Grand Junction police arrested 26-year-old Sage Bingham on Thursday for a bizarre December burglary attempt that ended with him blasting a pawn shop door with a gun, kicking it repeatedly, then running away when the alarm screamed.
Surveillance video captured the entire failed break-in at Big J Jewelry & Loan on South 7th Street, giving investigators everything they needed to track him down four months later.
Botched Burglary Caught on Camera
Just before midnight on December 19, 2024, an alarm woke the owner of Big J Jewelry & Loan on 136 S 7th Street.
Officers arrived to find a fresh bullet hole in the glass front door and boot prints where someone had tried to kick it in.
Store cameras showed a man in a dark hoodie walk up, fire one round into the door lock, then kick the glass over and over until the alarm blared and he sprinted off empty-handed.
Detectives say the footage was crystal clear and left no doubt about the suspect’s identity.
Four Months Later, Police Knock on Bingham’s Door
Using tips and video evidence, the Grand Junction Police Department identified Sage Bingham as the shooter.
On Thursday morning, officers took him into custody without incident.
When detectives served a search warrant at his home, they discovered nearly 20 pounds of marijuana stashed inside, far more than Colorado law allows for personal use.
Even more alarming, a young child was living in the same house.
Serious Charges Stack Up Fast
Bingham now sits in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a $10,000 cash bond facing felony charges that include:
- Unlawful distribution/manufacture/possession with intent of more than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds of marijuana
- Illegal discharge of a firearm
- Reckless endangerment
- Child abuse (knowingly/recklessly, no injury)
- Attempted second-degree burglary
The marijuana charge alone carries significant prison time if convicted.
Community Reacts to Close Call
Business owners along the 7th Street corridor told KJCT they are relieved the suspect is off the streets.
“One bullet could have ricocheted anywhere,” said a neighboring shop owner who asked not to be named. “We’re just glad no one got hurt.”
Parents in the area expressed outrage that a child was living among that much marijuana and apparent criminal activity.
The case is another stark reminder that even small business districts in Grand Junction are not immune to bold, armed attempts at theft.
Sage Bingham remains in custody as the case moves forward. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
What do you think should happen in cases like this when kids are found living in homes with major drug stashes? Drop your thoughts below.
