UPDATE: 8/14/2024 12:30 pm: Natalia Southworth, age 21, of Grand Junction, was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility at approximately 9:20 am this morning.  

Previous: 8/14/2024 The second suspect in the 29 Mile Apartment assault is in custody.  19-year-old Marcelino Salazar was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility at approximately 9:15 pm last night. Investigators are still looking to speak with the female seen in videos with Salazar and Arrieta just prior to the assault.

8/12/2024:  At approximately 3:30 pm, 23-year-old Gino Arrieta was taken into custody by Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.  He is currently being booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.  Further information will be released as it becomes available.

On August 12, 2024, at 10:24 pm, Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a robbery in progress at the 29 Mile Apartments at 2915 Orchard Avenue in Grand Junction.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim lying on the ground on the west side of 29 1/4 Road, just south of Orchard Avenue. The victim told Deputies that two men had assaulted him with a bat. 

According to the victim, he arrived at the 29 Mile Apartments to make a food delivery when he asked two individuals for directions. After making the delivery, he felt uneasy and began to run to his car when the two males came out from behind a bush and started chasing him.  The suspects caught the victim, and one suspect hit him in the head with a silver metal object while the other robbed him.

The suspects are described as two males, 20-30 years old were last seen running southwest into the parking lot of the 29 Mile Apartments after the assault. 

The victim suffered severe injuries to his head and face. EMS transported the victim from the scene to the hospital for medical care.

This case remains open while deputies attempt to identify suspects and collect possible video evidence. 

If you or anyone you know has any information regarding this case or the suspects involved, call the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at 970-242-6707.