MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 10:25 a.m. Wednesday, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault and attempted robbery about a half a mile into the Palisade Rim Trail.

A woman reported an unknown individual struck her with a rock and attempted to take her keys while hiking on the trail. She was able to get away and call for help. She sustained minor injuries.

Deputies in the area immediately began searching for the suspect. Several agencies are assisting with the search, including Mesa County Search and Rescue, Grand Junction Police Department K-9 Unit, Palisade Police Department, Grand Junction Regional Communication Center’s Incident Dispatch Team, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

The suspect is described as an adult male, approximately 5’6-5’7, wearing a dark multi-colored jacket and a black face covering. If seen, please call 911. 

Residents of the Rapid Creek Road area are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The Palisade Rim Trail is temporarily closed to the public. Please avoid the area until further notice.

As a reminder, here are recommended safety precautions to follow when recreating:

1. Have a plan on where you are going and when you expect to return
2. Share your plan with someone not recreating with you
3. Recreate with another person or in a group
4. Dress for the weather and take plenty of water
5. Carry a charged cell phone

For more recreating safety tips, visit Sheriff.MesaCounty.us