MESA COUNTY, CO — Mesa County deputies made several arrests on September 22 and 23 following incidents involving an alleged shooting during a domestic dispute, an assault that hospitalized a deputy, and a disturbance that led to child abuse charges.
Clifton Man Arrested After Report of Gunfire Near Whitewater
On September 22, at approximately 7:45 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Highway 141 and 31 4/10 Road, south of Whitewater, after a hiker reported hearing a man and woman yelling, followed by gunshots.
Deputies contacted Joshua Aarness, 45, of Clifton, who initially denied arguing with anyone or possessing any weapons. During further questioning, Aarness acknowledged that a woman had left him in the area and driven away before deputies arrived.
While leaving, deputies located a vehicle they believed was connected to the incident and conducted a traffic stop. The woman driving the vehicle was identified as a protected party in a restraining order against Aarness.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators developed evidence that Aarness had allegedly pointed and fired a gun at the woman shortly before the hiker called dispatch.
Deputies returned to the trailhead, contacted Aarness again and arrested him. He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- First-Degree Assault with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily Injury — Deadly Weapon (Two Counts, Felony 3)
- Criminal Attempt (Two Counts, Felony 4)
- Menacing with a Real or Simulated Weapon (Felony 5)
- Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (Felony 4)
- Prohibitive Use of a Weapon (Misdemeanor 1)
- Violation of a Protection Order (Misdemeanor 1)
- Domestic Violence
Authorities reported that Aarness remained in custody on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
Deputy Hospitalized Following Eastbrook Street Assault
On September 23, at approximately 7:15 p.m., deputies responded to an assault in progress in the 500 block of Eastbrook Street in Grand Junction. The Sheriff’s Office noted that deputies had responded to the same location seven previous times in 2026 for reports involving assaults, fighting, harassment and vandalism.
Deputies contacted Angelo Holcomb, 41, of Grand Junction, in the street outside the residence. While they attempted to speak with him, Holcomb allegedly swung closed-fist punches at deputies.
The first punch missed, but the second struck a deputy in the face, knocking her to the ground and causing additional injuries. She was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After taking Holcomb into custody, deputies investigated the events preceding their arrival. They found a vehicle with a shattered windshield and broken mirror. A witness reported that Holcomb had thrown a rock that caused the damage.
Multiple witnesses also reported that Holcomb removed his pants in the street, exposed himself and performed a lewd act directed at a woman.
Holcomb was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Second-Degree Assault on a Police Officer or Firefighter (Two Counts, Felony 4)
- Criminal Attempt (Felony 5)
- Third-Degree Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
- Obstructing a Peace Officer (Misdemeanor 2)
- Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor 2)
- Criminal Mischief — $300 to $1,000 (Misdemeanor 2)
- Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor 1)
- Disorderly Conduct — Offensive Gesture (Petty Offense)
- Criminal Mischief — Under $300 (Petty Offense)
Authorities reported that Holcomb remained in custody on a $10,000 cash-only bond.
Woman Arrested Following Redbud Court Disturbance
Later on September 23, just after 9:00 p.m., deputies responded to reports of harassment and vandalism in progress in the 2900 block of Redbud Court in Grand Junction.
Deputies observed a shattered sliding glass window and spoke with the homeowner about how it had broken. Another deputy located the female suspect near the home with a small child.
Taleah Beltran, 30, of Grand Junction, was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Child Abuse — Knowingly or Recklessly, No Injury (Misdemeanor 2)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Petty Offense)
Authorities reported that Beltran remained in custody with a $1,000 personal recognizance bond set.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that domestic violence often escalates over time. Anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.