On July 14th, 2024, at approximately 1:55 AM, the Salida Police Department and Chaffee Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a fight involving several individuals at Benson’s Tavern, located at 128 North F Street. As the Officers were responding, it was reported that one of the individuals had a knife. When the Officers arrived at Benson’s, several people were arguing in the alley. As the Officers began getting control of the situation, one male subject started running down the alley and an officer immediately chased after him. The second Officer on scene was forced to chase a second individual, running in the opposite direction

When the Officers entered Benson’s, they located a victim, identified as Christian Garcia, 28, Kansas, with several severe knife wounds. Garcia was quickly treated by EMS on scene and then transported to the hospital.

After a several-block pursuit, a male identified as Seth Brinkhaus, 28, Poncha Springs, was detained by a police officer. Brinkhaus had several knife wounds and was bleeding from his neck and hand. Chaffee County EMS and Salida Fire were called to the scene, where they treated Brinkhaus, who was then transported to the hospital by police.

With the assistance of a bystander, the first subject was detained by police near the intersection of Fifth Street and Poncha Boulevard. The subject was identified as Justin Smith, 40, Fountain, Colorado. Officers recovered a folding knife on Smith that had blood on it. Smith was checked for injuries and transported to the Chaffee County Jail.

Extra personnel were called in to assist with the investigation. Once interviews were completed and the Officers were able to determine what happened, Brinkhaus was issued a summons for CRS Violation 18-9-106 Disorderly Conduct. 

Justin Smith was subsequently charged with Two Counts of C.R.S. 18-3-202 1st Degree Assault, as amended, a Class 3 Felony; C.R.S. 18-6-803.5 Violation of a Protection Order, as amended, a Class 2 Misdemeanor; C.R.S. 18-12-108 Possession of Weapons by a Previous Offender, as amended, a Class 5 Felony; C.R.S. 18-12-103 Possession of a Defaced Firearm, as amended, a Class 1 Misdemeanor; and C.R.S. 18-12-106 Prohibited Use of a Firearm, as amended, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. His bond was set at $10,000.00.