Eagle County Sheriff deputy catches burglar in the act

EL JEBEL — A Woody Creek man remains in the Eagle County Detention Facility on $150,000 bond after authorities say they caught him attempting to burglarize an El Jebel auto parts store.

Daniel Grine, 23, was arrested and charged with second degree burglary, first degree criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and theft on July 11.

According to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, deputies received a report of a burglary in progress at the El Jebel Napa Auto Parts store. Upon arrival, deputies were notified of the incident after a witness told them they had heard glass breaking and saw someone climb in to the window. The witness called Pitkin County Dispatch.

Conrardy case moved to Denver District Court

DENVER — The unlawful sexual contact case against a Rifle High School state wrestling champ has been sent to Denver District Court after a judge determined that prosecutors had enough evidence for probable cause.

James Conrardy, 19, won the Class 4A 140-pound title while compiling a 42-2 record last year. He was charged with unlawful sexual contact with force, a class 4 felony, in May.

Allegations came from a 15-year-old girl who accompanied the Rifle High School wrestling team to the state tournament the weekend of Feb. 19-22.

According to the arrest affidavit, the girl told investigators that she was awakened by a cold hand touching her under her T-shirt. The girl also said that she recognized the voice as that of Conrardy.

The affidavit also states that the girl told investigators that she told Conrardy to “knock it off” and that she moved to a second bed in the room. She claims Conrardy followed her to that bed, gave her a “bear hug,” laid on top of her, and touched her below the waist of her shorts, before leaving the room.

Conrardy is due in court for arraignment July 28.

Continuance granted in Glenwood pipe bomb case

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The arraignment for a Rifle man who was arrested after police allegedly found a pipe bomb in his car was continued again, Thursday in Garfield County District Court.

Scott Stricklan, 18 at the time of his arrest, is charged with reckless endangerment, two counts of possession of explosives plus possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms and marijuana with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of prescription medication and other charges. Six of the 10 charges are felonies. Stricklan's case has been continued several times.

Glenwood Springs police arrested Stricklan Nov. 8 after staff at Rollin Audio reported that they had found a pipe bomb under the seat of his car, while installing stereo equipment. Police called in the Grand Junction Hazardous Device Response Team, and the device was defused safely.

According to an arrest affidavit, Stricklan admitted during questioning at the Glenwood Springs Police Department that he made a pipe bomb and left it under his back seat.

During a search of Stricklan's house, police said they found $3,300 in cash with more than an ounce of marijuana in different bags, plus around four bags with about five grams each of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Police also said they found Valium, three marijuana grinders, five bongs, eight pipes, thirteen packages of rolling papers and a digital scale.

Stricklan posted a $30,000 bond in the two cases in November.