Content warning: This article discusses an ongoing investigation of a sexual assault perpetrated against a vulnerable community member.
On Nov. 4, the Carbondale Police Department (CPD), represented by Chief Kirk Wilson, Lieutenant Bill Kirkland and Public Information Officer Anna Ramirez, hosted a community meeting at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch to brief the public about a sexual assault on an elderly community member that occurred at her home on Nov. 2. Garfield County victim advocates and the Aspen Hope Center were present to offer support.
As explained by Chief Wilson, the meeting was intended to dispel misinformation surrounding the case that had rapidly spread on social media. “I have personally spoken with the victim and her family,” he stated. “She’s expressed sadness about unverified information that is being circulated online. Our police department is a victim-centered organization, and we are committed to respecting and protecting her. Please think carefully before posting online — ask yourself if it helps the community or the victim.”
CPD stated that a weapon was not, to their knowledge, involved in this attack and that the victim is now “okay” and receiving support from her family and church congregation. Her identity is being protected.
“Instead of posting irresponsible information, let’s focus on sharing messages of support, compassion and safety awareness,” Chief Wilson continued. “That’s what makes Carbondale such a special place to live. We understand that incidents like this raise concerns, and we are committed to providing as much information as possible while respecting the victim’s privacy.”
The crime took place in the vicinity of the Rio Grande Trail, 8th Street, Painted Lady Lane and Wheel Circle. During the community meeting and in a press release sent via email right as the meeting began, CPD requested Ring Doorbell and other home security footage and reports of anything out of the ordinary noticed between 5 and 8pm on Nov. 2.
“As we continue investigating, we’re asking for assistance from the community who may have seen a suspicious person in the area. As information comes in, we will organize, sort through, and thoroughly review each lead to determine the best follow-up actions,” Chief Wilson said.
There was an air of tension as attendees, numbering around 300 in-person, spoke among themselves, many expressing anger around the lack of information and fear for the safety of the community. So many people tried to join the meeting virtually that the Zoom room capped out at 500 and many were denied entry.
Writing questions on notecards, neighbors especially wondered why they were not alerted soon after the event occurred, to which Chief Wilson responded his department is minimally staffed and their focus was on securing the scene and collecting DNA. Neither is it standard practice in most places in the country to alert the public when a sexual assault has occurred, CPD explained.
According to an official statement from CPD, officers were dispatched to a report of a sex assault at a residence at 7:52pm. “The female victim reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male. After the male suspect left the residence, the female victim called the police. The male suspect is described as being in his 30s and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.”
Much to the crowd’s chagrin, no further description of the assailant was given. Chief Wilson stated that due to the traumatic nature of the event, the woman who was assaulted is having difficulty recalling further details. CPD stated there is no indication the suspect remains a threat to the public at this time. CPD also mentioned in the briefing that they have insufficient evidence to confirm whether this was a crime of opportunity or a planned attack.
They are now working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to analyze DNA collected at the scene. If the DNA matches with that of a perpetrator of a previous crime, already in the database, the case could be solved relatively quickly. If there is no match, a suspect must first be identified.
In addition to the briefing, CPD shared safety tips with the community, including to stay aware of your surroundings, travel in groups when possible, stay in well-lit areas, share one’s location with trusted individuals, use a safety-oriented app and make sure that doors and windows are locked. Chief Wilson also offered to help set up Neighborhood Watch groups, if requested, by emailing kwilson@carbondaleco.net
“Do we think it would behoove people to lock their doors and lock their windows? Yes. I understand that this is Carbondale, and people don’t feel like that is something that they want to do. I understand that. I’ve lived in Carbondale for 12 years — but it might be time to start locking doors,” Kirkland stated.
Anyone with information or evidence that may help with this investigation is requested to contact Sergeant Ciara Chacon at 970-510-1255 or cchacon@carbondaleco.net