Fort Morgan Police Investigating July 4th Vandalism

Police are investigating an incident where a vehicle windshield and a house window were broken. On July 4th, a resident in the 400 block of West Platte Avenue reported having a window on their house broken when a rock was thrown through it. When officers arrived, they also discovered their vehicle had damage to the windshield. The victim briefly saw two suspects and followed them for a short distance before losing sight of them. Police have questioned several people who may have knowledge about the vandalism but have not made any arrests. Damage to both windows was estimated at approximately $700 and police continue to investigate the crime. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at (970) 867-5678. If a person with information wishes to remain anonymous they can call Crime Stoppers at (970) 542-3411 and may be eligible for a cash reward or submit your tip online.

Fort Morgan Police Investigating Thefts From Vehicles

Police are asking for help in solving several thefts where items were taken from unlocked vehicles. Just over one week ago, six Fort Morgan residents reported miscellaneous items had been taken from their automobiles when the vehicles had been parked overnight. In all the cases, the vehicles were left unlocked. Items taken included: CD’s, tools, a satellite radio, a navigation system, a purse and a cooler. The value of the stolen items totaled over $1,000. Residents should remember to take valuables out of their vehicles when they are leaving them unattended and should always lock the doors to their automobiles. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online and remain anonymous. Anyone giving information that results in an arrest could receive a cash reward.

Burglary Associated with Attempted Burglary

Fort Morgan Police are investigating one burglary that may have occurred because someone wanted to commit another burglary in a nearby business. On June 10th an officer was called to a store in the 100 block of West Kiowa Avenue where the owner had discovered someone had broken into their business, however nothing appeared to be missing. Upon further investigation, evidence was located that suggested the suspect’s intention may have been to gain access to the business next door after failing to gain access to it from the outside. While nothing was taken and damage was minimal, breaking into a building with the intent of committing a crime within is a burglary which is a class 4 felony. Second degree burglary is punishable by a jail sentence of two to six years and a fine between $2,000 and $500,000. Police are asking anyone with information in this case to call police at (970) 867-5678. If a person with information wishes to remain anonymous they can call Crime Stoppers at (970) 542-3411 or submit your tip online and remain anonymous. Anyone giving information that results in an arrest could receive a cash reward.

Ft. Morgan Police Warn About "Secret Shopper" Scam

Fort Morgan Police are warning residents about a “secret shopper” employment scam that has tricked several people in the Morgan County area. Police have received several reports about residents responding to a “Secret Shopper” employment opportunity only to fall prey to thieves instead of finding employment. The scam is a variation on a commonly used ruse where a person is asked to cash a check and keep a portion for themselves and send the rest of the money back. The checks received are forgeries and the victims remove real money from their account thinking they are safe, having deposited other funds. In this case the victims are told they are working to evaluate a local Western Union Money Transfer branch. They receive a U.S. Postal money order and are told to cash the money order and keep a percentage. They are then instructed to wire the remaining amount through the money transfer service. The money they send is real; the money order they received is not. When the money order is discovered to be a forgery, the victim has been scammed. At least three people have come forward, some discovering the scam before they lost money. Police have found some commonalities among the cases. First, correspondence is with someone using the name “Erica”, second, the amount of three of the bogus money orders was exactly $845.33 and finally, the victims were asked to use Western Union to wire the money to a person in another state. If anyone thinks they may be a victim of this recent employment scam they are asked to call Detective Steve Vosburg at (970) 542-3941 or call the police department at (970) 867-5678.

Two Arrests made in Happy Butts Store Robbery

Thanks to the teamwork of the Fort Morgan Police Department, Brush Police Department, and the Morgan County Sheriffs Office, two persons have been arrested and charged with armed robbery five days after the Happy Butts cigarette store was held up at knife point. Fort Morgan and Morgan County officers responded, and began collecting information that was later used to identify two suspects that were being investigated by Brush Police Department in an unrelated criminal matter. Information was obtained that led to the surveillance of the two suspects and a search warrant of a residence. Items located in that search led to the identity of the two suspects. Based on interviews conducted by the Fort Morgan Police Department, warrants were obtained for the two suspects allegedly involved. Patrick Joseph Estrada, 27 of Log Lane Village and Miguel Angel Gamboa, 19 of Brush, were arrested on Tuesday, May 18th, and each is charged with Aggravated Robbery, Class 3 Felony, and Felony Menacing, Class 5 Felony. The two were arraigned in Morgan County District Court and are currently being held on $100,000 bond. The investigation continues in this case and another armed robbery that occured on Monday, May 17th, at the North Main Conoco.

Police Investigating Second Armed Robbery

Fort Morgan Police are investigating another armed robbery that occurred at about 11:00p.m. Monday night. The robbery was reported by an employee from North Main Conoco located at 1300 North main Street. The employee reported the man came into the business and walked to the bathroom. The employee was grabbed from behind and the male suspect displayed a knife. After taking an undisclosed amount of money from the register, the suspect ran from the store southbound. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male wearing a knit cap, dark jacket with a hood and blue jeans. The suspect used one of his hands to diguise his face during the incident. The employee was not injured during the robbery. Dispite the immediate arrival of officers, the suspect was not located. This is the second armed robbery in the same general area within a week with similar characteristics. Anyone with information concerning these robberies is asked to call Detective Sergeant Sharp at 542-3940, Fort Morgan Police at 867-5678 or Crime Stoppers at 542-3411 or tips can be submitted online using the Crime Stoppers link at www.cityoffortmorgan.com

Police Investigating Strong Armed Robbery

The Fort Morgan Police Department responded to a call of a robbery that occurred at Happy Butts, 922 Main Street, Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:25 pm. Police are looking for two men who walked into the store from the back entrance and approached the sales clerk allegedly pulling a knife out and held it to the clerk's throat. The men allegedly went around the counter, and made her open the register. The men fled with cash and checks from the register and a white colored lock box about the size of a brief case. They were reported to be in their early twenties, wearing dark ball caps, brown jackets and black scarfs concealing their lower faces. They were last seen running south down the alley and east on 8th Avenue. Anyone with any information on the suspects is urged to contact the police department at (970) 867-5678 or Crimestoppers at (970) 542-3411 and remain anonymous. You may also submit your tip online and remain anonymous.

Fort Morgan Newspaper Vending Machines Stolen

Fort Morgan Police are asking for information on the theft of three newspaper vending machines stolen from the Fort Morgan area. The machines were taken from three different locations within a twenty-four hour period. The entire machine along with newspapers and coins were taken. Most likely the newspaper dispensers were taken, the coin boxes were broken into, and the coins stolen from the machine. It’s possible the machines have been discarded somewhere after the money was stolen. If the intent was to steal the coins from the vending machines a charge of burglary may apply to the thieves who took the devices, resulting in a felony charges. Residents throughout the county are asked to be on the look-out for newspaper machines that may have been abandoned in fields, ditches, or other remote locations. Anyone finding a machine is asked to call the authorities in their area or if they have information on who committed the thefts to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at (970) 867-5678. If a person with information wishes to remain anonymous they can call Crime Stoppers at (970) 542-3411 or submit your tip online and remain anonymous.

Fort Morgan Police Continue To Investigate Burglary

Fort Morgan Detectives are continuing to investigate a burglary that occurred in the early morning hours of April 1st. Two suspects broke into a business at 527 State Street and stole more than $1,000 dollars of merchandise and caused over $700 in damages. Surveillance cameras caught images of the thieves and the photographs have been publicized in the news and on the police department’s website. Morgan County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 dollars for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the burglary. A person giving information can remain anonymous and still receive a reward by calling 542-4311. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online and remain anonymous. Police are hopeful that someone will recognize one or both men in the photos and provide information that will help solve this case.

Fort Morgan Business Victim of Wire Fraud

A Fort Morgan business trying to collect payment for services they provided was taken advantage of a second time when they became the victim of a fraudulent out-of-state collection agency. The local company had supplied services to a business located near the Denver Metro area and did not receive payment for the work they performed. They contacted an out-of-state collection agency in an attempt to recover payment for the services. The fraudulent collection agency requested payment up front and told the victim to send the money by wire, followed by a request for a check in the same amount. The victim confirmed that the wired money had been received and wisely refused to send a check. The local business never received any payment or assistance from the fraudulent collection company. When they attempted to contact them, the phone had been disconnected and authorities found the business address was not a legitimate location. This is one of several recent reports the Fort Morgan Police have received where criminals use a wire transfer service to defraud their victims. Residents should use extreme caution when wiring money. Money that is stolen through a wire fraud scheme is difficult to recover and victims are often left with nothing to show for their payment. If you think you have been a victim of a fraud or theft, call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678 or if you or anyone has information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online and remain anonymous.

Police Investigate Robbery At Local Business

On March 3rd, Fort Morgan police were called to the 900 block of State Street on the report of a theft that occurred at a business located there. Officers spoke with a witness who stated a Hispanic male had come into the building and was acting suspicious. When the male was observed again a few minutes later, he was going through the personal property of some of the other occupants of the building. When confronted, the suspect attempted to flee the business with some of the belongings. A brief struggle occurred when one of the victims attempted to retrieve stolen property the suspect was holding. No injuries were reported and the suspect fled on foot. Witnesses described the suspect as having very short black hair, bushy eyebrows and a lip piercing. He had a thin build and was wearing a dark coat with dark pants and tennis shoes. Officers contacted a possible suspect and are continuing to investigate this case. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678 or CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411. Anyone giving information that results in an arrest could receive a cash reward.

Man Arrested In Fort Morgan Homicide Case

A Fort Morgan man has been arrested in the case of a man found dead. At approximately 11 pm last night, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a possible assault in the Wayward Wind Trailer Park. 39-year-old Ricardo Macias Moran of Fort Morgan was found unresponsive with an apparent stab wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a small white pickup leaving the scene at what they described as a high rate of speed. 27-year-old Miguel Angel Vicente was taken into custody as a suspect in the homicide. The investigation is ongoing and we will continue to update this story as information becomes available. Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office at 970 867-2461 or Morgan County Crime Stoppers at 970 542-3411.

Police Investigate Residential Burglary

Fort Morgan police are looking for information about a day-time burglary that occurred in the 800 Block of East Eighth Avenue on February 16th. The homeowner left the residence earlier in the day and returned home several times throughout the day. When they finally returned home later that evening, they discovered a laptop computer missing, though at that time, nothing else seemed to have been taken. However, upon further investigation by the resident, they discovered some power tools missing from the garage. It is believed the thefts occurred sometime during the day, and the burglar may have found an open door inadvertently left unlock by the owner. Items take in the burglary include a laptop computer with a brand name of “Ultra” and two DeWalt cordless drills, one possibly a 12-volt and the other an 18-volt. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678 or CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411.

Police Remind Online Shoppers To Be Careful

Fort Morgan Police are reminding residents to be careful about online purchases, especially when requested to wire money to an unfamiliar location. Earlier this month, police were called to a report of a wire fraud where a local resident lost $2,800 in a scam that is common online and uses a third party escrow account. The victim in this case was attempting to purchasing a vehicle from out of state and was instructed to use what they thought was a familiar escrow service. They were told to wire the funds to the escrow company and the company would hold the money until the vehicle arrived and the purchase was approved by the buyer. Unfortunately, the information given was false and the victim was duped into wiring money to a phony account. The thief retrieved the wired currency and the victim lost a substantial amount of money. Con-artists use familiar sounding company names or websites like E-bay or Pay-pal to lure their victims into believing the deal is legitimate. Unfortunately, once money is wired, the thief can collect it with little chance of being caught. Police suggest when making an online purchase to verify escrow account websites yourself, don’t assume a website suggested by the seller is legitimate. Never give banking account information to a seller for a direct money transfer and use extreme caution when you are being asked to wire money for a purchase before you have received the merchandise.

Police Investigate Attempted Burglary

Fort Morgan Police are looking for information in connection with an attempted residential burglary and theft from a storage shed. On January 30th, a homeowner returned home to their residence in the 900 block of Meeker St. to find that someone had attempted to break into the home through the front door. The thief tried to force the door open, but was unsuccessful because a deadbolt lock was used to secure the door. While the door sustained about $100 damage, the burglar did not gain entry into the dwelling: however; a nearby storage shed was broken into and some items may have been taken. The exact value is still under investigation. Burglary of a residence is a class 3 felony and punishable by four to twelve years in prison. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, or CrimeStoppers at 542-3411.

Arrest Made In Connection To Assault In Fort Morgan

An arrest has been made stemming from an assault that occurred in the 100 block of Park Street on Thursday, January 14, 2010. Christopher Hunter, 46, was arrested Saturday afternoon after he was released from the hospital where he was recovering from wounds he suffered during the assault. Richard Solum, 34, and Virgil Roberts, 46, victims of the assault, were both treated and released from the hospital on Thursday. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Roberts were involved in an argument when Mr. Hunter shot Mr. Roberts with a BB gun. Mr. Hunter also had a knife in his hand. Mr. Solum grabbed a hold of Mr. Hunter to try and stop him from shooting the BB gun. When Mr. Hunter grabbed him, he was cut in the back with the knife. Mr. Solum was able to take the knife away from Mr. Hunter and in doing so, Mr. Hunter was also injured. Mr. Hunter is being held without bond at the Morgan County Detention Center. He is being charged with Second Degree Assault, Menacing, and Reckless Endangerment.

Ft. Morgan Police Investigate Overnight Vandalism

Fort Morgan Police are investigating an overnight vandalism in the 1200 block of East Burlington Ave. where three vehicles that were all parked at one location, were vandalized and left un-drivable. Sometime between the night of January 1st and the early morning of January 2nd four tires on three vehicles were damaged leaving the tires flat. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered there were cuts in the sidewalls of all the flat tires. The cut marks were consistent with being stabbed with a knife or sharp object of some type. The tires were relatively new and all of them had a lot of tread life left on them. The value of the four damaged tires was approximately $560 dollars Police are looking for possible suspects in the case and are asking anyone with information on this or other crimes to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online.

Fort Morgan Police Investigate Holiday Residential Burglary

Fort Morgan police are investigating a Holiday burglary that occurred between December 25th and December 27th in the 900 block of Deuel Street. The homeowner was out of town for a couple of days and had another person watching the residence while they were away. When the owner returned they found the home had been illegally entered and several items taken, including a 60 inch Sony television, a Phillips DVD player and four speakers all valued at $1,550. Police are investigating the case but have no new leads or information on who may have committed this crime. No visible force was used to enter the residence and police are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is asked to call the Fort Morgan Police Department at 867-5678, call CRIMESTOPPERS at (970) 542-3411, or submit your tip online and remain anonymous. Anyone giving information that results in an arrest could receive a cash reward.