(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a suspect, who was allegedly providing handguns to minors was arrested after an investigation into several known violent offenders with alleged ties to a local gang for firearm-related offenses.

According to CSPD, in early 2024 detectives with the Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) began the investigation and learned that one offender, identified as 22-year-old Ramon Garcia, was allegedly in possession of multiple firearms, had been providing handguns to minors, and also had a history of eluding police. Police said Garcia was prohibited from owning firearms due to a prior, violent felony conviction.

On Wednesday, June 26 Garcia was followed to the 7700 block of Penway Heights near Constitution Avenue and Marksheffel Road. CSPD said Garcia and a 17-year-old boy, were seen walking to Garcia’s vehicle and when officers attempted to contact the two, Garcia tried to evade police in his vehicle, before he ran into a parked car. Garcia and the teen then tried to run from officers but were quickly apprehended.

According to CSPD, the teen was found to be in possession of a “Glock switch,” an aftermarket device that when attached to a semi-automatic handgun gives it the capability of fully automatic fire. A search warrant was then executed at Garcia’s apartment where police said officers found an AR-style rifle and a 50-round drum-style handgun magazine.

Garcia is facing charges of Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender, Providing a Handgun to a Juvenile, Possessing a Dangerous Weapon, and other firearm-related offenses. Meanwhile, the teen is facing charges of Possessing a Dangerous Weapon and Juvenile in Possession of a Handgun.