A recent response to a call of shots fired outside of Rifle ultimately led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the subsequent arrests of several individuals on drug-related charges.

According to an Oct. 26 press release, Garfield County Sheriff’s deputies and investigators with the office’s Threat Assessment Group (TAG) responded Oct. 17 to a call of shots fired at 981 Gage Road outside of Rifle.

A search warrant was obtained, resulting in the seizure of evidence related to methamphetamine and heroin usage and distribution, as well as electronic equipment; all of which law enforcement will further analyze as part of the ongoing investigation.

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Additionally, a search warrant was obtained for the stolen vehicle recovered at the residence, which, according to the release, led to further discoveries of distribution quantities of methamphetamine and heroine as well as two firearms believed to be the ones fired that led to the police call.

One of the firearms was also reported as stolen out of Weld County, according to the release.

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Police have been gathering intelligence on the residents for about the last two years, the release also stated.

The residence is known as “a hub for criminal activity in western Garfield County, as its residents and the people frequenting the residence have been identified as being involved in the use and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin.”

Police also allege that “validated gang members and suspects in property crimes frequent the property,” and that other stolen vehicles have been recovered there.

“Fugitives with warrants visit the property to avoid law enforcement contact and arrest,” police also allege. “Law enforcement and first responders have also responded to the residence for suspected drug overdoses.”

Ultimately, last week’s investigation led to the arrests of five suspects, as well as the recovery of two firearms in addition to 23.49 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 15.08 grams of suspected heroin, does of alprazolam, lorazepam and prescription amphetamine in addition to several drug paraphernalia items according to the press release.

Among those arrested and charged with felonies as a result of the investigation, according to the release, were:

• Gregory Allen Troupe (possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance – alprazolam & lorazepam – violation of bail bond conditions and possession of drug paraphernalia)

• Cathy Lanette Thomas (possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance – alprazolam & lorazepam – violation of bail bond conditions and possession of drug paraphernalia)

• Nicolas Lawrence Drake Yerian (possession of heroin, possession of an illegal weapon – metallic knuckles – and possession of drug paraphernalia).

Two other suspects were also arrested due to failure to appear in court for criminal mischief and traffic offenses, according to the release.

“If any members of the public have information on the criminal activity occurring at the residence, they are encouraged to contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” the release concludes.