Grand Junction police have arrested a 35-year-old woman who broke into a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot on North Avenue and stole a firearm along with thousands of dollars in property. Alicia Colavito was taken into custody Thursday morning and now faces multiple felony charges while being held on more than $10,000 bond.
Suspect Tracked Down Less Than 24 Hours After Theft
The crime happened Wednesday at the Walmart located at 2881 North Avenue. Someone smashed a car window and took a gun plus other items worth between $2,000 and $5,000.
Grand Junction Police officers worked the case overnight. Using evidence from the scene and surveillance footage, they identified Alicia Colavito as the suspect.
By 11 a.m. Thursday, patrol units found her and took her into custody without incident.
The stolen firearm and most of the other property have been recovered, according to GJPD spokeswoman Tiffany Romero.
Long List of Charges Includes Felony Firearm Theft
Colavito was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- First Degree Criminal Trespass (Felony 4)
- Theft of a Firearm (Felony 4)
- Theft $2,000-$5,000 (Felony 5)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Petty Offense)
- Fugitive from Justice warrant from another state
Her total bond sits at $10,400, with $10,000 tied to the Mesa County case and an additional $400 for the out-of-state warrant.
Growing Problem: Vehicle Break-Ins at Grand Junction Shopping Centers
This is far from an isolated incident. Grand Junction Police say they respond to dozens of car prowls every month at the North Avenue retail corridor, including both Walmart locations and nearby stores.
“Just this summer we’ve seen a sharp increase in smashed windows and stolen guns,” said Sgt. Mark Hittle with GJPD. “People leave firearms in unlocked cars or in plain view and it’s become a gold mine for criminals.”
In the last 90 days alone, officers have recovered eight stolen guns from vehicle break-ins across the city, with three of those taken from Walmart parking lots.
Police urge everyone to follow these simple rules:
- Never leave a gun in an unattended vehicle
- Always lock your doors
- Keep valuables out of sight or take them with you
- Park in well-lit areas near security cameras when possible
Community Reaction: “It’s Getting Scary Out There”
Shoppers at the North Avenue Walmart Thursday afternoon expressed shock but not surprise.
“I always throw a blanket over my stuff now,” said Maria Gonzalez, who was loading groceries into her SUV. “I never thought about someone stealing a gun, though. That’s terrifying.”
Another shopper, retired Marine veteran Tom Reynolds, shook his head when told about the arrest. “If you’re carrying, keep it on you,” he said. “Leaving a loaded gun in a car is asking for exactly this.”
Grand Junction Police say the quick arrest should send a message that they are actively watching parking lots and pursuing these cases aggressively.
Alicia Colavito remains in custody at the Mesa County Detention Facility. Her first court appearance is scheduled for next week.
This case is another stark reminder that in just minutes, a careless moment can arm a criminal and put the entire community at risk. Lock your doors, hide your valuables, and never leave a firearm unattended. Our safety depends on it.
What do you think about the rising number of gun thefts from vehicles in Grand Junction? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
