Reward for Devils Kitchen Vandals

News Release Date: September 29, 2009

New Reward Monies For Information Leading To Arrest of Vandals Who Damaged Devils Kitchen Historic Shelter in Colorado National Monument

Thanks to the local McDonald’s Restaurants, new reward monies of up to $1000.00 are now being offered to anyone who provides identifying information regarding the vandals who damaged the famed historic picnic shelter late on the night of Monday, August 3, 2009.

The stone structure was built by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1941. Many residents of the Grand Valley have family members who once served in the CCC. The community has taken this crime very personally.

Now you can help! A new direct crime tip line has been set up to enable any caller to quickly reach Colorado National Monument directly with important crime tip information.

Anyone who has information on this crime or any crime at Colorado National Monument is urged to call 970-712-2798. Callers may remain anonymous.

A series of 12 photos of the probable suspects is viewable at the following park website address www.nps.gov/colm/parknews/reward.htm. You can find a direct link on the park’s website home page www.nps.gov/colm Then click on Devils Kitchen Surveillance Photos.

The photos include pictures of three different individuals on bikes. One suspect is easily seen close up on the photos with a face shot and profile shot. A second suspect is seated at a distance on a different low rider bike and one shot also shows this individual walking. A third suspect is seen on a bike, but not very clearly in the final picture #12. Please look carefully at the bikes, equipment, clothing, body types, and facial features.

While these men are not the typical bicyclists who ride Rim Rock Drive, the monument asks all in the bicycling community — road, mountain, and BMX — to look at these photos to help us solve this crime.

In order to receive reward monies, information must lead to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the wanted suspects. Help protect Colorado National Monument by providing the names of the individuals seen in these surveillance photos by calling the direct tip line 970-712-2798.  More photos are posted at www.nps.gov/colm/parknews/reward.htm.