Grand Junction, Colorado – A 37-year-old man was arrested after allegedly stealing a truck, prompting a rapid response and recovery Thursday morning.
According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 7:30 a.m. April 9 to a reported vehicle theft in the 2900 block of North Avenue. A family member of the victim was following the stolen truck as it traveled westbound, providing real-time information to responding deputies.
Investigators said the vehicle owners shared home security footage showing a man entering an unlocked truck and driving away from the residence. Deputies later located a man matching the description in the area and identified him as Louie Alire, 37, of Grand Junction.
Alire was arrested on outstanding warrants while deputies continued investigating. Authorities said additional evidence allegedly linked him to the theft captured on video.
He was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on multiple charges, including felony motor vehicle theft, misdemeanor theft from a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal trespass, and a petty criminal mischief offense.
The stolen truck was recovered and returned to its owners. No further details have been released.
Officials reminded residents to lock vehicles, avoid leaving keys inside, and not leave cars running unattended.
The case highlights how quickly vehicle thefts can occur, particularly when cars are left unsecured—an issue relevant to students and commuters who frequently park in residential or shared areas.
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