Grand Junction, CO - On August 15, 2026, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department conducted multiple traffic stops which led to drug arrests.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., Grand Junction Police officers were patrolling the area of 28 ¼ Road and Elm Avenue, when they contacted a driver after conducting a traffic stop.
The male, identified as Derek Buford, 48, was detained while GJPD K9 Brisa was deployed to detect possible narcotics in the vehicle. During the search, officers located approximately 8.7 grams total of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine in the vehicle. When transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility, corrections deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office discovered an additional approximate 4.17 grams of methamphetamine.
Buford was booked on the following charges:
Controlled Substance- Possession >4g Schedule I/II
Distribution/Manufacture/Possession with Intent to Distribute >1/2 oz – 1/2 LB of Schedule I/II or > 1/4oz – 1/4 LB of Methamphetamine, Heroin, Katamine, or Cathinone or <10mg Flunitrazipam
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
No Insurance in Possession
Vehicle Not Equipped with Required Rear License Plate Light
At approximately 3:30 p.m., an officer was patrolling in the area of 3rd Avenue and S 9th Street, when he observed a suspicious vehicle in the area. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, at which time the driver fled at a high rate of speed into an alley. Once stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and ran away from the officer. The officer heard yelling from a nearby alleyway and observed two citizens who had the driver pinned to the ground. The officer placed the driver into custody.
The driver, identified as James Keller, 23, had a warrant for his arrest and was found to be in possession of approximately 8.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and multiple knives and a loaded firearm which he was prohibited from possessing.
Keller was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of injuries, and once cleared, taken to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked on his warrant and the following additional charges:
Special Circumstances Defendant Possessed on Person or Within Reach Deadly Weapon During Offense
Unlawful Possession >4g Controlled Substance Schedule I/II
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Violation of Protection Order
Possession of Dangerous or Illegal Weapon
Obstructing a Peace Officer
Resisting Arrest
No Insurance in Possession
Failed to Use Turn Signals
Eluding or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer
Additionally, the passenger of the vehicle, identified as Dakota Ferguson, 22, was arrested and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was charged with Violation of a Protection Order and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department observed a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of 28 ½ Road.
A Grand Junction Police officer observed an individual contact the driver of a vehicle parked in the 500 block of 28 ½ Road, who appeared to be avoiding contact with law enforcement. A short time later, the officer contacted the driver of the vehicle parked in a driveway on the 500 block of 28 ½ Road. The driver, identified as Joshua Mauer, 37, had a warrant for his arrest. When advised of his warrant, Mauer fled on foot from officers and was ultimately taken into custody. Mauer was discovered to be in possession of approximately 14.85 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Mauer was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked on his warrant and the following additional charges:
Distribution/Manufacture/Possession with Intent to Distribute >1/2 oz – 1/2 LB of Schedule I/II or > 1/4oz – 1/4 LB of Methamphetamine, Heroin, Katamine, or Cathinone or <10mg Flunitrazipam
Obstructing a Peace Officer
Unlawful Display of License Plates
The investigations into these incidents remain ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time.