Car stolen, launched into river

Matt Hildner

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — Visitors to Baldridge Park Saturday morning found more than fish in the Uncompahgre River.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m. the Montrose Police received a report of a car overturned in the river, roughly a quarter-mile south of the park's pedestrian bridge.

The abandoned 2003 white Subaru Outback had been launched off the edge of Sunset Mesa, leaving a trail of broken glass and car parts down the hill from a cement walking trail.

Sgt. Blaine Hall said the car, which belonged to the Montrose Recreation District, was reported stolen. Police were investigating the crime in connection with a break in that occurred at the district's administrative headquarters either Friday night or early Saturday.

Blaine said there were other items missing from the building but declined to say what they were.

District Executive Director Dean Palmquist, who was reached in Breckenridge yesterday, said the district had purchased the car on Wednesday and intended to use it as a staff car.

Contact Matt Hildner via e-mail at matth@montrosepress.com