Suspects steal skis and snowboards, horse recovers after crash, rescuers save snowmobilers and more, according to Summit County Sheriff’s log
The Summit County Sheriff's Office also continues to receive reports of fraud calls where the scammer impersonates law enforcement officers
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office last week launched a search and rescue mission after snowmobilers got stuck at Vail Pass, investigated two reports of stolen snow equipment and assisted a horse injured in a crash.
The following incidents occurred between Monday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Sept. 7, according to the weekly log of notable calls published by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, Dec. 2, a group of five snowmobilers got stuck in the Shrine Bowl right off the trail at Vail Pass. Summit County deputies responded alongside Summit County Rescue Group members to get the snowmobilers out safely. They were all cold but uninjured when help arrived. A friend of the group arrived to help get the snowmobiles out of the bowl after the rescue.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, a welfare check was called into an apartment building in unincorporated Breckenridge due to a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from one unit. It was determined that the unit’s resident was in the Summit County jail and would be for the next two months. Deputies spoke with the individual in custody and confirmed that no pets were left in his apartment. They were told that there was a cooler of meat that was likely the source of the smell. The individual permitted deputies to enter the unit to dispose of the rotten meat and the cooler.
Also Tuesday, two people drove a vehicle up a snowmobile trail and got stuck, partially blocking the trail. They were towed back to the Vail Pass trailhead using a Summit Huts snowcat. Once back at the trailhead, a routine clearance of both individuals showed them both to have revoked drivers licenses due to being designated habitual traffic offenders. The person who was driving was issued a summons for driving under revocation and and for driving on a closed federal trail. The vehicle was left in the parking lot since neither could legally drive and they were given a courtesy ride to Frisco.
On Wednesday, a man in unincorporated Breckenridge reported a dog that bit both his dog and his mother. His mother had reached in between the dogs to try and help his dog and was bit in the process. She did not receive medical attention because the bite did not break the skin. The man didn’t want to press charges but wanted the dog owner spoken to. Animal Control followed up on the situation.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, deputies received three separate reports of fraudulent calls from someone claiming to be “Detective Vail.” The caller was asking for money to clear a warrant for missing jury duty and left a message for one potential victim asking for a call back regarding an “urgent matter.” Deputies attempted to make multiple calls to the number but were not successful. No one sent money or personal information to the scammer.
Also Thursday, deputies received a complaint about two men who were target shooting past the closed gate on Boreas Pass Road. The individual complaining had questions about the legality of what the two were doing and shooting regulations in general. A deputy went to the area to identify the men who were shooting and to confirm they were in compliance with the law, but the men left before the deputy arrived and no contact was made.
In another incident Thursday, Animal Control was requested on the scene of a single-vehicle accident for a dog passenger who was injured. The dog had a gash on her head and was bleeding. The driver, who the Sheriff’s Office says was intoxicated, was taken into custody by the Colorado State Patrol. The dog was taken to the Summit County Animal Shelter where her wound was treated. The next day, the dog was taken to a local vet for further treatment and was reclaimed by her owner.
On Friday, Dec. 6, a man who purchased a condo unit in the Copper Mountain area earlier this year reported that the previous owner had rented out the unit using an online rental company. When he purchased the unit, he asked that all the keys to the unit be deactivated and did not plan to rent out the unit. There was miscommunication on this detail since the rental company confirmed they had rented out the newly renovated unit at the end of November. The renters drank all of his booze and damaged some of the furniture during their stay. The new owner decided to handle the matter through civil processes before pursuing charges.
Also Friday, a man left his snowboard on a rack in Copper Village while he went to run some errands and get lunch. On his return, his board was gone. A report was taken and the investigation is ongoing.
In another incident Friday, Animal Control’s assistance was requested at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a horse trailer that had overturned. On scene, Animal Control found a pregnant brown mare in “pretty rough condition,” including lacerations on her body, legs and face and a wound on her back hoof. When the horse’s back hoof was bandaged, she was stable and walking. She was transported to a nearby horse center where she was put in an indoor stable and given food and water. Her condition was monitored overnight. When Animal Control followed up the next day, the horse appeared to be doing much better and her owner was able to take her home.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, a man at Copper Mountain reported that his vehicle had been broken into and over $2,000 worth of his belongings were stolen, including a designer handbag, credit cards and a pair of skis. He was able to cancel his credit cards before any charges were made and his vehicle was not damaged. An investigation is ongoing.
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