WesterThe man arrested earlier this month for eluding Colorado State Patrol (CSP) troopers is now suspected in several burglaries in Archuleta and La Plata counties.
Shawn Wester, 35, was apprehended on Jan. 5 in Bayfield by the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department on several arrest charges: possession of a defaced firearm; possession of a weapon by a previous offender; and first-degree criminal trespass.
That arrest followed a Jan. 2 pursuit and subsequent manhunt for Wester, who set fire to a trailer and a vehicle.
Now, Wester is a suspect in several burglaries in Archuleta County in recent months, said Det. Jake Beach, of the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.
Beach said Wester is suspected in at least three or four burglaries in Archuleta County during November and December.
It is believed Wester targeted homes that had not been plowed and did not show signs of activity, Beach reported.
Beach said over $3,000 worth of items from the burglaries was recovered last week following a tip received by the ACSO about where stolen items were being stored. Items recovered include electronics, a snowboard and a handgun.
The LPCSO also recently returned a trailer and several other items believed to have been stolen from properties in Archuleta County. That trailer and the items were found in La Plata County, where Wester was living, Beach said.
La Plata County has also filed an arrest warrant for burglary and trespass on Wester since he was arrested.
The incidents are still under investigation.
Anyone with information on these incidents or any other crimes is asked to contact Archuleta Crime Stoppers by calling 264-2133, visiting www.pagosacrime.com, or by texting “ACCST” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Those with information can also contact Beach at the ACSO, 264-8430.
Wester is currently being held in the La Plata County Detention Center.
randi@pagosasun.com
