The Grand Junction Police Department arrested a suspect linked to several thefts in the Grand Junction area.
On January 6, 2021 at approximately 8:30 a.m. an officer with the Grand Junction Police Department was conducting routine traffic enforcement in the Tope Elementary school zone when he observed a small sedan speeding. Per radar, the sedan was traveling 15 mph over the posted school zone speed limit, leading to an attempted traffic stop. The vehicle eluded the officer through the school zone and into a nearby parking lot where the car slid on ice and crashed into a building. The driver then fled on foot. A description of the suspect was communicated to dispatch and within minutes, he was detained in the area of N 9th Street and Orchard Avenue.
Tehren Wilson, age 39, of Memphis, TN was taken into custody and later transported to the Grand Junction Police Department for questioning.
When Wilson was detained, property was found linking him to recent theft from autos in the Grand Junction area. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the sedan and found additional evidence, including cash, several stolen credit cards, and a purse that did not belong to Wilson.
A subsequent search warrant at a local hotel revealed an accomplice that will be charged with complicity, false reporting, and tampering with evidence.
Wilson refused to speak with investigators and was remanded to the Mesa County Jail. Based on a thorough investigation that spanned several weeks, Wilson was connected to multiple thefts from auto and over $5,000 in fraudulent purchases in Grand Junction. Wilson was charged with the following:
- First degree criminal trespass
- Unauthorized use of financial transaction devices
- Vehicular eluding
- Criminal possession of two or more financial devices
- Criminal mischief (4 counts)
- Obstruction
- Theft
- Driving under revocation
- Reckless driving
- Failure to notify
Though not always the case, the Grand Junction Police Department was able to return some stolen property to the victims, including a purse, personal documents, and credit cards. However, this serves as a great reminder to make sure we are practicing due diligence by removing all valuables from our car and securing car doors and windows, before leaving any vehicle unattended.