(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A suspect has been arrested after deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) spotted a pickup truck that was previously reported stolen out of Colorado Springs.
EPSO reported that around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, a call was received about a suspicious vehicle parked near the 700 block of North Powers Boulevard, near East Platte Avenue.
When deputies arrived, they found a Ford F-250 parked outside a closed business that had been targeted by criminal activity in the past. Before approaching the truck, deputies activated their emergency lights to identify themselves, but the driver immediately shifted into reverse in an attempt to drive away.
Deputies then positioned their patrol units to block the vehicle and activated their lights.
According to EPSO, the driver of the pickup truck accelerated forward and hit one of the patrol cars, but was unable to break past the deputies’ vehicles, so he got out of the truck and ran.
EPSO reported that after a short chase, deputies caught the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Damian Garnett, a previously convicted felon. The pickup truck had been reported stolen in Colorado Springs in the past week.
“I am proud of our deputies for their quick response and decisive actions in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion,” said Sheriff Joe Roybal. “Their commitment to protecting our community, including the businesses which serve our citizens, helps ensure El Paso County remains a place where people can live and work safely.”
Garnett was taken to the El Paso County Jail and booked on charges of Motor Vehicle Theft, Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer, Vehicular Eluding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Financial Transaction Device, and Criminal Mischief. He is being held on a $3,000 bond.
