Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Spring Creek Fire July 3

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Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,932 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 539
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 will continue to prepare for critical fire weather conditions expected on Tuesday, July 4, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Firefighters’ efforts include patrolling and looking for hot spots inside the fire perimeter that could again become active with strong winds. Hand crews and heavy equipment will improve and expand hand and dozer lines already in place. One piece of equipment, a masticator, is similar to a wood chipper; it “chews up” heavy vegetation and trees, widening the fuel break.


The incident management team includes both its own incident meteorologist and a fire behavior analyst who work cooperatively to predict fire activity and growth based on weather, vegetation, topography, historical fire data, and other factors. Their contributions further assist the team with proactive and contingency planning.


Due to the weather forecast, the plan to ignite pockets of unburned dense vegetation in the NE corner of the fire (Division P on the map) was delayed yesterday. The intent of this action was to tie two spot fires into the main fire perimeter near the area where crews have been working with heavy equipment to build a substantial fire line.


Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution with increase in fire personnel on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: The weather is predicted to continue to be warm and dry. Light NW winds on Monday are expected to noticably increase on Tuseday with possible gusts up to 40 mph. Tuesday will likely bring the most critical fire weather conditions this area has seen since Monday, June 26 when the fire grew rapidly. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s Fire Weather Watch that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire during this weather event.


Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.


Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!


Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire July 3

GCSO: Missing juvenile in Garfield County

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

UPDATE: July 4, 3:57 pm – The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reported that Ayla Weston was found and returned to her parents.

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. –  The following description, information and picture was posted on the Garfield County, Colorado Sheriff’s Facebook page. Please post or share as soon as possible. Hopefully we can locate this person. Our sources indicate that she was last seen in Rifle/New Castle area. She was visiting a relative in Rifle, but originally was from the Craig area.

Ayla Marie Weston


Please Share!

Missing Juvenile 

If you have any information, please call the non-emergency dispatch number at 970-625-8095 and ask for the deputy on duty.

Name: Ayla Marie Weston

Age: 16 years

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 124 lbs.

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Brown Medium Length

Last Seen: 7/1/2023 at 7 pm in Rifle, CO.

Last Seen Wearing: Black Crop Top, Black/Grey Checkered Sweats, Black Vans, Belly Piercing

Potentially between Rifle and New Castle. 

All assistance in this matter is appreciated.

GCSO: Missing juvenile in Garfield County

Spring Creek Fire – July 2

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Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two

Top of Div Z a view from Crane Valley Interagency Hotshot Crew as they crest the ridge

Top of Div Z a view from Crane Valley Interagency Hotshot Crew as they crest the ridge – pictures above and below

Top of Div Z a view from Crane Valley Interagency Hotshot Crew as they crest the ridge

July 2 Spring Creek Fire map
July 2 map of Spring Creek Fire

Indirect dozer line from Div P photo credit Mark Abrahamson HEQB

Indirect dozer line from Div P photo credit Mark Abrahamson HEQB

Indirect dozer line from Div P photo credit Mark Abrahamson HEQB

Afternoon operational update from the field July 2, 2023:

Crews are making great progress on both direct and indirect line.

In Division Z crews are working direct and in the black securing the line and looking for hot spots to extinguish.

In Division P crews continue to work on dozer line and clearing vegetation for the indirect line.

July 2 Spring Creek Fire briefing video

Today’s operational update from the Rocky Mountain Critical Incident Management Team 2.

Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, delivers today’s operations plan and coordination with the Incident Meteorologist (IMET) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

July 2, 2023
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023 Cause: Under Investigation Size: 2,925 acres Containment: 25%
Total Personnel: 521
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: The Spring Creek Fire experienced minimal growth yesterday.


Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 continued improving containment lines. While the percentage of containment remained about the same, firefighters are making good progress on the work of strengthening and connecting sections of fireline. Making sure the fireline is secure is especially important because there is a Red Flag Weather Warning predicted for July 4th. Fire managers are looking at the predicted conditions and are modeling fire behavior so they are prepared to deal with the likely conditions. The varied fuels and extreme terrain still present substantial challenges. Today firefighters will continue work to gain more containment around the fire, cool hot spots along the edge, cut snags that may carry fire across the lines if they fell, and strengthen current fireline. Crews may possibly ignite some pockets of unburned fuel in areas of dense vegetation to provide a wider barrier if weather conditions allow. Providing for firefighter safety is always a primary priority, but fire managers and firefighters are even more aware of the gravity of their work today, National Wildland Firefighter Day.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution with increase in fire personnel on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: The weather is predicted to continue to be warm and dry with clear skies for the next two days. Light NW winds of 5-10 mph are predicted. Overnight humidity recovery is expected to be poor causing the fire to become more active earlier in the day, but no significant movement is expected today. By Tuesday, the weather is predicted to grow warmer and much windier creating near critical fire weather conditions. The Spring Creek Fire is producing smoke that may affect air quality.

For information on current air quality and related health concerns, visit Garfield County air quality or AirNow.


Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.


Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.


Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!


Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire – July 2

GCSO: Missing rafter on Colorado River

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023, the Glenwood Springs Fire Department and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing rafter near Grizzly Creek in Glenwood Canyon.

A father and son entered the Colorado River at Grizzly Creek with the intent of rafting to the New Castle area. Shortly after the raft was put into the river it capsized. The son was able to swim to the shore while the father, according to witnesses, continued down the river holding onto the capsized raft.

Glenwood Fire arrived on scene, and immediately began their rescue efforts searching the river on both banks from the Grizzly Creek rest area to Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Search and Rescue was called to assist in the search. After two hours of searching both banks and the River, Glenwood Fire ceased their efforts on the Colorado River and cleared the scene allowing Garfield County Search and Rescue members to continue their work.

With night approaching and in the interest of safety, Search and Rescue members suspended their rescue efforts for the day shortly after 8:00 p.m. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is currently treating this as a missing person report and will work with Search and Rescue to continue the search in the area.

The missing person is described as a 65-year-old male who was last seen wearing a grey shirt or hoody with white and yellow gloves. It is unclear if he was wearing a personal flotation device or not.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone. It is great to enjoy all the white water challenges that Colorado rivers provide; and everyone should follow a few simple guidelines while on a river, particularly when navigating what are known as “white water” areas:

  1. Always wear a personal flotation device.
  2. When on white water rapids wear a helmet designed for water usage.
  3. Raft in groups with two or more rafts or watercraft in your party 
  4. Make sure someone on shore or at home knows the area or stretch of water you are planning to navigate.

Be safe, be smart, and enjoy this terrific recreational opportunity.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Glenwood Springs Fire and the members of Garfield County Search and Rescue for their quick and professional response in this matter.

River water in front of raft in Glenwood Canyon
GCSO: Missing rafter on Colorado River

GCSO: Rainbow Fentanyl uncovered in Garfield County – lethal risk

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

Rainbow fentanyl - photo courtesy Drug Enforcement Administration
Rainbow fentanyl – courtesy Drug Enforcement Administration

10.29.22 PRESS RELEASE – SPEAR (Special Problems Enforcement and Response), a newly established “Task Force” in Garfield County, recently seized several pills suspected of being Rainbow Fentanyl. The pills matched those pictured above, shown on a release by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, October 24, 2022.

Citizens are once again being reminded to watch out for Rainbow Fentanyl, an illegal drug (opioid) that has recently been released into our country in massive amounts. Investigators are being advised that local narcotics users and sellers are calling the narcotics “Skittles”.

The color, flavoring and sizing of the pill makes it appear innocuous. Logic tells us it was made to appeal to the younger members of our society, including teens and pre-teens or to appear as a harmless candy or mint if carried by a user or dealer.

With the holiday season approaching and multiple parties and gatherings taking place, you may stumble across someone using, sharing or distributing this illegal drug.

Make no mistake about it, Rainbow Fentanyl is an opioid, and while it may look harmless and appear as a treat, it is made without the strict government controls that assure proper dosage of medications, and therefore one tablet has the potential at any time of being lethal.

It is one of the jobs of law enforcement and other first responders to educate the public and make them aware of what to look for. As someone once said, “We don’t know what we don’t know.”

Help us as we battle this latest assault on our society and do not let yourself, a friend or a family member become yet another victim of the drug epidemic that is invading our country.

GCSO: Halloween precautions

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

10.24.22 PRESS RELEASE – With Halloween less than a week away, it is good to remember a few precautions that might keep you or your child from becoming a victim.

  1. While door-to-door trick or treating may be fun and exciting you are exposing yourself to the possibility of receiving “bad” treats, but also auto/pedestrian encounters that do not favor the pedestrian. The darkness of night provides opportunities for bullying and the potential for personal injury, accidental or otherwise. There is a higher probability of a personal attack at night.
  2. Whenever possible limit your trick or treating to established venues, shopping malls, churches, organized “Trunk or Treat” venues (often organized by municipalities or civil groups), etc.
  3. Even from these venues, do not accept or eat anything that is not “commercially wrapped”. Inspect the treats for signs of tampering. Check for unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers and throw away anything that looks suspicious.
  4. Be aware of the introduction of drugs that may look like candy, be brightly colored and even flavored to taste like mint, pineapple, strawberry or peach, etc. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), large quantities of fentanyl have recently entered our country with just these characteristics (see photo above).
  5. The DEA notes, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.  Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.  Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder.
  6. Enjoy the holiday, but be smart, be careful and be aware.
GCSO: Rainbow Fentanyl uncovered in Garfield County – lethal risk

GCSO: Fire contained in Battlement Mesa

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

7.22.22, 8:29 pm – Shortly before 3:00 pm, Friday, March 22, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fire near 32 Green Mesa Place in Battlement Mesa, CO. The fire quickly spread through the brush and threatened three neighborhoods, including houses on Green Mesa Place, Riverview Place and River Bluff Road.

Residents in those areas were asked to evacuate and instructed to meet at the Community Park behind the Battlement Mesa Medical Center for further instructions and updates. The neighborhoods were closed to entry or re-entry until approximately 4:30 pm, when it was decided that the fire was under control and people could safely return to their homes.

With the quick response of firefighters and law enforcement officers, no lives or structures were lost and property damage was kept to a minimum. Residents of River Bluff Road were allowed to return to their homes while those on Green Mesa Place and Riverview Place were allowed to walk-in only while fire crews continued their mop up operations. Several fire hoses were laid out in the area and would need to be retrieved before normal traffic could resume.

Grand Valley Fire will continue to monitor the area throughout the night as mop up efforts continue.

Some damage to neighborhood fences, as well as power line poles occurred. Holy Cross arrived on scene to assess the damage. Shortly after 5:00 pm, all power was restored to the neighborhoods.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the residents of Battlement Mesa who brought water, ice and food to the first responders. We would also like to thank other first responders, including Grand Valley Fire, Debeque Fire, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Interagency Fire, the Parachute Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, the United States Forest Service and all others who played a role in bringing this incident to a rapid conclusion with minimum property losses.

7.22.22, 4:37 pm – Update on fire at Green Mesa in Parachute.

Opening up all residential areas, EXCEPT for Riverview and Green Mesa. Foot traffic only in these areas please.

No houses were lost, some fences and electrical poles were damaged. Holy Cross is also on scene inspecting the poles.

Footage from earlier

7.22.22, 3:20 pm – Evacuation Point is at Battlement Mesa Community Park
Fire at 32 Green Mesa Pl Parachute. Homes in area being evacuated. Please avoid area.

GCSO: Fire contained in Battlement Mesa

GCSO: Shooting suspect taken into custody

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Glenwood Springs Police Department

7.14.22, 1:06 pm – Update: Law enforcement remain in the area for investigation. Shelter in place has been lifted, but please avoid the area.

Midland Avenue between 27th Street and 8th Street remains closed.

Travel alert: Midland Ave will be closed in both directions for through traffic for an active Police investigation. Residents of River Meadows and the Red Mountain Subdivision from 11th Street and South can access their homes from 27th and Midland. Red Mountain residents North of 10th St can access their homes from Red Mountain Dr at Midland (Yampah High School). There is no estimate on time of reopening as of 1:30 p.m.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

7.14.22, 12:45 pm – GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – The Glenwood Springs Police Department responded to an active shooter incident this morning shortly before 11:00 AM. The incident occurred near the intersection of 10th Street and Riverview Drive in Glenwood Springs. Multiple shots were fired. An injured party was recovered from the scene and transported to Valley View Hospital with a gun shot wound.

A female was also able to exit the residence and is safe with law enforcement. There were multiple agencies responding from surrounding Police Departments, Colorado State Patrol, the District Attorney’s Office, as well as Glenwood Fire.

The Garfield County All Hazards team responded with the Bear Cat, as well as a similar team from Eagle County with their defense vehicle.

Negotiators from both the Glenwood Springs Police Department and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office are currently in contact with the suspect.

At approximately 12:41 PM, the suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody. Officers are currently in the process of clearing the residence and assuring that no other threats are present.

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Actualización 12:58 pm a través de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield: El Departamento de Policía de Glenwood Springs respondió a un incidente de tirador activo esta mañana poco antes de las 11:00 AM. El incidente ocurrió cerca de la intersección de 10th Street y Riverview Drive en Glenwood Springs. Se efectuaron múltiples disparos. Una parte lesionada fue recuperada de la escena y transportada al Hospital Valley View con una herida de bala.

Una mujer también pudo salir de la residencia y está a salvo con la policía. Hubo múltiples agencias que respondieron de los departamentos de policía circundantes, la Patrulla Estatal de Colorado, la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito y Glenwood Fire.

El equipo de Garfield County All Hazards respondió con el Bear Cat (vehículo blindado), así como con un equipo similar del Condado de Eagle con su vehículo de defensa, Los negociadores tanto del Departamento de Policía de Glenwood Springs como de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield están actualmente en contacto con el sospechoso.

Aproximadamente a las 12:41 PM, el sospechoso salió de la residencia y fue detenido. Los oficiales están actualmente en el proceso de despejar la residencia y asegurarse de que no haya otras amenazas presentes.

Midland Ave. Cerrada entre la calle 27 y la calle 8 en Glenwood Springs. Las personas en el vecindario de Red Mountain South (área de Riverview Dr.) deben cerrar las puertas y refugiarse en su lugar.

GCSO: Shooting suspect taken into custody

GCSO: Shooting suspect taken into custody

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Glenwood Springs Police Department

7.14.22, 1:06 pm – Update: Law enforcement remain in the area for investigation. Shelter in place has been lifted, but please avoid the area.

Midland Avenue between 27th Street and 8th Street remains closed.

Travel alert: Midland Ave will be closed in both directions for through traffic for an active Police investigation. Residents of River Meadows and the Red Mountain Subdivision from 11th Street and South can access their homes from 27th and Midland. Red Mountain residents North of 10th St can access their homes from Red Mountain Dr at Midland (Yampah High School). There is no estimate on time of reopening as of 1:30 p.m.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

7.14.22, 12:45 pm – GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – The Glenwood Springs Police Department responded to an active shooter incident this morning shortly before 11:00 AM. The incident occurred near the intersection of 10th Street and Riverview Drive in Glenwood Springs. Multiple shots were fired. An injured party was recovered from the scene and transported to Valley View Hospital with a gun shot wound.

A female was also able to exit the residence and is safe with law enforcement. There were multiple agencies responding from surrounding Police Departments, Colorado State Patrol, the District Attorney’s Office, as well as Glenwood Fire.

The Garfield County All Hazards team responded with the Bear Cat, as well as a similar team from Eagle County with their defense vehicle.

Negotiators from both the Glenwood Springs Police Department and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office are currently in contact with the suspect.

At approximately 12:41 PM, the suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody. Officers are currently in the process of clearing the residence and assuring that no other threats are present.

Glenwood Springs Police Department

7.14.22, 11:26 am update – POLICE ACTIVITY – Individuals in the Red Mountain South Neighborhood (Riverview Dr. area) should lock doors and shelter in place immediately. Midland Avenue is closed with no traffic in or out between 8th Street and 27th Street.

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ACTIVIDAD POLICIAL – Midland Ave. Cerrada entre la calle 27 y la calle 8. Las personas en el vecindario de Red Mountain South (área de Riverview Dr.) deben cerrar las puertas y refugiarse en su lugar.

7.14.22, 11:01 a.m.

*Alert*

Police activity in the area of Riverview Dr. for shots fired.

Stay indoors, shelter in place.

GCSO: Shooting suspect taken into custody

GCSO: Exercise/drill planned June 29 at GVHS

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with members of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Care Flight, Classic Air Medical, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Parachute Police Department, Garfield County Emergency Management, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Glenwood Springs Police Department, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Grand River Health, Valley View Hospital, Grand Valley High School and the Northwest Regional Healthcare Coalition will be staging an exercise on June 29, 2022.

The exercise will begin at the Grand Valley High School in Parachute, Colorado around 8:00 a.m., with the completion of all exercises on that site by 4:00 p.m. The idea is to test the reaction time, various equipment operation, interagency coordination and support in preparation for an actual emergency or incident. Such an incident could likely test all these resources.

The area immediately around the Grand Valley High School will be closed to the public during the exercise. The public will note, from a distance, the presence of various first responders and equipment including multiple Law Enforcement Agencies and EMS with their resources moving on and off the site during the drill. Activities may be intense, at times, depending on what resources are being tested.

These exercises are an important part of being prepared, should an actual incident or emergency occur. We appreciate the cooperation of the public, as well as all parties involved.

GCSO: Exercise/drill planned June 29 at GVHS

GCSO: D’Antiago Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez in custody

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Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

D’Antiago Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez in custody

4.25.22, 11:50 a.m. – GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – This morning, shortly after 11:00 a.m., the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office learned that D’Antiago, (“Dante”), Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez was arrested by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in Mesa County. D’Antiago was wanted for the April 24, 2022 shooting that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old male at a quinceañera celebration near Rifle, CO.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Rifle Police Department, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, the Garfield County all Hazards Response Team (AHRT) and Colorado River Fire Rescue for their efforts the night of the incident and each agency’s part in concluding this manhunt.

We would also like to acknowledge our facebook followers, local news agencies, radio stations and the public for their assistance in this matter.

This is an active investigation, and no additional information will be forthcoming at this time.

Dominguez-Lopez

D’Antiago Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez wanted for homicide

4.24.22, 11:55 a.m. – This morning, shortly after midnight, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a shooting that occurred outside of Rifle. The victim and suspect were attending a quinceañera when the shooting occurred. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, the victim was still alive. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction via ambulance where he was treated and later pronounced dead.

A warrant has been issued for D’Antiago, (“Dante”), Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez from Rifle, CO (shown above). D’Antiago is considered, “armed and dangerous”. If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please do not attempt to contact him. If you see D’Antiago, call our dispatch center (970) 625-8095 or 911.

If you have any information for this investigation, please contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-945-1377 ext. 1075.

GCSO: D’Antiago Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez in custody