CPW provides update on Nov. 25 Highline Lake State Park incident

11/26/24

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW

GRAND JUNCTION, CO — On Monday, November 25, 2024, at approximately 8:40 a.m., Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife contacted a male recreating at Highline Lake State Park without the required park pass and fishing license. Officers observed the male acting in an odd manner but were able to guide him to the Visitor Center to purchase the required documents.

Upon purchasing the required documents, Officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife determined the male, identified as 30-year-old Christopher Beamon, was wanted for a felony warrant in Boulder County, Colorado. Officers attempted to contact Mr. Beamon in his vehicle when he proceeded to accelerate towards the Officers at a high rate of speed. Officers were able to move to safety and follow Mr. Beamon as he exited the Park. Colorado State Patrol and Mesa County Sheriff’s Office were notified of the incident at this time.

Shortly after leaving the park, Troopers with the Colorado State Patrol identified Mr. Beamon’s van near Loma, Colorado, and began a pursuit. Deputies from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Grand Junction Police Department responded to the area to assist. During the pursuit, Mr. Beamon was observed attempting to strike a Colorado State Patrol vehicle and refused to comply with a felony stop. 

Mr. Beamon’s vehicle came to a stop on I-70 Frontage Road between 23 and 23 ½ Roads. At this time, Troopers conducted loudhail calls in an attempt to have Mr. Beamon exit the vehicle. Mr. Beamon armed himself with a large knife, prompting a Deputy with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office to deploy two less-lethal 40mm rounds into the van. Additionally, Deputies responded with the armored vehicle, or BearCat, to assist in immobilizing the vehicle to prevent Mr. Beamon from escaping. 

At 10:26 a.m., Mr. Beamon complied with commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Troopers with the Colorado State Patrol were able to take Mr. Beamon into custody without further incident. Mr. Beamon was transported to the hospital for evaluation and released into the custody of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife for transport to the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Mr. Beamon was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:

• Criminal Attempt - 1st Degree Assault, a Class 4 Felony
• Criminal Attempt - 1st Degree Assault, a Class 4 Felony
• Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon, a Class 4 Felony
• Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon, a Class 4 Felony
• Vehicular Eluding, a Class 5 Felony
• Reckless Endangerment, a Class 3 Misdemeanor
• Obstruction of a Peace Officer, a Class 2 Misdemeanor
• Violation of a Protection Order, Class 2 Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving, Class 2 Misdemeanor
• Driving Under the Influence, Misdemeanor
• Unlawful Operation of a Motor Vehicle on DPOR Property without First Purchasing the Required Park Pass, a Petty Offense
• Possession of an Open Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, a Class A Traffic Infraction
• Possession of an Open Marijuana Container, a Class A traffic Infraction
• Unlawful Parking or Operation of a Motor Vehicle in an Undesignated Area on DPOR Property, a Civil Infraction
• Unlawful Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Excess of the Posted Speed Limit on DPOR Property, a Civil Infraction

All charges are pending and the suspect is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty. No further information is available at this time.