GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Two people were arrested following a chaotic car meet-up Saturday night at the Sprouts Farmers Market parking lot, involving a shooting and a high-speed police chase.
Arthur Lucas, 45, was taken into custody Sunday in Montrose by officers from the Grand Junction Police Department, Montrose Police Department, and Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. Lucas faces charges of first-degree assault and illegal discharge of a weapon. Details on how police linked Lucas to the shooting remain unclear, and no arrest affidavit has been released yet.
Another suspect, 18-year-old Dangelo Saenz, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including two counts of felony menacing, vehicular assault-reckless driving, vehicular eluding, criminal mischief, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, DUI, no insurance, minor in possession of alcohol, open container, obstructing a police officer, and resisting arrest.
Police responded to reports at about 8:46 p.m. of individuals breaking car windows and a possible gunshot at the Sprouts parking lot at 1450 Independent Avenue. Witnesses reported about 500 people gathered and heard a loud bang. Some also claimed a gray Chrysler 300 had run over multiple people in the parking lot.
Later, officers spotted the Chrysler 300 swerving dangerously near Seventh Street and Patterson Avenue. The vehicle was eventually found near Mesa Mall, traveling 65-70 mph in a 20 mph zone. When officers activated their lights, the vehicle sped off, with the driver and passenger making obscene gestures. The vehicle then slammed on its brakes, causing a patrol car to crash into its rear, damaging the police car by approximately $3,000.
The vehicle continued swerving, striking a curb and a light pole before coming to a stop. Saenz was identified as the driver, and police found multiple cans of Twisted Tea inside. Witnesses believed Saenz intentionally tried to run people off the road.
Meanwhile, a man with a gunshot wound was found at a nearby gas station and hospitalized with serious injuries.
Although police initially suspected Saenz’s involvement in the shooting, he was later cleared. Saenz appeared in court Monday, where prosecutors sought a $50,000 cash bond, citing the dangerous nature of the incident, damage to a patrol car, and Saenz’s alleged threats. The judge agreed to the bond amount, expressing concern for public safety.
Lucas remains in custody and is yet to make a court appearance.
