Dispensary Owners Take Closer Look At Security After Guard Murdered
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- The reward to catch two brazen killers who murdered a dispensary security guard has reached $12,000 as dispensary owners work to increase their security.
Travis Mason, 24, a former Marine, was shot three times.
It was around 9:44 p.m. Saturday when police responded to Green Heart dispensary where Mason was working. They found him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police haven't released much information about who they are looking for. It's believed to be a robbery attempt but the suspects didn't get away with either cash or product.
"Because of this event you can bet that these businesses are going to be more vigilent and surveying the people who come into their stores. Safety is the utmost concern for these businesses," said Tyler Henson with Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.
The dispensary is equipped with 16 cameras. The owner told CBS4 the incident was captured on video.
Despite numerous security measures taken, some in the industry knew this day would come because criminals believe the dispensaries could be an easy target.
"Not having proper banking and still being a Schedule 1 narcotic make us susceptible to crime compared to another industry," said Henson.
A total of $12,000 worth of rewards is now being offered for information leading to an arrest. Police are searching for two suspects described only as black males.
Mason left behind a wife and three young children.
"This is for him. I want those people to be found and I want them to be punished for what they did," said Samantha Mason.
LINK: Family Expenses for Travis Mason (GoFundMe)
Additional Information From The Aurora Police Department
We are asking anyone who might have witnessed or have information about the homicide call Agent Matthew Ingui with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303)739-6067. Tipsters also can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. By calling Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is offering a reward for up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide. This reward is being offered through a partnership with ATF and the Aurora Police Department under the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) initiative.
Additionally, the Aurora Police Department Reward fund is offering an additional reward of $5,000.00, which includes $3,000.00 that was donated by Euflora – a neighboring dispensary.
The total amount of rewards being offered is $12,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for this crime.
