RBC — Two men were arrested at gunpoint early last Saturday morning for shooting road signs and telephone boxes on County Road 7.
The two men were intoxicated.
“Both the driver and the passenger were taken into custody without incident,” said Rio Blanco County Undersheriff Mike Joos.
Timothy Frankl, 29, was the driver of the pickup, and Colby Wickman, 20, was the passenger. The men live in Meeker, but were arrested in Moffat County, after crossing the county line.
“The investigations determined that the men, along with a third man, who had been dropped off prior to deputies locating the vehicle, had shot at road signs and Qwest telephone boxes, along the roadway,” Joos said. “The driver also stated that he was shooting at elk; however, he did not hit any animals.”
A loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun was found in the pickup, along with spent shell casings.
“Qwest told us that as many as 120 phone lines and customers could have been without phone service,” Joos said. “Qwest crews were on the scene later Saturday morning repairing the damaged boxes and lines. The preliminary amount of damage has been placed at more than $5,000.”
The men were charged with criminal mischief, weapons offenses and complicity. Frankl was also charged with driving under the influence.
They were released Saturday from the Rio Blanco County Detention Center after posting bond. A court date was set for April 20.