Update in Sterling Wal-Mart Pharmacy Robbery Investigation

***Courtesy of Sterling Police Department***

*UPDATE*

The Sterling Police Department continues to aggressively investigate Tuesday’s armed robbery of the Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Early on in the investigation, the Sterling Police Department began working with other law enforcement agencies that have had recent similar incidents in their jurisdictions. The suspect is currently being investigated in connection to robberies of pharmacies in Scottsbluff and Alliance, Nebraska.  

If you observe or know the location of the suspect, please contact the Sterling Police Department or your local law enforcement agency immediately and do not attempt to make contact. Anyone with information on the armed robbery is encouraged to call the Sterling Police Department at 970-522-3512 or Logan County Crime Stoppers at 970-522-EYES (3937).

Arrest Made in Sterling Business Burglaries

***Press Release***

Between the early morning hours of September 26, 2014 and the early morning hours of October 13, 2014, burglaries at the following local businesses were reported to the Sterling Police Department: Cocina Alvarado Restaurant, Henry’s Pub and Club, J & L Café, The Tan Zone and Body by M.E.

Throughout the investigation, which included obtaining and executing search warrants, evidence was collected and stolen property was recovered. In addition, an illegal weapon was seized.

On October 22, 2014, an arrest warrant was obtained in connection with these cases for Pierre Hightower, 35 years of age who is a resident of Sterling.

Mr. Hightower was arrested on October 22, 2014 and is currently being held in the Logan County Jail on the following charges:

• Second Degree Burglary (4 counts), a class 4 Felony
• Third Degree Burglary (5 counts), a class 5 Felony
• Possession of Burglary Tools, a class 5 Felony
• Theft , a class 6 Felony
• Criminal Mischief (4 counts) , a class 6 Felony
• First Degree Criminal Tampering (4 counts), a class 1 Misdemeanor
• Possession of an Illegal Weapon, a class 1 Misdemeanor
• Obstruction of Telephone Service, a class 1 Misdemeanor

The Sterling Police Department is continuing its investigation into these crimes and other burglaries; anyone with information is asked to call Sergeant James Rank at 970-522-3512 EXT 4226 or our Investigations Unit at EXT 4214 or 4215.

Update to Sterling Stabbing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2014

UPDATE

On September 3, 2014, the Sterling Police Department began an investigation into a stabbing incident that occurred at 422 Chestnut Street in Sterling, Colorado.

The individuals involved were:

• Frederick Granillo, Age 52, of Sterling
• Marie Granillo, Age 48, of Sterling

Mr. and Mrs. Granillo are married but did not reside together; the incident occurred in Ms. Granillo’s home.

Mrs. Granillo had multiple stab wounds and Mr. Granillo had multiple self-inflicted stab wounds. Both were initially treated at Sterling Regional MedCenter and then flown to a Denver hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Marie Granillo continues to receive medical care in Denver, Colorado.

Frederick Granillo died on September 9, 2014, in Denver, Colorado.   

Logan County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Death at North Sterling Reservoir

***Press Release***

North Sterling Reservoir - On June 15th, 2014, the Logan County Dive Team was activated to assist State Parks with a possible swimming accident at the North Sterling Reservoir.  Tracy D. Senyard, DOB 09/06/73, was pulled from the water and taken to Sterling Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Senyard was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  

An autopsy was conducted in Loveland on 6/17/14.  The circumstances leading up to Mr. Senyard’s death remain under investigation.  

Arrest Made In Possible Sex Assault On Child At Sterling Recreation Center

***Press Release***

On June 16, 2014, Sterling Police responded to the Sterling Recreation Center located at 808 Elm Street in Sterling, Colorado regarding a possible sex assault on a child.

It was reported to Police that an adult male had asked to hug a 9 year-old juvenile male and while hugging, the adult male fondled the genitals of the child. An additional child (10 years old) reported being grabbed on the shoulders by the male. A final child (11 years old) reported the male watched him while showering (child was wearing a bathing suit) and also asked to hug him; the male did not hug or touch this child.

Sterling Police immediately conducted an investigation into the incident and began working to determine the subject’s identity and location. Subsequently, the identity of the subject was determined and police learned this subject had just been taken into custody for an unrelated incident by a different agency. Sterling Police ascertained he would remain in custody thus assuring community safety while an arrest warrant was obtained.

On June 17, 2014 an arrest warrant was obtained for the arrest of Gerald Ray Marquardt 03/13/1971, a sex offender registered with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, for the charges of sexual assault on a child, a class four felony; and harassment, a class 3 misdemeanor. He is being held without bond pending judicial advisement.

The incident is still under investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the Sterling Police Department is not releasing further information at this time.

Arrests Made In Severance Case in Sterling

***Press Release***

Late yesterday evening and into the early hours of this morning, Investigators discovered the remains of Shirley Anne Severance at two different locations. While we are confident these are the remains of Mrs. Severance, confirmation is  pending.

Investigator Teams are processing both crime scene locations where the remains were found. One  of the locations is at the Prewitt Reservoir, which is located approximately 18 miles southwest of Sterling along Hwy 6. The second location is several miles west of Lorenzo, NE (which is just a few miles north of the Colorado Border.) Investigator Teams have also processed the decedents residence located at 409 S. 3rd Ave.

The Autopsy on Shirley Severance will be conducted tomorrow, June 4, 2014 in at McKee Medical Center in Loveland.

The Sterling Police Department has made two arrests in connection to death of Charles Severance  and the disappearance and death of Shirley Severance.

Early this morning, June 3, 2014, Brendan Lee Johnson, age 19 of Sterling, who is the grandson of Charles and Shirley Severance….. and Cassandra Ann Rieb, age 18 of Sterling, the girlfriend of Mr. Johnson were arrested and charged with:

1st Degree Murder  - a Class 1 Felony

Aggravated Robbery- a Class 3  Felony

Forgery- a Class 5 Felony

Theft- a Class 4 Felony

These are the charges they are being held on and not necessarily the formal charges. In addition, some of these charges may be filed as crimes against an at risk adult. Mr. Johnson and Ms. Rieb will be advised in Logan County District Court at 8:45AM on June 4, 2014.

At this time, the investigation indicates there are no other individuals involved in the crime and there continues to be no public safety threat.

We appreciate the support, assistance and cooperation of the citizens of our community and the media during this investigation.  This has been and continues to be a very complex case and I want to once again express my appreciation  for the cooperation  and professionalism demonstrated  by all the agencies involved.

Brendan Lee Johnson 08/12/1994

Cassandra Ann Rieb 01/05/1996

Update on Severance Investigation in Sterling

***Press Release***

The Sterling Police Department with the assistance of the Logan County Sheriff's Office, Logan County Coroner's Office and the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office continue the investigation into the death of Charles Severance and the location of his wife, Shirley Severance.

We have released that the caller who reported the initial medical call and found Mr. Severance deceased is a family member who resides in the home. No additional information regarding the identity of this individual will be released at this time.  

The autopsy for Charles Severance was conducted on Friday, May 30, 2014. The preliminary results of the autopsy report indicate there was no evidence of injury or trauma.  We are still awaiting the results of the toxicology report, which will take another three to four weeks.

We remain concerned for the welfare and safety of Mrs. Severance and are asking for the public's assistance in locating her. If anyone has any information pertaining to the death of Mr. Severance or the whereabouts of Mrs. Severance, please contact the Sterling Police Department at 970-522-3512 or Crime Stoppers at 970-522-3937(EYES).

We will continue to release updated information that does not compromise the investigation.

Sterling Police Department Finds Dead Male, Seeking Help Locating Wife

***Press Release***

On May 29, 2014, at approximately 1:00 PM, officers of the Sterling Police Department responded to a medical call at 409 S. 3rd Avenue.  Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male, identified as 70 year old Charles Roger Severance, who is a resident of the home.  

During the subsequent investigation, officers were unable to locate Shirley Anne Severance, the deceased male’s spouse, who also resides at the residence.

The Sterling Police Department with the assistance of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Logan County Coroner’s Office and the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are currently conducting an extensive investigation into the cause of death of Charles Severance and the whereabouts of Shirley Severance. Mrs. Severance is 70 years of age, 5’00” tall, 140 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes and needs to be located to check her welfare and for questioning.  

An autopsy on Mr. Severance was scheduled for today, May 30, 2014.

Current assessment of the investigation and evidence does not indicate any overt threats or public safety concerns.

The Sterling Police Department requests anyone that has any information regarding this case or the location of Mrs. Severance to please contact the Sterling Police Department at 970-522-3512 or Crime Stoppers at

970-522-EYES(3937).

Shirley Anne Severance

DOB: 09/29/43

Sex: Female

Height: 5’00”

Weight: 140

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Charges Filed In Deadly January Sterling House Fire

***Press Release***

After a thorough and detailed investigation conducted by the Sterling Police Department in collaboration with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Sterling Fire Department and the 13^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, criminal charges have been filed against two people involved in a deadly house fire that occurred on January 13, 2014, at 125 State Street, Sterling.

On March 18, 2014, Julia Welton age 27, and Christopher Welton age 33, were indicted by the 13^th Judicial District-Wide Grand Jury on the following charges:

• Negligent Child Abuse Resulting Death, a class 3 Felony
• Negligent Child Abuse-No Injury, a class 3 Misdemeanor
• 3 counts-Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a class 4 Felony

Warrants were issued for Julia and Christopher Welton and they were subsequently arrested at their home located at 519 Chestnut Street. Their bond has been set at $100,000.

Man Arrested At NJC With BB Gun

***Press Release***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On February 6, 2014, at approximately 10:27 PM, Sterling Police Officers arrived on scene at Herboldsheimer Hall on the Northeastern Junior College Campus in reference to a report of a male in the building with a gun, or possibly a BB gun.

Upon arrival, officers immediately obtained all the information available in order to quickly locate the suspect. Officers began a search for the suspect and an order to “lock down” the campus was administered. During the systematic search by Officers, to include dorm rooms, additional information was obtained as to a more specific location of the suspect.

At approximately 10:41 PM, officers located the suspect in a dorm room. The suspect was identified as John Solomon, 19 years of age of Sterling.

Mr. Solomon did have in his possession a BB gun modeled to look like a real handgun and was taken into custody without incident.  

The investigation determined Mr. Solomon is not a student and has no association with NJC. He was also not known to those whose dorm room he was located in. Additional security sweeps of all the dorm buildings were conducted out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The investigation indicated there were no other suspects or any additional threats and the “lock down” order was lifted. No students or any other individual was harmed during the incident.

Mr. Solomon is being held at the Logan County Jail on No Bond pending advisement for the following charges:

• 18-3-206(1)(a)-Felony Menacing-Class 5 Felony
• 18-9-109(6)(a)-Interference with Staff, Faculty, or Students of Educational

              Institutions- Class 1 Misdemeanor

• 18-13-122-Illegal Possession or Consumption of Alcohol by an underage

              person- Class 2 Petty Offense

Sterling Police Department Update on Arrest Related To Sterling High School Threat

***Press Release***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*UPDATE*

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at approximately 10:00 p.m. the Sterling Police Department received a report that there could be a potential shooting on Nov. 7th at Sterling High School.  The Sterling Police Department and other agencies provided intervention and the reported individual of concern presented no immediate danger to school or students.

Additional information discovered after school hours on November 7, 2013 initiated additional interviews and investigation which continued throughout the day on Nov. 7th and into the early hours of the morning on Nov 8th.  As a result two juvenile males were arrested and taken to Platte Valley Youth Detention Facility in Greeley late last night. Due to threats directed towards the school, they have been charged with:

• Interference With Staff, Faculty or Students of Educational Institutions. 

Assessment and investigation of the situation indicated at no time was the school in any immediate danger. It was also determined that neither of the individuals had means to carry out their threatening comments.

We continue to remain confident that the students and staff at Sterling High School are safe at this time and we will continue our efforts to ensure that remains so. We are working very closely with Sterling High School and other appropriate agencies.  We remain diligent as the investigation continues.   

We thank the community for their ongoing involvement and support in keeping our schools and community safe and for those that provided information to the school and law enforcement.   

If you have questions or concerns regarding this investigation please contact the Sterling PD, (970) 522-3512.

2 Juvenile Males Arrested due to threats directed towards Sterling High School

***Taken from www.re1valleyschools.org***



Security Update, Friday, November 8:


We have additional information to share with you. It is important to us to provide the most accurate and timely information as possible to families so that they can share information with their children as they see fit.


On Wednesday, Nov. 6th at approximately 10:00 p.m. the Sterling Police Department received a report that there could be a potential shooting on Nov 7 at Sterling High School. The Sterling Police Department and other agencies provided intervention and reported individual of concern presented no immediate danger to school or students.


Additional information discovered after school hours on November 7, 2013 initiated additional interviews and investigation which continued throughout the day and into the early hours of the morning on Nov 8th. As a result two juvenile males were arrested and taken to Platte Valley Youth Detention Facility in Greeley late last night. Due to threats directed towards the school, they have been charged with interference with staff, faculty or students at an educational institution. Assessment of the situation by the police department indicated at no time was the school in any immediate danger. Neither of the individuals had means to carry out their threats.

Student behavior related to this incident had been closely monitored over the last two weeks. The school immediately involved the Sterling Police Department as soon as we learned there was a potential threat to others.

We continue to remain confident that the students and staff at all RE-1 Valley Schools are safe at this time and we will continue our efforts to ensure that remains so. We are working very closely with the Police Department and other appropriate agencies related to this issue.

The school has a plan in place for care and recovery to support students with any ongoing needs related to this issue. Students are encouraged to visit with counselors. This is a serious concern and student safety is our utmost priority. The most supportive response to children is to assure them that the police and the school are confident in their safety and there is no ongoing threat. Additional information is available on the District Website.

We thank the community for their ongoing involvement and support in keeping our schools safe and for those that provided information to the school and law enforcement.

Sterling Police Department makes burglary arrest

***Press Release***

On August 10, 2013, at approximately 9:30 AM, Sterling Police Officers investigated a Burglary at 502 S. Division Avenue in Sterling.  During the investigation, officers identified a suspect and determined he was at the residence located next door at 508 S. Division Avenue. The suspect was identified as Sean Pearce, 46 years of age, of Sterling, whom officers also confirmed had a felony warrant for his arrest.

During the attempt to contact Mr. Pearce at 508 S. Division Avenue, he barricaded himself in the attic of the residence. All the occupants of the home were safely removed and only Mr. Pearce remained inside the residence.

Sterling Police made repeated attempts to communicate with Mr. Pearce. Mr. Pearce did not respond or comply with demands to come out of the attic and as a result, Pepper Spray (OC) was introduced into the attic.  Ultimately the suspect complied with orders given by police and was removed through an attic window. Mr. Pearce was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

Mr. Pearce was arrested on the following charges:
⦁ Second Degree Burglary, a class 4 Felony
⦁ Theft, a class 5 Felony
⦁ Obstructing a Peace Officer, a class 2 Misdemeanor
⦁ Theft by Receiving Warrant

Senator Greg Brophy Launches Announcement Tour for Governor of Colorado

***Press Release***

Wray, CO July 12, 2013- State Senator Greg Brophy will be making seven stops throughout the state announcing his campaign to become Colorado’s 43rd Governor.

Senator Brophy is beginning his campaign announcement tour on Sunday, July 14.  The tour will begin in Parker and have seven stops around the state of Colorado.

Sunday, July 14th

5PM • Wildlife Experience • 10035 Peoria St. •  Parker

Monday, July 15th

11:15AM • CSU Pueblo • 2200 Bonforte Blvd. • Pueblo
Occhiato University Center (CFB Mid-Summer Meeting)

6:00PM • Hotel Jerome •  330 E. Main St. • Aspen
(Pitkin County LDD)

Tuesday, July 16th

8AM • Shooter’s Grille • 129 E. 3rd St. • Rifle
(Garfield County GOP)

11AM •  B2 Orchards • 3916 Hickman Rd. • Palisade

Wednesday, July 17th

10AM •  TBA • Colorado Springs

2:30PM • Grimm Bros Brew House • 623 Denver Ave. • Loveland

Senator Brophy will take questions from the media after his announcement. To schedule media availability with the Senator please contact Jeremy Weathers at (970) 658-4579
or Jeremy@gregforgovernor.com.

###

Greg Brophy is a husband, father and farmer from the town of Wray, in Northeast Colorado.  In 2002, he was elected to serve as a State Representative.  Senator Brophy has served in both the State House and State Senate, and has built a long record of standing for individual liberties, and standing against the overreach of government.

To find out more about Senator Brophy, his campaign for Governor of the state of Colorado and announcement tour schedule, visit www.GregforGovernor.com.

Missing Girl in Ft. Morgan

Name/Description

Allie Otero
12 years old
5'4"-5'5" tall
shoulder length brown hair
brown eyes
left yesterday (July 12) for the library and skate park in Fort Morgan around 3pm, did not return home

If you have any information call the Fort Morgan Police Department 970-867-5678

Two Arrested In Sterling Burglary

***Logan County Sheriff's Office Press Release***



FORT MORGAN, COLORADO - On June 13th, 2011, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office received information connected to the burglary of Three C’s Hobby & Model in Sterling. The burglary was initially reported on 6/7/11. Over $10,000 of coins, currency, and R.C. cars were reported as stolen.

Acting on the information received, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, and Brush Police Department executed several search warrants in the Morgan County area.

Some items reported as stolen from Three C’s were recovered and two arrests made in connection to the burglary. Justin Knight, DOB 5/8/90, was arrested and faces charges of ‘Theft by Receiving’, a class 4 felony. Kelly Pauli, DOB 8/27/83, was arrested and faces charges of ‘Second Degree Burglary’ and ‘Theft’, both a class 4 felony. Pauli and Knight are currently being held in the Morgan County Detention Center.

Sterling PD Investigates Infants Death

***Sterling Police Department Press Release***


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At approximately 5:17 AM, June 16, 2011, Sterling Police responded to 315 Hays Avenue, #114 on a report of a non-responsive infant. Arriving officers found an approximately 23 day-old deceased female. The infant is identified as Hayle Marie Thomas.

An investigation into the infant’s death is on-going. Investigators have executed a search warrant for the residence, and are conducting interviews. An autopsy is being conducted today, Friday, June 17, 2011.

Early evaluation of the investigation does not suggest any threats or concerns to the general public’s safety.

Body Found Hanging In Sterling Park

***Sterling PD News Release***


On Sunday, June 12, 2011, at approximately 10:50am, Sterling Police Officers responded to Krull Park located in the 600 block of Franklin Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a deceased, 36 year old male, hanging from a swing in the southwest area of the park. The preliminary investigation indicates this was a suicide.

An autopsy is being conducted this morning and investigators continue to follow up on the incident.

Early assessment of the evidence does not indicate any threats or concerns to the public. Anyone who may have observed anything potentially related to the incident is encouraged to notify the Sterling Police Department at 522-3512.

One Arrested After Search Warrant Executed On Sterling Home

***Logan County Sheriff's Office Press Release***

Sterling, Colorado – On May 14th, 2011, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 317 Jackson Street, Apt #B, in Sterling. Members of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) entered the home of Owen V. Fisher Saturday evening.

After the search was initiated, Fisher was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, a class 6 felony. He was arrested and taken to the Logan County Detention Center. Further investigation at the residence brought more charges on Fisher of Possession of Weapons by Previous Offender, a class 5 felony and a Special Offender charge, a class 4 felony. Fisher is being held at the Detention Center on a $30,000 bond.

Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Chemicals and Waste Used in Methamphetamine Production

***Logan County Sheriff's Office Press Release***


Sterling, Colorado – On March 24th, 2011, Logan County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matt Williams contacted a vehicle at CR 33 and Highway 14 in Sterling for speeding. The driver, Shannon E. Ederer was arrested for driving while suspended. After an investigation, a search warrant was issued on Ederer’s vehicle. During that search warrant, suspicious items were located. Upon further examination, those items were identified as chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Members of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Colorado Plains Drug Task Force, and Sterling Fire Deparment, who are trained in dismantling meth labs, responded to the scene to process the materials. Once completed, a hazardous waste disposal company collected the materials for proper destruction.

Ederer is currently being held at the Logan County Detention Center on charges of Speeding, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Methamphetamines – Criminal Attempt.

While Methamphetamine production has sharply declined over the course of the last decade, Methamphetamine continues to present a large community problem. The primary source of Methamphetamine has been linked to Mexican-based drug organizations that ship a purer, more addictive former of the drug - crystal meth, also known as "ice.” The sharp decline in domestic production of Methamphetamines has been linked to strict laws concerning the sale of everyday cold medication used in production.

Though rare, discoveries of portable or “rolling” labs continue to present hazardous and environmental challenges to law enforcement. When the ingredients are combined, they can ignite, causing explosions, fires and the release of toxic fumes. Many times, the waste material is dumped outdoors, causing irreparable damage to the environment and drinking water.

Learn the signs of a potential Meth lab to protect your family and your property from catastrophic damage:

*A strong smell that might resemble urine, or an unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone
* Little or no traffic during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours.

* Extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors.

* Residents never putting their trash out.

*Lab materials surrounding the property (lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, clear glass jugs and duct tape).

*Vehicles loaded with trunks, chemical containers, or basic chemistry paraphernalia - glassware, rubber tubing, etc.

*Laboratory glassware being carried into the residence.

If you see evidence that makes you suspect a Meth lab, call law enforcement immediately and explain your concerns. Do not attempt to gather evidence on your own, and never handle any materials that may be associated with a lab.