Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden police recover stolen property in home

Steamboat Springs — The Hayden Police Department served a search warrant in the 400 block of Jackson Avenue on Friday and recovered stolen property from two burglaries in the town.

Police Chief Ray Birch would not release further details because investigation of the burglaries was ongoing. The two most recent burglaries reported in the town were on July 17 and July 24.

"It could take several days to identify suspects," Birch said. "We have more work to do. I can't say any more. It's pending."

Birch said the crimes were being classified as second-degree burglaries, a Class 3 felony.

Judge continues demolition cases

A Routt County judge continued the court cases involving four former tenants accused of trashing a rental home on Walton Creek Road in April.

Judge James Garrecht continued the cases during the men's first court hearing Tuesday. The four men, Raymond Jay, 22; Michael Gatrell, 21; Phillip Hafner, 21; and Samuel Walsh, face Class 4 felony criminal mischief charges for their alleged involvement in a "demolition party" that caused between $500 and $15,000 worth of damage to the home.

Steamboat Springs attorney Larry Combs appeared on behalf of Gatrell, Jay and Walsh and accepted three restraining orders imposed in the cases. A fourth restraining order was issued in Hafner's case as well. The restraining orders prohibit the defendants from contacting one another or the owner of the home.

Hafner is scheduled in court at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 8. Gatrell, Jay and Walsh are scheduled to appear in court at 2 p.m. Aug. 22.