Masked gunmen entered a Montezuma County home last week and stole cash, marijuana and electronics. Two suspects have been identified.
“This is the county’s first home invasion connected directly to marijuana,” said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin. “Unfortunately, it’s a sign of the times.”
The home invasion occurred at a residence on the 11000 block of County Road 39.4 during the early morning hours on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Nowlin said La Plata County authorities apprehended the suspects the following day.
“The vehicle was seized, and a search warrant was issued,” Nowlin said.
According to Nowlin, the Southwest Drug Task Force investigation was ongoing, adding arrest warrants were likely.
According to authorities, the residence was occupied when the armed suspects entered the home and held the victims at gunpoint, allegedly stealing $10,000 in cash, a Go Pro camera, a laptop computer and two pounds of processed marijuana. One of the victims was listed as a licensed medical marijuana provider, authorities said.
During the altercation, two rounds were fired from a pistol by one of the suspects. One round was reportedly fired inside the residence and the other was fired into a vehicle. No injuries were reported.
“Don’t advertise it,” Nowlin advised to other medical marijuana providers in order to protect them from falling victims to a similar crime. “Keep it under lock and key.”
In an unrelated incident, officials with the Southwest Drug Task Force also recently seized seven pounds of heroin and seven pounds of methamphetamines. According to Nowlin, no arrests have been made in the case, but charges will be filed. No additional details were provided.
“We’re targeting the sources of these drugs coming into the county,” Nowlin said.
tbaker@the-journal.com