GRAND JUNCTION, CO — The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been activated after a vandalism suspect became unresponsive while being detained by Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies early Saturday morning.
On Saturday, August 22, at approximately 12:08 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of Sun King Way following a report of vandalism in progress. The reporting party stated that an unknown adult male was damaging their vehicle.
Upon arrival, deputies located a suspect matching the description provided by witnesses. When deputies attempted to detain the man, he reportedly became physically uncooperative. After being detained, the suspect became unresponsive. Deputies immediately provided medical aid, and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Details regarding his current condition are not available at this time.
Because Mesa County Sheriff’s Office personnel were involved in the incident, the Grand Junction Police Department is leading the independent criminal investigation on behalf of CIRT.
As is standard protocol for any critical incident, the involved deputies have been placed on administrative leave. The Sheriff’s Office will also conduct a separate internal investigation and will release the names of the involved deputies if and when appropriate.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is in its very early stages and that preliminary information is subject to change. CIRT investigators will continue to interview witnesses and involved persons over the coming days. Law enforcement noted that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
This article related to a previous incident: Disturbance, F 1/2 Rd & I-70B