Authorities have arrested a man accused of breaking into multiple vehicles at local trailheads, leading to more than $20,000 in fraudulent purchases and attempted transactions.
Trailhead Thefts Span Three Locations
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has identified 27-year-old Alejandro Fernando Ruz as the suspect in five car break-ins at Kokopelli, Devil’s Canyon, and Coal Canyon trailheads. The incidents occurred between December 2024 and February 2025, targeting hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who left valuables in their vehicles.
How the Crimes Unfolded
The first reported break-in happened on December 7, 2024, when a woman returned from a hike at the Kokopelli Trailhead to find her car had been accessed. Her wallet was missing cash and credit cards, which were soon used to make nearly $2,000 in unauthorized purchases.
As authorities investigated, they uncovered a pattern—Ruz had allegedly broken into five vehicles, leading to more than $20,000 in fraudulent charges and attempted transactions.
A Strategic Crime Operation
Investigators discovered that Ruz was renting vehicles in Utah before driving to Mesa County to commit the thefts. After each crime, he would return the rental car and switch to a different one, attempting to evade detection.
Arrest and Charges
On February 10, Ruz was taken into custody at the Salt Lake Airport by the Salt Lake City Police Department. He now faces 24 counts, including:
- Identity theft
- Unauthorized use of a financial transaction device
- First-degree criminal trespass
- Criminal mischief
- Theft
Authorities continue to investigate whether Ruz may be connected to other similar crimes in the region.
