911 dispatchers with the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center received a report of an auto theft in progress call which occurred in the 2100 block of E Main Street on 11/09/23, at approximately 3:30 p.m. An adult male stole a work vehicle that was parked in the street, fleeing the area before law enforcement arrived. The suspect traveled into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed, striking a vehicle in the area of 32 Rd and D ½ Rd, before crashing and fleeing on foot. Law enforcement officers located the suspect in the area of 32 Rd and Kennedy Avenue and took him into custody. Garrett Digiallonardo, age 36, was arrested and remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility for Auto Theft, Felony Eluding, and additional related charges.
Clifton Fire responded to the incident to evaluate the suspect for injuries after he was taken into custody. There were no injuries sustained in this incident. A shelter-in-place was issued for residents in the area of 32 Rd and Kennedy Avenue until officers took Digiallonardo into custody. The Grand Junction Police Department believes this be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Grand Junction Police Department is grateful for the efforts of local law enforcement partners, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol, and their assistance in this incident. This case remains under investigation and there is no further information available at this time.