JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Police Department is investigating a string of thefts from June 30 through July 5 in the Jackson Hole area. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of a 26-year old Denver, Colorado resident who visited the area during that time frame of the thefts.
During a search of the 26-year-old suspect’s home, many of the stolen items reported to the Jackson Hole Police Department were obtained, as well as additional items that might not have been reported as stolen.
According to a press release from Jackson Police Department, officers responded to a report from two women whose purses were stolen from the Cowboy Bar on July 3. Another patron reported some of her items were stolen that same night.
Detectives were able to track down some of the stolen property in the men’s bathroom after viewing video footage from the Cowboy Bar. The suspect used a credit card to purchase drinks that night, so detectives were able to track the suspect to Colorado using the name on the card.
More reports of theft in and around Jackson were reported to the police department, including bikes and sporting equipment. A firearm was stolen from a vehicle parked in Jackson.
Over the course of the next week, detectives worked to identify the suspect, which led them to the suspect’s residence in Denver, Colorado. Working with the Broomfield, Colorado Police Department, an arrest warrant and search warrant were obtained.
According to the Jackson Police Department, a firearm was recovered during service of the search warrant which had an altered serial number. The firearm model and caliber matched the one stolen from Jackson. Also recovered were many cell phones, other electronic devices, numerous bicycles, and other sporting equipment. During the service of the warrant, items that were suspected to have been stolen from vehicles in Grand Teton National Park were also recovered.
The Jackson Police Department believes the suspect rented a van in Colorado with the intent to come to Jackson to commit a crime spree of theft.
“Because the number of items discovered at the suspect’s residence is greater than the number of items reported stolen to law enforcement, we believe there are victims who have not reported their stolen items to law enforcement or may not be aware that their items have been taken,” the press release said.
Jackson Police Department is asking the community for any information about the case or to report unreported thefts during this timeframe by calling (307) 733-2331.
