A quiet Wednesday in Clifton got anything but ordinary when a man allegedly walked out of a local bank with ten grand in cash — but his getaway didn’t last long.
Quick Heist, Quicker Capture
Just before 5 p.m., Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of 32 Road after a call came in reporting a robbery in progress.
Witnesses told deputies they saw a man make off with $10,000, stuffing wads of cash into a bag before bolting out the door. No big chase. No getaway car screeching off. Just a short stroll down the block — and a pit stop that didn’t quite go as planned.
One line here: Turns out, hiding in a public restroom isn’t the greatest exit strategy.
Suspect Found Around The Corner
It didn’t take deputies long to track down 45-year-old Joshua Awbrey. A quick canvass of nearby businesses led them straight to a restroom where Awbrey was reportedly holed up, cash in hand.
Mesa County deputies placed him under arrest on the spot. No injuries were reported, and the bank staff was said to be shaken but unharmed.
For neighbors who saw the squad cars and crime tape pop up out of nowhere, it was an unexpected bit of midweek drama. One passerby said, “I saw the sheriff’s trucks and thought, ‘What in the world?’ I guess you just never know what people will try.”
Charges Stacked Up
Awbrey didn’t walk away with the cash for long. He was booked into the Mesa County Jail facing charges of robbery and theft — both felonies under Colorado law.
If convicted, he could be looking at years behind bars. The exact sentencing will depend on prior record, plea deals, and whether he faces additional charges tied to any other possible crimes.
Law enforcement confirmed that the $10,000 was recovered in full. No word yet on whether any security footage will be released to the public.
Community Response: A Mix Of Shock And Shrugs
Bank robberies in Clifton aren’t exactly the norm, though they’re not unheard of either. Some longtime residents say they’re not shocked when people get desperate.
One local, standing in line at a nearby coffee shop, summed it up: “Times are tough. It’s no excuse, but people do dumb things when they feel cornered.”
Still, others praised the sheriff’s quick response. Within about an hour, the suspect was in cuffs, the money was secured, and Main Street was back to business as usual.
Not The First Bank Heist In The Valley
A single bank robbery might not seem like a trend, but law enforcement says they keep tabs on spikes in financial crimes like this.
In 2023, Colorado recorded 35 bank robberies statewide. That’s down from peaks a decade ago, but the FBI notes that economic stress and addiction often play big roles in these incidents.
Here’s a quick look at Colorado’s numbers:
| Year | Reported Bank Robberies |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 35 |
One sentence here: While those numbers don’t scream crime wave, each one is a big headache for banks, police, and neighborhoods alike.
What Happens Next For The Suspect
Awbrey now sits in the Mesa County jail waiting for his first court appearance. He’ll likely be assigned a public defender unless he hires a private attorney.
One neighbor who lives near the business where deputies found him said they saw him around the area before but never suspected anything. “Seemed like just another guy. Didn’t say much. Guess you never really know.”
Deputies haven’t said whether they believe the robbery was planned or spur-of-the-moment. A full investigation is underway, and the DA’s office will decide how to proceed once all the evidence is reviewed.
Caught On Camera? Probably
Most banks these days have multiple security cameras rolling 24/7 — lobby, teller stations, front doors, you name it.
Investigators will likely pull that footage to piece together the timeline. Did Awbrey scope out the place beforehand? Was he armed? So far, deputies haven’t confirmed whether he showed a weapon or just demanded cash.
One sentence here: Either way, the charges stick.
The Human Side Of A Heist
One thing that often gets lost in the headlines: the bank employees. Getting robbed — whether at gunpoint or not — can leave a mark that doesn’t fade overnight.
A teller from another branch said, “You train for it, you do the drills, but when it’s real, your hands shake for days. You replay it in your head.”
Local bank managers say they’ll review safety procedures and make sure staff have access to counseling if they want it. Some employees may take a few days off to regroup.
Neighbors Keep Watchful Eyes
For local businesses near the scene, Wednesday was a reminder that small towns aren’t immune to big-city crimes. Some shop owners said they’ll double-check their own security systems and remind staff to stay alert for unusual behavior.
“It’s sad we have to think about this, but it’s reality now,” said one café owner a few doors down. “You lock up the register, you keep an eye on who’s coming in. That’s just part of life.”
