Costilla County Sheriff's Office

03/21/2026

Press Release
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: Approximately 12:00 p.m.

Chama Canyon Fire – Costilla County Sheriff’s Office Incident Report

On March 20, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported fire near County Road L.7 and County Road N.2. Deputies arrived within minutes, located the fire, and remained on scene awaiting the arrival of fire crews.

Upon arrival, fire personnel began efforts to fight and contain what became known as the Chama Canyon Fire. Numerous fire and law enforcement agencies from across the San Luis Valley responded to assist in the containment and support operations.

The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with local and state partners to evacuate the immediate area as a precautionary measure. At this time, no structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported.

The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere gratitude to the Blanca Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, and Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this event.

We would also like to recognize and thank community members who provided food and drinks to first responders. Special thanks go to Denise Valdez of Piccadilly Pizza in San Luis for donating and personally delivering pizzas to emergency personnel on scene.

Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated as our community came together in response to this nearly catastrophic incident.

12/05/2025

Family and friends in the San Luis area, we need your assistance in locating a person of interest wanted in connection with multiple motor vehicle thefts.

The individual has been identified as Daniel Espinoza, who also goes by the alias “Gato.”

If you observe Daniel Espinoza in or around the San Luis area, please contact law enforcement immediately

11/12/2025

The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public that the individual responsible for the shutdown of the Costilla County School District on November 11, 2025, has been taken into custody.

On November 11, 2025, at approximately 1830 hours, deputies from the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office executed an arrest warrant for David Lee Landrum at his residence. Landrum was taken into custody without incident.

11/04/2025

There has been a confirmed sighting of a full-grown mountain lion in the Town of Fort Garland. Residents and visitors are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution, especially when outdoors.

10/31/2025

The Costilla County Jail will be handing out candy tonight stop by and join us for some sweet Halloween fun! 🎃🍬

We’ll be here until 9:00 PM, so swing through and say hi!

07/09/2025

Escaped inmate Captured

06/30/2025

On June 30 , 2025 approximately 10:30 am an inmate being held on burglary charges escaped custody during his booking process. He was last seen near Costilla St and 8th St. In the Town of San Luis.

Inmates name is Dallas Hayes.
He was last seen wearing Black Pants and white muscle shirt, with no shoes.

If spotted please call 911.

06/23/2025

Update: the Costilla County Coroner has taken the deceased and will be conducting an autopsy. The next of kin has been notified.

At this time the Costilla County Sheriff's Office with the help of Colorado Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation involving an unidentified deceased party that was found early morning 06/23/2025 at the Stations of the Cross Shrine in San Luis CO.

At this time there is no threat to the community.

If anyone has an information please call 719-672-0673

06/12/2025

06/04/2025

Costilla County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a part time/on call Detention Deputy.

Job duties include booking and bonding of inmates, searching inmates for contraband, supervising the delivery of meals and administering medication to the inmates, answering the phone, supervising visitations when applicable, and monitoring the security of the inmates during daily activities.

This is a part time/on call position, it may require shift work, availability on Holidays, as well as a valid Driver’s license.

Starting rate depends on experience.

Applicants can apply in person at the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office or submit resumes to [email protected]

04/21/2025

Sheriff Danny Sanchez and the staff at Costilla County Sheriff Office would like to extend there deepest condolences to the Rio Arriba County Sheriff Office and Staff and to Sheriff Billy Merrifields family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.