Incidents rise in January

RBC — The number of incidents received by the Rio Blanco County Communications Center rose from 764 in January 2007, to 957 in January 2008, an increase of 25.26 percent according to a report released last week. The RBC Sheriff’s Office responded to 264 calls for service in January 2008, up from 247 in 2007. Traffic stops also rose for the sheriff’s office, with 382 stops in January 2008, up from 257 in 2007. The Meeker Police Department showed a decrease in calls for service, with 161 calls in January 2008, down from 177 in 2007. Traffic stops increased for Meeker PD with 111 stops in January 2008, up from 56 in 2007.
January’s most notable activity for both departments included 26 accidents with property damage, one injury accident, 26 incidents assisting the Colorado State Patrol, 47 motorist assists, 11 traffic arrests, 16 traffic complaints and 18 warrant arrests.
The RBC Detention Center reported an average inmate population of 15.55 inmates per day in January 2008, 13.13 male inmates and 2.42 female inmates. Seventy-two people were jailed in January, while 15 people were booked and released for a total of 87 bookings in January 2008. The Detention Center also served 1,233 meals in Jan.
In recent activity, Sergeant Patrick Darrow with the RBC Sheriff’s Office responded to an injury accident April 7 at 7:23 a.m. at 29100 County Road 5. After investigation, it was determined that the 2007 Ford truck driven by Carlos Ventura, 47, of Houston, Texas, was westbound in a right hand curve when he slowed for traffic ahead. A 1998 Chevrolet truck driven by Wilfred Chee, 44, of Tuba City, Ariz., was also westbound behind Ventura’s truck. Chee failed to slow down and stop in response to other traffic on the road. Chee’s truck rear-ended Ventura’s truck causing moderate damage to both vehicles. At the time of the accident, the roads were icy and following too closely and driving too fast for conditions were factors in the accident. Ventura suffered minor injuries. All parties in the accident were wearing their seatbelts.