First-degree assault in an alley at Benson’s in Salida – by the Ark Valley Voice editorial team

Salida Police report stabbing in alley next to Benson’s Tavern & Beer Garden at 128 North F Street

The City of Salida has released details of an incident early Sunday morning, July 14, in which two people were stabbed in downtown Salida.

“On July 14, 2024, at approximately 1:55 a.m., Salida Police and Chaffee Sheriff’s officers were called to a fight involving several people at Benson’s Tavern & Beer Garden. When officers arrived, it was reported that one of the men had a knife. When officers arrived at Benson’s, several people were arguing in the alley.”

How the incident developed

As officers began to get the situation under control, a male offender ran down the alley and was pursued by an officer. The second officer on scene pursued a second offender who was running in the opposite direction. When officers entered Benson’s, they found a victim, identified as Christian Garcia, 28, of Kansas, suffering from multiple serious stab wounds. Garcia was quickly treated at the scene by EMS and transported to the hospital.

After a multi-block chase, a man named Seth Brinkhaus, 28, of Poncha Springs, was arrested by a police officer. Brinkhaus had multiple stab wounds and was bleeding from his neck and hand. Chaffee County EMS and the Salida Fire Department were called to the scene, where they treated Brinkhaus, who was then transported to the hospital by police.

With the help of a passerby, police were able to arrest the first person near the intersection of Fifth Street and Poncha Boulevard. The person was identified as Justin Smith, 40, of Fountain, Colorado. Officers found a blood-stained folding knife on Smith. Smith was checked for injuries and taken to the Chaffee County Jail.

Additional personnel were brought in to assist with the investigation. After interviews were completed and officers were able to determine what had happened, Brinkhaus was issued a summons for violation of CRS 18-9-106, disorderly conduct.

Accused persons

Significant charges have been brought.

Justin Smith was charged with two counts of first-degree assault under CRS 18-3-202, as amended, a Class 3 felony; violation of a protective order under CRS 18-6-803.5, as amended, a Class 2 misdemeanor; possession of a firearm under CRS 18-12-108 by a previous offender, as amended, a Class 5 felony; possession of a defaced firearm under CRS 18-12-103, as amended, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and prohibited use of a firearm under CRS 18-12-106, as amended, a Class 1 misdemeanor. His bail was set at $10,000.