SOUTHERN COLORADO, CO — A 32-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning after a series of criminal activities across El Paso and Lincoln Counties. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a local convenience store around 6 a.m. regarding a man allegedly armed with a rifle outside the store, located in the 1500 block of Meadowbrook Parkway, near Cimarron Hills.
As deputies arrived at the scene, the man, later identified as Nathaniel Strawder, fled on foot. Authorities reported that Strawder had been standing next to a vehicle before running, which was later determined to be stolen from Lincoln County.
The pursuit continued as deputies observed Strawder attempting to steal another vehicle a few blocks away on Woolsey Heights. After a brief foot chase through a creek bed and into the Claremont Ranch neighborhood, Strawder was apprehended on Dewhirst Drive.
During the arrest, deputies discovered Strawder was in possession of a realistic-looking rifle and a handgun. Further investigation revealed that Strawder was connected to several vehicle break-ins and burglaries that occurred overnight in both Lincoln and El Paso Counties.
Strawder is currently being held in the El Paso County Jail on a $10,000 bond. He faces multiple charges, including:
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Motor vehicle theft
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Second-degree burglary
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Three counts of criminal trespass auto
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Theft
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Criminal mischief
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Possession of a controlled substance
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and are working to identify the owners of the stolen property recovered during the arrest. Anyone with information regarding the case or who may have been a victim of the crimes is urged to contact law enforcement.
Residents of El Paso County are encouraged to call the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 390-5555, while those in Lincoln County are asked to reach out to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 743-2846.
This remains an active investigation.
