Colorado Springs, CO – In late December, Colorado Springs police received information about potential criminal activity, including drug trafficking and explosives, in a residence located in the 14000 block of Vessey Circle in northeastern El Paso County. Authorities quickly turned their attention to the home of Quinten Hickey, who was identified as the main suspect.
According to police, Hickey was not alone at the property; several others were present but have not been publicly identified. The investigation escalated when the FBI’s National Operations Center (NTOC) discovered that Hickey was a previously convicted felon. In addition, the FBI reported that Hickey had been openly carrying an AR15 rifle and had been displaying increasingly violent behavior. Concerns also mounted that Hickey might have explosives on the property.
With information provided by concerned citizens and the FBI NTOC, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Metro Narcotics Unit (MNU partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation culminated in the execution of a search warrant for the property.
On January 29, law enforcement officials, including the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Explosives Unit, moved in to carry out the search. During the operation, four adult males and one adult female were detained without incident. One of the men was arrested on an unrelated misdemeanor warrant. Hickey himself was taken into custody based on an outstanding warrant.
Following the search, authorities reported the seizure of six firearms, five of which were confirmed to be stolen. Among the weapons was an AR-style rifle that appeared to be in the process of being modified into a machine gun. Additionally, investigators discovered three homemade silencers—an apparent violation of the National Firearms Act (NFA). Drugs were also found, including 9.89 grams of fentanyl and 5.98 grams of methamphetamine, along with $500 in illicit proceeds.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the property now under the jurisdiction of MNU detectives and ATF agents. The seizure of illegal firearms and drugs has sparked significant concern in the local community, particularly given the potential dangers posed by the explosives and weapons involved.
Hickey faces multiple charges, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.
