Battlement Mesa drug bust Tuesday leads to four arrests

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Threat Assessment Group (TAG), with assistance from the Sheriff’s All-Hazards Response Team, on Tuesday executed a search warrant in Battlement Mesa and subsequently arrested four people including a fugitive with active arrest warrants.

According to a press release, investigators with TAG developed information that narcotics were allegedly being distributed out of 256 Bent Creek Circle in the unincorporated community of Battlement Mesa.

Additionally, a fugitive who had fled law enforcement roughly two weeks prior in south Rifle was believed to be residing at the Battlement Mesa area residence.

On the morning of Feb. 12 the search warrant was executed, according to the release.

“As a result of the investigation, the fugitive was located and arrested and three additional people were arrested and transported to the Garfield County Jail,” according to the release.

During the raid, police reportedly seized 9.27 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug distribution equipment, drug paraphernalia and a motorcycle frame with an altered and ground VIN, along with a lock-picking set.

Among those arrested was Sean Dale Handley of Battlement Mesa, who was charged with active warrants out of Garfield County for felony theft and traffic violations. Handley was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine, altering and removing a VIN, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sean Dale Handley

Also arrested was Jeffrey Hill of Rifle, who was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, as well as possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

Jeffrey Hill

Two other suspects, both from Battlement Mesa, were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A fifth person was released on a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Any members of the public with information regarding the criminal activity occurring at the residence in question are encouraged to contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.