A man wanted for vehicle theft and felony eluding was arrested Tuesday north of Hermosa, at 33092 U.S. Highway 550.
In a joint operation, the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, Durango Police Department and Colorado Bureau of Investigation arrested 28-year-old James Schertz, who had outstanding warrants likely issued several months ago, according to CBI investigators.
CBI was unable to provide additional details about Schertz’s warrants as of Tuesday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., reports emerged of a heavy police presence outside a residence just north of The Ranch subdivision.
“We had some officer safety concerns, which is why there was a large presence,” said Durango Police Cmdr. Nick Stasi.
Stasi declined to comment further on the arrest because CBI and La Plata County Sheriff’s Office were considered the lead agencies on the case.
CBI spokesman Rob Low said Schertz was considered a high-risk suspect.
“He was hiding under a motor home, but he came out peacefully, and no weapons were on him,” Low said.
By 2:15 p.m., law enforcement had taken Schertz into custody. He was booked into the La Plata County Jail on Tuesday afternoon.
The arrest was part of a coordinated effort between the CBI, Sheriff’s Office and Durango Police Department to combat auto theft.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
