An intense manhunt came to a close on Friday with the apprehension of a suspect involved in a theft of a pickup truck and firearms from a rural property in Moffat County. Valentin Velez, 43, was discovered near a county road carrying a loaded firearm, a significant amount of suspected fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia, as stated in a Moffat County sheriff’s press release.
Velez was taken into custody on multiple charges including unlawful distribution of fentanyl, second-degree burglary, theft, two counts of motor vehicle theft, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon, second-degree criminal trespass, obstruction of a peace officer, and violation of a protection order.
The incident began when deputies responded to a burglary-in-progress at a property near Moffat County roads 3 and 106 around 10:15 a.m. A stolen pickup truck from the scene was later spotted on County Road 7 near Cedar Mountain but managed to evade law enforcement.
Witnesses reported seeing the truck driving up the rugged terrain of Cedar Mountain, prompting authorities to advise residents to shelter in place. A team comprising Craig police, Bureau of Land Management officials, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers established an incident command post in the lower parking lot of Cedar Mountain.
After an extensive search, officers were able to locate the stolen truck and firearms but Velez remained at large. It wasn’t until just after 8 p.m. when deputies responding to a report of a suspicious individual walking along County Road 7 successfully apprehended Velez following a brief foot pursuit where Tasers were deployed.
Anyone with pertinent information regarding the case is urged to contact law enforcement at 970-824-6501. Stay updated on crime news by signing up to receive daily updates straight to your inbox.
