Serial interstate burglar targets 8 businesses near Salida

Eight businesses in Salida and Poncha Springs were burglarized late Friday night through early Saturday, and deputies believe the culprit is one man who has been on a crime spree through multiple states.

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect broke into Salida Family Dentistry, the Firefly Restaurant, Poncha Lumber, Hunger Shack, Mountain Shadows Animal Hospital, Grimo’s Restaurant, the Chaffee County Early Childhood Council, and Faces in Chaffee County — all along Highway 50.

An unknown amount of cash was stolen after the suspect forced his way in, but no other property was missing.

The sheriff’s office, along with the Salida Police Department, got surveillance footage that shows the suspect is a lone male between the ages of 40 and 60 who is 6’1″, heavyset and balding.

Both agencies say the same suspect may also be responsible for a rash of burglaries over the past few weeks in Idaho, Utah, Kansas, and Colorado. In other burglaries, a black sedan may be involved.

If you have information about the suspect, call the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office at 719-539-2596.