CHAFFEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Salida, Colorado

PRESS RELEASE

June 19, 2019

On June 19, 2019 at 1311 hours the Chaffee County Communications Center received a call of assistance from the U.S. Marshalls Office. They advised that they attempted to contact a female, wanted on a felony warrant, at the Riverside Motel in Johnson Village. They stated that when they went to the subjects room she started to come out but went back inside, stated she had a weapon, and locked the door. This is when the Marshalls called for assistance.

Members of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Chaffee County Combined Tac Team responded to the scene along with personnel from the Buena Vista Police Department. The area was evacuated and HWY 24 was closed due to the close proximity of the incident to the highway.

Contact was made with the subject and after negotiations she exited the room and was taken into custody without incident.

Traffic was backed up in both directions as the highway was closed for approximately 1 hour and the Colorado State Patrol not only assisted with the closure but the handled management of the traffic after the incident was concluded.

The suspect was identified as Joelene Hartman Barker a 40 year old female who had escaped custody. The nationwide extradition warrant was for escape, a class 3 felony.

Barker was transported to HRRMC for medical clearance and then will be transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshalls.

For more information please contact Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze at 719-207-3199