Colorado Springs, Colo. – A woman has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle thefts spanning the Front Range, including a stolen set of tires and rims valued at $10,000.
The investigation began on Friday when Colorado Springs Police were called to the Phil Long Ford dealership on Briargate Boulevard after reports of stolen tires and rims from a brand-new Ford Bronco. The theft, believed to have occurred the previous day, was linked to items that had been spotted for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Following a swift investigation, detectives tracked down one of the suspects on Saturday at a residence near Turkey Run Drive and Herndon Court in the Austin Bluffs and Research area. The suspect, 26-year-old Aleeyah Niknami, was apprehended by officers.
During the investigation, police discovered multiple stolen vehicles at the location, including one vehicle reported stolen from Aurora and another from Colorado Springs. Additionally, two stolen trailers from Fountain were recovered. Niknami was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Detectives are continuing to search for the stolen tires and rims, which are believed to have been sold to an unknown individual on Saturday. That person, who may also be considered a victim in this case, is urged to come forward with information.
Niknami remains in custody at the El Paso County Jail, where she faces multiple charges related to the thefts and possession of illegal substances. As of Sunday morning, police had not provided information on whether other suspects were involved in the thefts.
Authorities are urging anyone who purchased tires from Facebook Marketplace on Saturday or who has any information about the ongoing investigation to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover additional details about the stolen property and potential other suspects.
