Montrose County Sheriff's Office

06/03/2026

June 11th - West End - Neighborhood Watch Monthly Meeting

What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a partnership between community members and local law enforcement, working together to make our neighborhoods safer, reduce crime, and enhance our overall quality of life.

Join us:
📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Naturita Library - 107 W. 1st Ave. - Naturita

This month’s meeting will feature "Inside the Sheriff’s Posse: Purpose & Mission."

Everyone is welcome!

You don’t need to be part of an existing Neighborhood Watch group to attend; just bring your interest in keeping the West End of Montrose County safe, informed, and connected.

Come learn, share ideas, and be part of neighbors helping neighbors.

06/03/2026

Monthly Snapshot - May 2026

West End – East End: What’s the Difference?

Simply put, it’s geography. The two most populated areas of the county are about 65 miles apart.

The East End refers to the Montrose and Olathe areas, while the West End encompasses the rest of western Montrose County, including the towns of Nucla, Naturita, and the unincorporated communities of Paradox, Bedrock, and Redvale.

In the West End, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office provides complete law enforcement services under contract with the Municipalities of Nucla and Naturita.

06/02/2026

E-Bike 101

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office has seen a significant increase in e-bike use across our communities. We understand concerns about unsafe riding, and we’re listening.

While most e-bikes are simply bicycles with electric assistance, some high-powered models can reach speeds that make crashes far more serious. Their speed and quiet operation can also create risks for riders, pedestrians, and drivers.

Remember:
• Helmets are required for certain riders
• E-bikes must obey all traffic laws
• Riders must yield to pedestrians, especially on shared paths
• Some high-powered or modified e-bikes may not be legal

The key distinction: Traditional e-bikes are not the primary concern. The growing issue involves high-powered electric motorcycles marketed as “e-bikes.” Many exceed Colorado’s 750-watt limit and can reach speeds of 30–65+ mph. These vehicles are legally classified as motor vehicles and require registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license.

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office goal is simple: keep riders, pedestrians, drivers, and neighborhoods safe.

Learn more about e-bike safety from the Colorado Department of Transportation:
https://www.codot.gov/programs/innovativemobility/mobility-services/e-bike-safety-campaign

06/01/2026

OWNER WANTED

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Montrose County Road & Bridge of found property consisting of a large chain hoist.

The hoist was located along the roadside near DD Road and Highway 97.

If this hoist belongs to you, or if you know who may be missing it, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office will gladly help reunite it with its owner once proper ownership can be verified.

Several crane and lifting companies in the West End have already been contacted, but so far no one has reported a missing hoist.

As a reminder, proof of ownership is required before the hoist can be released.

If you have information regarding the owner, please contact the West End Montrose County Sheriff’s Office at 970-864-2281.

06/01/2026

05/27/2026

DMV Anywhere is in the West End - Today & Tomorrow!

Need help with motor vehicle services but don’t want to travel to Montrose or another DMV office?

The mobile Colorado DMV2GO team is in Nucla providing fast, convenient services right here in our community.

📍 Location:
Montrose County Combined Court - parking lot
300 Main St., Nucla, CO

🕓 Hours:
• Today (May 27) until 4:00 p.m.
• Tomorrow (May 28) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

✅ Services Available:
• Renew driver license or ID
• Change your address
• Pay reinstatement fees
• CDL license services (testing not available at this remote site)

Take advantage of this convenient opportunity to handle your DMV needs without leaving the West End!

05/27/2026

DMEA is asking the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office to help spread awareness about this ongoing scam activity targeting local residents and DMEA members.

UPDATE: These scammers are also texting a barcode to visit a local service station and contacting several local businesses.

⚠ Members, please be advised we received reports of a scam phone call regarding past due balance and threatening an immediate power shut-off if the member doesn't make a minimum payment. The scammer pretends to be a DMEA staff member and uses urgency to scam members into paying. Do NOT provide any personal information.

If you have questions about your account, we are always here to help. Call us at 1-877-687-3632 or check your account details 24/7 at dmea.smarthub.coop.

05/26/2026

Montrose County Sheriff’s Office – “For Your Information”

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office shares this information with the public to better explain how our local legal system works and how it impacts community safety.

Across the country, courts are increasingly using lower bonds and personal recognizance releases to reduce jail populations. While these approaches may serve some communities well, their effects can look different once they reach the local level. Here in Montrose County, we are seeing how those decisions play out in day-to-day life.

When individuals are released shortly after arrest, victims and residents may feel unsettled, especially when they encounter the same people back in the community soon after an incident. That experience can feel like revictimization and can influence how safe people feel going about their daily routines.

Law enforcement makes arrests based on probable cause and available evidence. From there, charging decisions move beyond law enforcement and ultimately rest with the District Attorney’s Office, while bond decisions are made by the courts. Once a bond is set and posted, the Sheriff’s Office is legally required to follow that order.

Public safety isn’t just measured in statistics or headlines. It’s measured in whether families feel secure at home, business owners feel confident opening their doors, and neighbors feel at ease in their own community.

This effort is about providing clarity, accountability, and keeping the public informed about how these decisions affect Montrose County.

05/12/2026

Deputy Zacheriah Browning was officially sworn in on May 7, 2026, and will attend the Colorado Mesa University Summer Law Enforcement Academy, which starts later this week.

Searching for a career more meaningful than his previous jobs is what motivated Montrose County Sheriff’s Office recruit Zacheriah Browning to pursue law enforcement with our agency.

A Montrose native, Deputy Browning said he chose the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office because of the positive experiences he witnessed growing up in the community. As a young boy, he observed Montrose County Deputies professionally handling disputes and helping citizens during difficult situations. Those encounters left a lasting impression on him and inspired the type of Deputy he hopes to become, someone who is professional, compassionate, and helpful to the citizens of Montrose County.

Please welcome Montrose County Sheriff’s Deputy Zacheriah Browning.