The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stolen car and a separate carjacking that occurred on I-70 this afternoon.

Around 2 p.m., a Debeque Marshal’s Office code enforcement vehicle was reported stolen from a traffic stop near mile marker 68 and was traveling westbound on I-70. One of the people involved in the traffic stop reportedly stole the vehicle then crashed it near the Beavertail Tunnel. The suspect abandoned the car then carjacked a Chevy Cruze that stopped to help and continued traveling westbound on I-70 with speeds reaching upwards of 110 mph. 

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with other law enforcement agencies, to safely shut down exits to the Interstate to prevent the car from driving into town. The car ultimately crashed just west of the Palisade exit on I-70. 

A couple of other cars were damaged during this incident, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. 

The suspect, identified as Jordan Cruz, 19, of Colorado Springs, was detained and transported to the hospital as a precaution. He was released and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Cruz is facing the following charges:

• Robbery (Class 4 Felony)
• Two Counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Used In A Crime (Class 4 Felony)
• Felony Vehicle Eluding (Class 4 Felony)
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding 25-39 MPH over the limit
• Resisting Arrest (Class 2 Misdemeanor) 
• Obstructing Police Officer (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
• Escape (Class 4 Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Less Than $300 (Class 3 Misdemeanor)
• Hit And Run Failed To Remain At Scene
• Failed To Report Accident Involving Hwy Fixture

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Debeque Marshal’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Grand Junction Police Department, Fruita Police Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Palisade Police Department all assisted in this incident. 

The case is still under investigation. Additional charges are pending from the Debeque Marshal’s Office related to the initial traffic stop. For updated bond amounts, click here.