped with Required Rear License Plate Light
Armed Fleeing Suspect Apprehended by Bystanders
Later that day, at approximately 3:30 p.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle near 3rd Avenue and South 9th Street. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled at a high rate of speed into an alley. The driver eventually stopped, exited the vehicle, and fled on foot.
The officer soon heard yelling from a nearby alleyway and found two citizens who had successfully pinned the suspect to the ground.
The driver, identified as James Keller, 23, was taken into custody. He had an active arrest warrant and was found in possession of approximately 8.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine, multiple knives, and a loaded firearm that he was legally prohibited from possessing. After being medically evaluated at a local hospital, Keller was booked on his warrant and the following charges:
- Special Circumstances – Defendant Possessed a Deadly Weapon During Offense
- Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (>4g Schedule I/II)
- Eluding or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
- Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Peace Officer
- Violation of a Protection Order
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Traffic Offenses (No Insurance, Failed to Use Turn Signals)
A passenger in the vehicle, Dakota Ferguson, 22, was also arrested and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges of Violation of a Protection Order and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
This article is related to a previous incident: Police Foot Pursuit, Pitkin Ave & S 9th St
Suspicious Vehicle Stop Ends in Foot Pursuit
At approximately 7:30 p.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway in the 500 block of 28 1/2 Road. When the officer contacted the driver, identified as Joshua Mauer, 37, they learned he had an active arrest warrant.
Upon being advised of the warrant, Mauer fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers. He was discovered to be in possession of approximately 14.85 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Mauer was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on his active warrant and the following additional charges:
- Distribution/Manufacture/Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Obstructing a Peace Officer
- Unlawful Display of License Plates