Salida Police Respond to “Concerning Incident”

On February 2, 2024, the Salida Police Department was dispatched to Loaf ‘n Jug, located at 448 East Rainbow Boulevard for a report of a 16 year old female being harassed. Upon responding, it was learned the juvenile female had been followed while walking along the sidewalk from the Dollar Tree to Loaf ‘n Jug. While the victim was walking, the suspect began following the juvenile female. The suspect made sexual advances, offered the juvenile for sex in exchange for money, and attempted to make physical contact with the juvenile female.

After the juvenile female crossed the street near Loaf ‘n Jug, she lost sight of the suspect. A short time later the suspect was contacted by Salida Police Officers near Loaf ‘n Jug. When contacted, the suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Chaffee County Detention Center where he was charged with CRS violation 18-9-111(1)(C) Harassment, and 18-18-403.5 Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. The suspect in this case was identified by officers as Willie Steven Baker, 65, transient.

Willie has been released on a PR Bond. The Salida Police Department feels an obligation to make the community aware of this concerning incident.