Grand Junction Police Arrest Man for Multiple Car Break-Ins

The Grand Junction Police Department arrested a man who is believed to have broken into more than a dozen cars on the Colorado Mesa University campus overnight.

Around 5:30 AM Thursday (February 27) GJPD officers were dispatched to a parking lot in the 900 block of Glenwood Avenue for suspicious man trying open car doors, he was seen ducking down as cars passed by.

Officers found a man matching the description of the suspect sitting in the front seat of a car with the driver side door open. The suspect appeared as though he was reaching in the glovebox.

When officers spoke with the man, his pockets seemed to be overfilled and he had a toolbox and drill in his backpack.

The man was identified as Garrett Austin, 22, who said he was the owner of the car, but didn't know who it was registered to. He later informed the officers that the car he was in was not his and he didn't have permission to be in it.

Austin was arrested on charges of 1st degree criminal trespass of autos and misdemeanor theft. He also received a possession of a dangerous or illegal weapon for a switchblade that was in his pants pocket.

Officers are continuing investigating the case, and at this point have identified 16 possible victims related to this case.

There is a possibility that there are other victims who haven’t yet realized their cars were also broken into.  If you believe you are a victim in this case you can call 970-242-6707 to report it.

[GJPD]