After returning to Cortez last Sunday from a trip to New Mexico, Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane found that his house had been burglarized and extensively vandalized over the weekend.

Cortez Police Det. Sgt. Jim Shethar said Friday that police responded to the residence on Shady Lane on Sunday afternoon after Lane reported the incident.

According to the police report, the suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence through the back door using some kind of tool but were unsuccessful. Investigators are still unsure of the point of entry, said Shethar.

Shethar said, "After entering the residence, the person or persons began spray-painting everything of value."

The suspect(s) used three cans of spray paint that had been left in the residence, the report said.

The suspect(s) even opened up the refrigerator, washing machine, dryer and stereo system to spray paint inside, Shethar said.

The police report said that the suspect(s) also kicked a coffee table, breaking several wooden slats, pulled items of clothing out of closets and dumped the contents of drawers onto the floor and proceeded to paint them.

"The chief and his family are obviously shaken by the incident, just as anybody would be," Shethar said.

Shethar said that while the reason for breaking into the house appears to be to cause damage, some property was stolen. The property was valued at about $200, Shethar said.

Shethar estimated that the suspect(s) remained inside the residence for at least an hour.

Since the time of the report, investigators have interviewed neighbors for any clues.

"One neighbor did tell us that she saw a light on in the residence at approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday," Shethar said.

Shethar added that some evidence has been collected and sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for analysis. The analysis is expected to be returned to the Cortez Police Department in about three weeks, Shethar said.

The Cortez Police are also planning to offer up to a $1,000 reward through the Crimestoppers network for any information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.