Pueblo County Sheriff's Office

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office received special funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation to conduct DUI enforcement during the 2009 Halloween Weekend.  The Sheriff’s office will have additional deputies out all weekend dedicated to traffic enforcement and DUI patrol.

Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor would like to encourage all who enjoy the weekend’s parties and festivities to be responsible and not to drive after drinking alcohol. 

There will be no TREAT if you try to perform the TRICK of drinking and driving this Halloween.

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Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor seeks any information leading to the apprehension of Qua Qua Shane Gordon (D.O.B. 06/20/75)

Qua Qua has three warrants for his arrest and is a person of interest in a burglary that was reported to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on October 9, 2009.  The warrants are as follows:

Parole Violation, $0 Bond

18-5-205 (2), (3), (c) Fraud  by check $1000 or more   F6  $10,000 bond

42-2-138 (1), (a) Failure to Appear – Traffic Offense  $500 bond

While investigating a burglary case, evidence led Sheriff’s deputies to believe Qua Qua Gordon is connected to items stolen from Mesa Motors, 2101 Santa Fe Dr. East Pueblo County on October 9, 2009. 

Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Qua Qua Gordon is encouraged to contact the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office at (719)583-6250 or Crime Stoppers (719)542-STOP.  

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Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor announced today that Robert Howard Bruce (D.O.B. 01-26-62) has been arrested on the following charges:

Three counts of Criminal Attempt to commit First Degree Murder 18-2-101
Intimidation of a witness CRS 18-8-704
Possession of an incendiary device 18-12-109
Third Degree Criminal Trespass 18-4-504   

Sheriff Taylor comments:

In 2007 181 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty.  These are dismal figures that cause all in the community to pause.  Yet, even though outrageous; It is even more disturbing that a law enforcement officer’s family would be included in some plot or at least with a deliberate indifference some actor would consider killing an officer’s family! 

Pueblo is a wonderful community and we have many law enforcement officers that live in our community, and nothing shocks our collective conscience more that a plot to kill an officer but also his family.  In Pueblo West we are fortunate to have brothers and sisters in law enforcement living in the community.  Many different agencies from all over the state have residences in the beautiful and safe community of Pueblo West.  This isolated event will not detract from the wonderful life that is our community of Pueblo as a whole.  Yet, this action did occur and evidence indicates that Mr. Bruce was the actor who decided to disturb our community. 

The two biggest law enforcement organizations in Pueblo work very close and very well together.  We have outstanding relationships with other law enforcement entities such as Colorado Parole.  In short we have all worked very closely together to ensure this type of attempt is not only disrupted, but that it is investigated, that it is jointly observed and that a decent case is given to the District Attorney.  This case is not done being investigated.  In many ways we have only just begun and there much work to do, but we had enough today to ensure to the public and our citizens of Pueblo that he should be arrested and held accountable.  The Sheriff’s office has been responsive to tragedies that face all citizens in Pueblo West and the entirety of the county.  There is proven track record that those that murder or plot to murder are sought, investigated and they will receive their day in court.  We stand ready to help the people, the district attorney seek justice with prudent, timely and professional investigations.  

All Pueblo Police Officers and all Sheriff’s Deputies indeed all law enforcement officers know that if an actor is willing to prey upon those in charge of our safety (law enforcement) they really have no regard whatsoever for those of you who depend upon our diligence and our peace of mind.   

I would like to especially thank Pueblo Police Chief Jim Billings for his attendance today.

Sheriff Taylor also commented, “Regardless who the victim is, we would go to these measures to pursue justice.”

Pueblo Police Chief Jim Billings stated, “Law enforcement officers prepare themselves to be targeted while they are on duty, but it is much different to be off duty home with your family and have something this extreme happen.”

This complex investigation is still on-going.

On July 24, 2009, detectives with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Lloyd Allen Donald (D.O.B. 09-02-57) of Pueblo.  Acting on a tip from an eastern Pueblo County farmer, detectives had been investigating Mr. Donald for the last two weeks for unlawfully cultivating marijuana.  While under surveillance, Mr. Donald led detectives to eight, separate illicit marijuana grow operations, five in eastern Pueblo County; two in western Otero County and one in western Crowley County.  Mr. Donald was tending to his marijuana plants located on agricultural land in eastern Pueblo County.  When approached by detectives, Mr. Donald ran away into a nearby corn field, he was later apprehended by the detectives.  PCSO detectives later searched Mr. Donald’s home at 621 E. 1st in Pueblo, and recovered harvested marijuana, marijuana starter plants and approximately $2000.00 from inside the home.  Mr. Donald could not provide any state registry documentation from the Colorado State Department of Health with regards to medical marijuana regulations.

“As long as marijuana is illegal and threatens the health and safety of our young people we will continue to disrupt their ability to grow it” commented Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor.

On July 26, 2009, detectives went to all eight illicit marijuana grow sites, and discovered several sophisticated operations that included water pumps, irrigation lines and fertilizer.  The locations were strategically selected based on sunlight, water and the ability to conceal each site.  Most of the sites were located near the Arkansas River, and some were located on agricultural land. 

With assistance from the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the 15th Judicial District Drug Task Force, 30 plants were seized from 2 separate grow sites in western Otero County.     Crowley County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with 12 plants that were seized in 1 grow operation.  Plants seized in the five separate grows in Pueblo County added up to 43.  All plants allegedly belong to Mr. Donald.

The street value of all suspected marijuana seized is approximately $85,000.  Mr. Donald is being held at the Pueblo County Detention Facility on the following charges, his bond is set at $5000.00. 

Five counts: 18-18-406(4a) Possession of Marijuana – Misdemeanor 1
Five counts: 18-18-406 (8a, i) Cultivation of Marijuana – Felony 4
Five counts: 18-4-503 Criminal Trespassing – Felony 4
18-18-406(b, i) Intent to Distribute Felony 3

On July 26, 2009 st 14:45 today, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Bureau Fire Team responded to a car fire on I-25 at mile marker 91 northbound. The driver told Colorado State Patrol that he had borrowed the vehicle from a friend and while he was driving, he had noticed smoke under the hood and pulled over. The incident had traffic backed up for several miles. The vehicle, a 70’s model motor home and it’s contents, were completely lost to the fire. The driver was uninjured.

Special Operations Technician Master Deputy Dylan Jacketta was one of the Fire Team members on-scene, “The biggest safety risk to the responders and the passersby was the several propane tanks inside the vehicle. Before we could get the fire out, each tank vented, causing large flair ups.”

The Emergency Services Bureau Fire Team is staffed 100% by volunteers. Any citizens interested in volunteering for the team can contact Capt. Lee Roybal at 719-583-6200.

On July 20, 2009 at approximately 9:04 am, a 200 amp fuse blew causing a partial power outage in the Pueblo County Detention Facility.

The jail was immediately put on lockdown to secure the safety of the staff and inmates.  There was never a threat to the community. 

Sheriff Kirk Taylor who was conducting a meeting at the time, stopped momentarily to make sure all precautions were taken to secure the facility.  Back up power was engaged to allow time to identify and repair the problem.

Facilities Administrator John Scutti was also among the maintenance crews to ensure the power was restored in a timely manner. 

After assessing the situation, the partial power loss only lasted 1 and ½ hours.�

Beginning early in the evening on June 24, 2009, four juvenile boys were involved in spray painting and causing damage in the Pueblo West area.

At approximately 11:50 PM, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call from a concerned citizen who had contacted a juvenile who was “tagging” with spray paint an apartment complex located in the 500 block of Aguilar.  When deputies responded to speak with the juvenile and his mother, a domino effect began and ended with the arrest of two, seventeen year old boys, one, sixteen year old boy and a charge request on a 12 year old boy for Criminal Mischief, $100 - $500 a Class 2 misdemeanor. 

Information obtained by Sheriff’s Deputies indicates the juveniles were out until approximately 4:00 AM “tagging” property.  It is suspected that they began around 10:00 PM.  There are numerous victims in this case.  They are the following:  Desert Hawk Golf Course, Cattail Crossing, Pueblo West Elementary School, Pueblo West Middle School, Swallows Charter Academy, Lovell Park pavilion and swimming pool, District 70 bus yard, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, the recreation center located on George Dr. and numerous private citizen’s garages, sheds, fences, walls and vehicles.

Most of the graffiti had the initials “GMS”.  When asked what it stood for, one of the juveniles stated it was just something they made up.  It stands for “Gas Mask Soldiers”.  “Because when you use paint you need to wear a mask so you don’t inhale the fumes.”  They also stated they are not a gang.

The deputies working on the case discovered that the spray paint used had been stolen from the Wal-Mart in Pueblo West.  Surveillance video identifies the juveniles taking the paint.

At this time 3 of the juveniles have been arrested and taken to Pueblo Youth Services Center.  They are being charged with the following:

18-4-501   Criminal Mischief $1000 - $20,000 Class 4 Felony
18-4-502    1st Degree Criminal Trespassing      Class 4 Felony

Detective A.J. Colletti stated, “It is possible for the Criminal Mischief charge to be moved up to a Class 3 Felony if more victims continue to report damage, but ultimately the District Attorney will make that determination.”

At this time, the investigation is ongoing.  Preliminary damage estimates exceed $20,000.  If the total damages rise, the severity of the criminal charges will increase as well. 

“I want to publicly commend the Pueblo West citizen who took the appropriate actions to contact law enforcement, as well as my deputies and detectives who did an exceptional job figuring out who was involved in this criminal mischief spree and apprehending them in short order.  I want to encourage people to take an active role in their Neighborhood Watch Programs to help prevent further crime in Pueblo County.”  Said Sheriff Taylor.  To get more information on these programs, please contact Captain Jeff Teschner at (719) 583-6250.

Good Afternoon, I would like to begin by reading a statement from Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor who is currently returning from the FBI National Academy which he recently graduated from.
“As you are aware, there was a senseless tragedy that occurred last night at the Pueblo County Detention Facility.  Unfortunately, a young man’s life ended tragically and by all preliminary indications by his own hand.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Robert Borrego Jr.   I believe that in some ways the entire criminal justice system has failed Mr. Borrego as well as many others like him across the nation.  Unfortunately, all of the systems and protocols that we put in place cannot protect someone who is determined to harm themselves. 

 I have been in constant contact with Undersheriff Hall and my staff in regard to this matter and I assure you, that every aspect of this tragic death will be scrutinized.  I have called upon the critical incident team of the 10th Judicial District to look into this matter in detail.�
 I fully understand my duty to protect those individuals within my care. I want to publicly commend my deputies, shift supervisors and medical staff for their diligent efforts in regard to this incident.  They showed true professionalism in the face of adversity. I have full faith in Undersheriff Hall and his ability to address any concerns and answer any questions that he can.   Once again, I would like to express my sincere regrets to the family and friends of Mr. Borrego for their loss.”

On June 15, 2009 at approximately 9:59 PM, Robert John Borrego Jr. DOB 07-08-1991 was found in his cell hanging from a toilet partition.  Borrego used his bedding material to constrict circulation.  Interaction with Borrego was normal and he had a documented visit earlier in the evening from family members.  Borrego was placed back in his cell at approximately 9:08 PM and at approximately 9:21 he makes a documented phone call.  At 10:01 PM deputies found Borrego in a seated position with his bedding attached to a small wall surrounding the toilet area.  Extensive life-saving procedures were implemented by responding deputies to include CPR, Automatic Defibrillation and other efforts.  Borrego was transported to Parkview Medical Center by American Medical Response Ambulance and pronounced deceased at 10:32 PM. 

Mr. Borrego was brought into the detention facility on charges of 2nd Degree Assault with a deadly weapon on May 26, 2009.

In consultation with the District Attorney Bill Thiebaut, Police Chief Jim Billings and CBI Supervisory Agent Marc Micciche, Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor instructed Undersheriff J.R. Hall to activate the 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Team.  Protocol of the Memorandum of Understanding indicates that all “in-custody” deaths not under a doctor’s care or by natural causes be investigated.  This active investigation will be completed and forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office.  First impression of the facts indicated that no other person than Borrego was present at the time of the incident and that normal procedures were being used.  “All systems will be examined for the purposes of accountability, training and planning in our effort to be a learning organization.”  Sheriff Taylor stated.  Deputies and medical personnel at the Pueblo County Jail will be afforded counseling services, as this type of tragedy crosses many thresholds.

On Monday June 15, 2009 at approximately 9:59 PM Deputies from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a routine observation of the inmates on the 3rd floor of the detention center.  Upon entering the wing which housed a single male juvenile, he was found with a piece of cloth tied around his neck.  Deputies and medical staff started lifesaving measures immediately and he was transported by American Medical Response to Parkview Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.  The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of the family.

The 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Team was activated and will be conducting an investigation into the death.  The CIT team contains members from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Pueblo Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies in Pueblo County. 

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Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and CrimeReports.com have announced a new On-line Crime Alerting and Mapping Service that provides easy to read incident crime maps and automated alerts to the citizens of Pueblo County. The service, located at http://www.crimereports.com or directly from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Web site www.pueblosheriff.com  provides neighborhood crime data in near real-time and is available now.

The CrimeReports service is free to the public and allows citizens to receive automatic daily, weekly or monthly email alerts if/when crimes occur near their home, office, local school, etc. Citizens can also view reported crime activity on an easy to use map for any location within Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office boundaries. Crime incident data is updated nightly and includes:
• Incident type
• Date
• Location
• Distance from citizen’s address
• Event identification/case  number
• Brief crime incident description

“CrimeReports.com will prove particularly valuable to those in the community who want to stay informed about what is going on in their neighborhoods and empower citizens to work with the Sheriff’s Office to address neighborhood crime issues.” said Sheriff Kirk Taylor

 “By participating in CrimeReports.com, the Sheriff’s Office is demonstrating its commitment to service and safety by making crime information available to the citizens of Pueblo County” said Greg Whisenant, co-founder and CEO of Public Engines, which makes the CrimeReports.com application.  Sheriff Kirk Taylor and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office staff are forward-looking, providing timely, location specific information to the public when they need it” he said.

The CrimeReports service is an ideal implementation of the Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM), the authorized data sharing protocol developed and supported by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). Using GJXDM as the underlying technology gives the application much more versatility and flexibility. For example, if adjacent law enforcement agencies choose to integrate with the service, side by side data will be readily available for both alerting and analytics. It will also allow for additional integration at the regional, state and even national level.

About CrimeReports.com
CrimeReports.com provides law enforcement agencies with an affordable and easy-to-use Web-based service that lets them share up-to-date neighborhood crime data with the public. Community members can then access this information for free, empowering them to make informed decisions to help improve the safety of their families, friends, property and the community at large. For more information, please visit www.CrimeReports.com.