Man Arrested for Target Theft, Drugs, and Stolen Credit Cards

42-year-old Matthew Narey faces multiple charges after police find stolen goods, burglary tools, and drugs in his vehicle.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) arrested a 42-year-old man named Matthew Narey for allegedly stealing items from a Target store, as well as possessing suspected stolen credit cards and methamphetamine. After a traffic stop, police found Narey had stolen merchandise, burglary tools, suspected stolen credit cards, suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm that he is prohibited from possessing.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges retailers face with shoplifting and property crimes, especially in the Grand Junction area. It also raises concerns about the broader issue of drug use and possession of illegal firearms by repeat offenders.

The details

According to police, on Saturday around 9:40 p.m., GJPD officers responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Target store on Highway 6 & 50. Store personnel had attempted to contact the suspect, who fled the area in a black truck. Officers located the suspect, identified as Matthew Narey, in the nearby parking lot and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, they found Narey had stolen merchandise, as well as burglary tools, suspected stolen credit cards, suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm that he is prohibited from possessing.

  • On Saturday, at approximately 9:40 p.m., GJPD officers responded to the shoplifting incident at Target.

The players

Matthew Narey

A 42-year-old man who was arrested by GJPD for allegedly stealing from Target, possessing suspected stolen credit cards and methamphetamine, and having a firearm he is prohibited from possessing.

Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD)

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shoplifting incident at Target and arrested Matthew Narey.

Target

The retail store where the shoplifting incident took place and where store personnel attempted to contact the suspect before he fled.

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What they’re saying

“The Grand Junction Police Department appreciates the timely reporting by store staff, which contributed to a swift arrest. We remind residents and businesses to contact law enforcement if they observe suspicious activity.”

— GJPD (GJPD Press Release)

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and GJPD is continuing to gather more information about the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges retailers face with property crimes and the importance of close cooperation between businesses and law enforcement to address these issues in the Grand Junction community.