Multiple people were being questioned Wednesday in connection with an overnight crime spree in which at least 10 Durango-area residents were targeted for theft.
Stolen items included tools, wallets, headphones, a 2004 Honda motorcycle, a portable PA system with speakers, four guns and other miscellaneous items. The thieves also made off with a Glock handgun, a Taser, body armor and a badge belonging to a La Plata County Sheriff’s Office deputy, said Cmdr. Ray Shupe with the Durango Police Department, which is investigating the case.
The thefts occurred between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities suspect the group hit several areas around town, including Metz Lane, Artisan Court, the 1200 block of Florida Road, Woodland Circle, Allen Road, Hillside Avenue and the 400 block of South Camino del Rio.
Shupe said several people were being questioned Wednesday in Gallup, New Mexico, but he did not immediately have further details, including how many people may be involved.
The thieves are also accused of stealing a 2019 Ford F-150 before leaving town.
The Durango Police Department put out an alert to surrounding communities about the crime spree, saying the group could be traveling in the Ford truck.
Shupe said the truck was spotted in Gallup, where authorities detained several people.
As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Shupe said the Gallup Police Department still had the group detained and was investigating the situation. But already, items stolen from Durango had been located in the truck, he said.
“Several items in the stolen truck were located down there, which is why we believe these are all tied together,” Shupe said.
Shupe said because the investigation was in its early stages, he didn’t know which items had been recovered or whether all of the reported stolen items can be tied to the group.
“That’s what they (Gallup police) are trying to sort out,” he said. “Their detectives are interviewing people right now.”
Shupe said anyone who may have been a victim or may have information about the thefts should call Sgt. Bobby Taylor at 375-4763.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
