Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office

05/29/2026

UPDATE 05/29/2026 @ 1234
UPDATE ON IKE

We wanted to share some additional information regarding Ike, the dog recently found tied to a post in a remote area of Rio Blanco County.

After our original post, Ike's owner contacted our office. According to the information provided, Ike went missing on May 5 while accompanying his owners and another dog during a shed hunting trip in the Evacuation Creek area. Despite immediate efforts to find him, Ike ran off and could not be located.

Since then, Ike's owners have made multiple trips back to the area from Utah, spending their time and resources searching for their missing companion. Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows how difficult it can be not knowing where they are or whether they are safe. By all accounts, Ike's family never stopped looking for him.

Based on what we know at this time, it appears that after Ike became lost, an unknown person found him and tied him to the post where he was eventually discovered. We do not know who did this or why.

The information available to us does not indicate that Ike was intentionally abandoned by his owners. Rather, this appears to be a situation involving a dog that went missing and a family that spent weeks trying to find him.

The good news is that Ike is now safe and reunited with his family. We appreciate everyone who helped share information and assisted in bringing this story to a positive conclusion.

Thank you for helping us look out for the animals in our community.

A male pitbull was found between Rangely and Dinosaur near mile marker 3 on Highway 64.
If this is your dog or you have information on the owner, please contact Rio Blanco County Communications at 970-878-9600.

05/28/2026

@7:00pm, Martha has been found safe. Thanks to everyone who assisted in finding her.

CBI Senior Alert deactivation:

CBI Senior Alert: Deactivation -
Martha Griffin has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance.

05/27/2026

CBI Senior Alert Activation:
69-year-old, white, female, Martha Griffin, brown hair and hazel eyes, was last seen May 26, 2026, at 11:00am. Martha is believed to be in her vehicle, a 2003 teal Subaru Legacy bearing Colorado license plate WR0-864. Her and her vehicle were last known to be in the 230 block of Cleveland St in Meeker, CO. Martha may require medication she is possibly without and has medical concerns. Law enforcement is concerned for her safety. If seen, please call 9-1-1 or Rio Blanco Sheriff's Office at 970-878-9600

CBI Senior Alert deactivation:

CBI Senior Alert: Deactivation -
Martha Griffin has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor those who are no longer here with us the brave men and women who fought the hard fight and gave everything for our freedom.
Their sacrifice is not forgotten. Because of their courage, dedication, and willingness to serve, we are able to live with the freedoms we have today.
May we never take for granted the price that was paid, and may we always remember the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Today, we take a quiet moment to remember the brave men and women who are no longer here with us those who fought the hard fight and gave their lives for the freedoms we hold dear.
Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to live with the liberties we have today. May we never lose sight of the price that was paid by so many young men and women who answered the call and never came home.

We remember them today, and we honor them always.We honor them today, and we remember them always.

05/23/2026

UPDATE: @0843 Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office administrative line 970-878-9600 is working again.

5:13 AM 05/23/2026 The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office is currently experiencing a phone outage on the administrative line. There is currently no estimated time until lines will back in service. In the meantime, please use 911 or the Meeker Police line at 970-878-5555

05/20/2026

Crime Watch – Public Assistance Requested
On May 8, 2026, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of criminal mischief at 446 Mesa Drive in Rangely, Colorado.
The incident is believed to have occurred sometime during the night of May 7 into May 8. Multiple vehicles were opened and vandalized.
During the investigation, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office identified a shoe print believed to be from an Air Jordan slide.
If you have any information that may help identify the suspect or suspects involved, please contact Deputy Klouzek with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office at 970-878-9600.

05/19/2026

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Elk Creek Ranch for their generous donation of $25,000 presented by Elk Creek Ranch manager Colton Brown, to both the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and Meeker Fire/Rescue in recognition of the efforts and dedication shown during the Elk Fire.
On Monday May 18th, Elk Creek Ranch hosted a phenomenal prime rib dinner and personally thanked those involved in the response. Their generosity, support, and appreciation mean more than words can express. It is companies like Elk Creek Ranch that remind us why Rio Blanco County is such a special place. Their support helps us continue serving, protecting, and staying true to the constituents of Rio Blanco County.
Thank you, Elk Creek Ranch, for standing behind your first responders and your community!
Rio Blanco Fire Protection District

05/15/2026

Sgt. Will Peña and Sgt. Ryan Huitt with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office were recognized by the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy for exemplary support and service.

Will and Ryan taught several classes and helped ensure cadets were prepared, confident, and ready to graduate. We are proud of their professionalism, leadership, and continued commitment to supporting the next generation of law enforcement.

Thank you to the Colorado Northwest Community College Park Ranger Academy for this recognition and for allowing RBCSO to be part of such an important training mission.

05/12/2026

This week, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes and honors National Police Week.

We pause to remember the brave law enforcement officers across this nation who gave their lives in the line of duty, and we stand in gratitude for the men and women who continue to serve our communities each and every day.

We especially remember the fallen heroes whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their legacy lives on in every badge worn and every oath upheld.

Please join us this Police Week in honoring those who serve and remembering those who gave everything.