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A damaged motorcycle, reported as stolen, is recovered from 100 feet down a cliff. (Courtesy photo/MCSO)
The good news: A motorcycle that had been reported as stolen was found. The bad news? Before it could be recovered, someone apparently tipped it off the side of the cliff near the Hanging Flume on the West End of Montrose County.
“It’s just destruction of property,” Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard said. “I think somebody had to physically take it and shove it over the cliff.”
The vehicle, a 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R motorcycle, had been reported stolen earlier this month. On May 4, its owner experienced a flat tire on the bike and had to park it in a pullout area on Colorado 141 near mile marker 82, in an area often used by people who stop to check out the nearby Hanging Flume, according to Bruce Schmalz, commander at the West End Montrose County Sheriff’s Office substation.
The owner then got a ride home, but when he returned the next morning, May 5, the motorcycle was gone and he reported it stolen. A deputy responded to where the bike had last been parked, checked the area and spotted it about 100 feet down the cliffside.
Schmalz said it was a total loss. The motorcycle had to be recovered by a towing company.
The MCSO and Montrose Regional Crime Stoppers are seeking information about who might be responsible. Anyone with information can make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers at 970-249-8500; the phone app P3Tips, or the website, P3Tips.com.
Tips leading to an arrest may entitle the tipster to a cash award, also paid anonymously.
People can also report directly to the sheriff’s office by calling dispatch at 970-249-9110; however, there is no guarantee of anonymity.
The above article has been updated with additional and clarifying information since it was first published.
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