EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with a crime spree that included multiple vehicle break-ins, gunfire, and the theft of at least two vehicles, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began shortly before 5 a.m. on Saturday when deputies responded to reports of several individuals breaking into vehicles in the 2300 block of Kein Place, located in the Cimarron Hills neighborhood near Constitution Road and Marksheffel Road. Callers also reported hearing gunshots and said one of the suspects had threatened a resident.
When deputies arrived, they discovered an abandoned stolen vehicle in the area. Further investigation revealed nearly 15 additional vehicles had been broken into. A second stolen vehicle was also recovered.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators indicated that between four and six individuals were involved in the overnight crime spree.
Just after midnight on Sunday, law enforcement received an alert from Flock Safety cameras indicating the second stolen vehicle had been detected at The Citadel Mall. Deputies, along with the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), tracked the vehicle to the parking lot of Taco Star on Circle Drive.
A tactical stop was initiated. Two of the vehicle’s occupants fled on foot, including the driver and one passenger—both minors. Two other individuals, also under the age of 18, remained in the vehicle and were detained.
Troopers apprehended the 17-year-old driver shortly after the foot chase and discovered a firearm in his possession. Due to his age, his identity has not been released.
He was taken to the Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center and booked on multiple charges, including:
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Motor vehicle theft
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Vehicular eluding
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Juvenile in possession of a firearm
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Violation of a restraining order
The two minors who remained in the vehicle were interviewed and released. Authorities have not yet announced whether the second suspect who fled on foot has been apprehended.
The investigation remains ongoing as deputies continue to identify and locate the remaining suspects.
