10/25/2011

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 4000-block of Goodell Lane at 12:43 a.m. this morning.  Upon arrival, deputies discovered two individuals that had been injured by nunchucks, a martial arts weapon which is classified as a deadly weapon.

Deputies arrested Eric Leon Glukowsky, DOB: 07/29/80, for Second Degree Assault, a class four felony.  He is currently being held at the Larimer County Jail pending bond.

After deputies arrived, Mr. Glukowsky barricaded himself in his apartment and refused to come out.  Deputies attempted numerous times to contact Mr. Glukowsky by phone to negotiate turning himself in without success.  Subsequently deputies deployed a 40-millimeter less-lethal foam baton to break the window of Mr. Glukowsky’s apartment in order to facilitate direct communication with him.  Deputies  were then able to make intermittent phone contact with him.

After further negotiation, Mr. Glukowsky surrendered to deputies without incident.  The arrest was made at approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning.

Deputies believe the assaults stemmed from an on-going neighbor dispute.

The victims were transported to Poudre Valley Hospital with lacerations and later released.

Eric Leon Glukowsky

The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven

October 19, 2011

Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith today awarded a Sheriff’s Commendation to Deputy Ted Wilson and Deputy Justin Atwood for “bringing credit to themselves, their squads and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office ” for the compassion they demonstrated to a six-year-old burglary victim earlier this year.

Every once in a while a case comes along that touches the hearts of Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies.  One such case involved  a shy but personable six-year-old young man with an infectious smile.  The home that the young man shares with his mother in the Timber Ridge trailer park was burglarized.  A pair of iPod headphones, five cartons of chocolate milk and the little boy’s piggy bank with approximately $20 in change were stolen.

The little boy had been saving his pennies to buy a new bike.  He was sad and confused about the theft, asking his mother why someone would take his piggy bank.  He just could not understand why someone would do that to him.  Due to current circumstances, his mom was not able to replace the money immediately.

Deputies said that during their investigation the little boy was diligently doing his reading and spelling homework.  His mom told deputies that he was a great kid, shy but smart and who keeps his room immaculate.

After gathering evidence and completing the initial investigation, Deputies Ted Wilson and Justin Atwood were unwilling to walk away and forget about the little boy.  Deputy Wilson decided that maybe the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office family might want to help him.  He got a couple of piggy banks and put them in the patrol and administrative areas of the Sheriff’s office and sent out an email informing the staff of what had happened and asking for contributions to replace the stolen money.

Earlier this year, Deputies Wilson and Atwood presented the little boy with two new piggy banks with $213.50 inside to replace his stolen bank and help him toward his goal of getting a new bike.  Needless to say, the little boy was extremely happy and his mom was surprised and touched that the deputies would help her son.  We are happy to report that the little boy now has his bicycle.

Deputy Ted Wilson said, “The people, sworn and civilian, at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office care about what happens to the citizens we serve.  We know as the little boy matures he will remember this event in his life and will do the same thing for someone else.”

The suspects in the burglary have not yet been identified.  The family of the little boy has asked not to be identified.

October 18, 2011

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has experienced an increase in the number of reports of credit card fraud recently.  It is not yet clear what is causing this increase but a formal investigation is underway.

The Sheriff reminds citizens to be cautious when sharing personal information, especially when responding to emails or text messages.  Banks and financial institutions usually will not request your personal information via email or text message unless you contact them first.

Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with. Identity thieves are clever, and may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs), and even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information.

Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organization’s website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. You can also call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.

If you think you have been a victim of credit card fraud you should contact your local law enforcement agency.  For further tips on preventing identity theft visit the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office website at  http://larimersheriff.org/site-page/identity-theft-prevention .

A severe shortage of psychiatric hospital beds in Colorado is putting a large burden on county jail facilities. When mentally ill inmates commit crimes, the issue of competency may be raised. The process of determining competency can take six months or longer. If the individual is deemed incompetent, the wait list for treatment at the hospital to provide restoration of competency can be longer. Someone with significant mental health concerns could be incarcerated for nearly a year before their case is resolved. The jail environment is not designed to address specialized mental health needs.

The Larimer County Jail has approximately 240 to 270 inmates a month with mental health issues. In a year, the jail will handle about 2,870 inmates with mental health disorders.

In 2010, the Community Mental Health Criminal Justice Initiative funded a Criminal Justice Clinical Specialist hired by Larimer Center for Mental Health. The Criminal Justice Clinical Specialist, Justin Shaffer, interfaces with the jail population and liaises with the courts concerning the mental health needs of the chronically mentally ill. This position provides continuity of care for mentally ill inmates with the goal that they remain out of jail. The Criminal Justice Clinical Specialist works closely with the attorneys involved in the case and advises the judge of mental health needs. With this intervention, cases are resolved more quickly using an appropriate sanction combined with a community referral for continued mental health services. By resolving these cases expeditiously, the Larimer County Jail realizes a significant cost savings.

In a recent example of this initiative, a chronically mentally ill inmate was booked at the Larimer County Jail. This inmate had been involved with the mental health system most of their adult life. Their criminal behavior appeared to be directly related to mental illness. This person was known by jail staff from incarcerations occurring five years prior that lasted 260 combined days. Prior to the most recent arrest, this person was successful in the community. Due to the efforts of the Criminal Justice Clinical Specialist, Larimer Center for Mental Health, Larimer County Jail, the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and the presiding judge, competency was addressed early in the case, the evaluation was ordered and completed in a expedient manner, and the inmate was released to a stable environment that is better suited to manage mental health needs. This individual will remain at an assisted living facility until a bed becomes available at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo. This collaborative process took less than seven weeks and represents a significant cost savings for Larimer County taxpayers.

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested two Livermore, Colorado residents after discovering a substantial marijuana grow at their rental home in the 1700 block of County Road 82E.  Lacy Ann Patterson, DOB: 040988, and Anthony Michael Ryker, DOB: 093085 were arrested yesterday, September 1, 2011 after approximately 220 live marijuana plants, numerous baggies of packaged marijuana, drug smoking paraphernalia, psilocybin mushrooms, numerous legal guns of different makes and caliber, and equipment used to cultivate marijuana were found at their residence.  The couple was arrested on suspicion of:

CRS 18-18-0406 Possession of More than 12 ounces of Marijuana  (Felony 6)

CRS 18-18-0406 Possession of More than 100 pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Felony 3)

CRS 18-18-0406 Cultivation of Marijuana (Felony 4)

CRS 18-18-0403.5 Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance (Felony 4)

CRS 18-04-0501 Criminal Mischief (Felony 4)

CRS 18-18-0407 Special Offender (Weapons) (Felony 2)

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Impact Unit investigators recently received a citizen complaint of suspicious activity in this area.  Upon investigation, investigators found a fenced area with black plastic surrounding it to prevent seeing what was inside the area.  The tops of what appeared to be plastic greenhouse coverings could be seen and they could smell the strong odor of raw marijuana coming from the numerous outbuildings on the property.

Upon contact, the couple initially denied growing marijuana but later said it was for medical marijuana; however, no documentation was found to support this claim.  As a result, a search warrant was obtained and the marijuana grow and other items were discovered.  The marijuana has an estimated street value of approximately $385,000.

In addition, a large amount of damage was done to the residence as a result of modifications made to the property to grow the marijuana in the basement of the rental home.  A review of the records used to obtain the search warrant showed the couple had resided in the area for less than a year.

The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty

]]> http://www.berthoudrecorder.com/2011/09/08/marijuana-grow-operation-discovered-in-livermore/feed/ 0 http://www.berthoudrecorder.com/2011/06/23/rafting-death-on-the-poudre/ http://www.berthoudrecorder.com/2011/06/23/rafting-death-on-the-poudre/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:45:28 +0000 admin http://www.berthoudrecorder.com/?p=23475

LARIMER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Justin E. Smith, Sheriff

Rafter Death

Date:    June 23, 2011

A rafting accident on the Poudre River left one rafter dead and one with a suspected broken leg today.  At approximately 12:40 p.m. this afternoon, Larimer County Emergency Services and the Larimer County Dive Rescue Team were dispatched to assist Poudre Canyon Fire Department on the report of two rafters stuck on an island across from the Mishawaka Inn and one rafter missing.  The accident occurred near 13714 West Highway 14, west of Fort Collins.

Upon arrival, two rafters were found stuck on an island requiring rescue.  A third rafter was injured with a suspected broken leg and the fourth rafter required cardio pulmonary resuscitation and later died on scene.  A medical evacuation helicopter was dispatched along with ambulances from Poudre Valley Ambulance.

The Larimer County Search and Rescue Team was called in to assist the Dive and Rescue Team with a rope rescue of the stranded rafters.  Subsequently, the stranded rafters were returned to shore by the rafting company.  They were not injured.  The rafters were wearing wetsuits and were part of a commercial rafting trip operated by Rocky Mountain Adventures of Fort Collins.

The identity of the victim as well as the manner and cause of death will be determined by the Larimer County Coroner.  The injured rafter was transported to Medical Center of the Rockies by helicopter.  His condition is unknown.

The age, sex, and hometowns of the people involved were not immediately available.

No further information is available at this time.

The advent of warmer weather means residents will be taking advantage of the numerous recreational opportunities available in Larimer County.  Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith reminds residents to lock their vehicles when parking in recreational area parking lots, especially those providing access to trailheads.

Sheriff Smith says residents are urged to leave valuables at home or lock them in the trunk out of sight.  Visible electronic equipment like cell phones, MP3 players, GPS devices and cameras as well as wallets and purses are an invitation for a vehicle break-in.  Be sure to also remove chargers and suction cups which broadcast the presence of electronic equipment in a vehicle.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they observe.  Larimer County deputies will be doing extra patrols this summer, as time permits, but it takes only a minute to smash a window and remove valuables.

While the number of vehicle break-ins overall is down about 26% over the last three years, there has been an increase in the numbers of break-ins during the summer months.

Sheriff Justin Smith said, “While we are making good progress on reducing the number of vehicle break-ins overall, we typically see a sharp increase at this time of the year.  Many of these break-ins are preventable if people will lock their doors and keep valuables out of sight.”

Date: May 10, 2011

Early this morning a Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a vehicle that was speeding westbound on Mulberry Street near 12th Street.  As the deputy turned his patrol vehicle around, the vehicle continued speeding on Mulberry and ran a red light.  As the deputy attempted to catch up with the vehicle it turned north on College Avenue.  The deputy finally caught up to the speeding vehicle as it turned east onto Mountain Avenue.

As the deputy turned on his overhead emergency lights to stop the vehicle at 1:21 a.m, the vehicle refused to stop.  A short pursuit ensued southbound on Peterson Avenue with speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour.  After less than a minute and a half, the deputy discontinued the pursuit in order to ensure the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians in the area.  A BOLO (Be on the Lookout) was immediately sent to other area law enforcement agencies with the vehicle description.

A few minutes later, Fort Collins Police Services officers followed a trail of leaking fluid and discovered the car near College Avenue and Elizabeth Street with two males running from the vehicle north on College Avenue.  A perimeter was immediately established by Fort Collins Police Services, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State University Police Department to contain the suspects.

A short time later, Fort Collins Police Services caught up with the passenger of the vehicle, a 17-year old Fort Collins juvenile, and took him into custody.  It was later learned that the juvenile had four warrants for his arrest and had been listed as missing and on the run for several months.  He was taken to Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested by CSU Police approximately 10 minutes later.  He was identified as Michael Stanley-Worosello, DOB: 100985, a transient from Pueblo.  Mr. Stanley-Worosello was arrested for:

• 18-09-0116.5  Vehicular Eluding                               Class 4 Felony
• 18-08-0104     Obstructing a Peace Officer                Class 2 Misdemeanor
• 42-04-1401     Reckless Driving                                 Class 2 Traffic
• 42-04-1409     Compulsory Insurance Violation        Class 1 Traffic
• 42-04-1101     Speeding                                             Class A Traffic
• 42-04-0603     Traffic Control Devices Violation       Class A Traffic

Stanley-Worosello was booked into the Larimer County Jail and is currently awaiting a court hearing to set bond.

Captain John Manago of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division said, “Once again this displays another great case of teamwork. We are very fortunate to have agencies around us who are so willing to help us when we need them. Again, I am proud of our deputies’ decision making process when it comes to these pursuits. I can see that they are truly evaluating the safety of the community with the need to catch the suspect.”

The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is asked to call Larimer County Sheriff’s Office at 970-416-1985 or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868 where you will remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward.

Date:                       April 21, 2011

On March 10, 2011, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency medical teams responded to the 3700-block of Henderson Avenue in Wellington, Colorado, on the report that a two-year-old boy had hit his head and was not responsive.  Jamie Whittington, the boy’s aunt and legal caregiver, was questioned by Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators.  The boy was flown to Children’s Hospital in Denver.  It was later discovered, after in-depth medical exams, that the 15-month-old brother of the injured boy also had previous fracture injuries.

There were a total of three children in the home at the time of the incident.  All of the children were removed and placed with other family members.

After in-depth medical consultations and a detailed case investigation,  an arrest warrant was issued for Jamie Whittington, DOB: 08/06/83, for Child Abuse Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a class three felony, as well as Child Abuse, a class two misdemeanor.

Jamie Whittington turned herself into the Larimer County Jail this morning and is currently being held on a $300,000 cash, property or surety bond.

The two-year-old boy remains at Children’s Hospital in stable condition.

Date:                        04/21/2011

Thomas Howie, DOB: 01/03/75, of Fort Collins, turned himself in to the Larimer County Jail today after an arrest warrant was issued for him for Arson, a class four felony.  Mr. Howie was booked and released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

Mr. Howie is alleged to have started the Crystal Fire which ultimately encompassed approximately 2940 acres and destroyed 13 homes.