MESA COUNTY, COLO. - At approximately 7:30 p.m. on June 4, 2026, deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an overdue female from the area of the Colorado River and the Palisade Rim Trailhead. At approximately 8:15 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a possible kidnapping and sexual assault being reported by a female in the area of Vega Reservoir, atop the Grand Mesa. During the investigation, deputies determined both cases were connected.

Deputies traveling on Highway 65 leading to Mesa from I-70 quickly located a vehicle matching the victim’s description of the suspect. When deputies contacted the driver of the suspect vehicle, 40-year-old Dustin Peterson, of Palisade, was identified.

Peterson had an active warrant and was initially arrested on that charge. Throughout the night, investigators continued to work the case. Currently, Peterson is being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:

• Sexual assault - penetration/deadly weapon, Felony 2
• Second degree kidnapping, felony 4
• Menacing - real/simulated weapon, felony 5
• Fugitive other jurisdiction warrant

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious on the evening of June 4, at or around the Palisade Rim Trailhead, to contact Investigator Jenna Reed at (970) 244-3274.

This case remains active with no further information available at this time.

A booking photo will be provided once it is available in our system.