A Colorado Mesa University student was recently detained by police after being caught shoplifting at the Rimrock Walmart. Mitchel Ballage, 18, was released with a summons to appear on the charges of theft and obstructing a peace officer.
According to a report supplied by the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD), Ballage was observed concealing a backpack he selected from the the Walmart located at 2545 Rimrock Ave.
The observation led to inspection of surveillance footage, which showed Ballage shoplifting several items prior to concealing the backpack. According to the report, Ballage selected multiple items of merchandise including workout supplements and electronics.
Ballage was observed exiting the store without paying for the merchandise. Approximately half an hour later, the police report claimed Ballage returned with the previously stolen merchandise and selected the backpack an employee witnessed him concealing.
According to the report, Ballage exited the store again with the backpack and merchandise, which led to an asset protection associate attempting to contact him. At the attempted contact, Ballage fled and was observed transferring the merchandise into the backpack.
GJPD, responding to a report of shoplifting in progress, were advised that Ballage was fleeing toward Highway 6&50. According to the GJPD report, officers located him near the North Avenue/Highway 6&50 interchange. Officers contacted Ballage and told him to stop multiple times.
The GJPD report claimed Ballage refused to comply and led officers on a short foot pursuit before he was detained. According to the CMU Crime Log, Ballage only stopped after being threatened with a taser.
The case has been sent to the District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
