(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has arrested two suspects after a stolen vehicle investigation.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, just before 10 a.m., EPSO’s FLOCK Safety camera system alerted deputies to a stolen 2007 silver Jeep Liberty in the Stratmoor Valley area of unincorporated El Paso County. Deputies searched the area but were unable to find the vehicle; however, a second FLOCK alert at 11:45 a.m. showed the Jeep was near Maxwell Street and Highway 85.
Officers with the Fountain Police Department (FPD) spotted the Jeep, with a man and woman inside. The man was identified as Arturo Velasquez, 29, who was already listed on a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) notice as armed and dangerous, with parole and gang-member alerts. EPSO identified the woman as 34-year-old Ariana Valverde.
Arturo Velasquez, photo courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
Ariana Valverde, photo courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
EPSO deputies responded to the information provided by FPD as the Jeep pulled into a gas station at Highway 85 and Glenarm Road. EPSO and FPD teamed up to make a vehicle blockade, attempting to prevent Velasquez and Valverde from driving away.
Trying to escape, the Jeep backed into an FPD vehicle before it collided with an EPSO squad car equipped with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention bumper, which successfully stopped the Jeep. After this, both Velasquez and Valverde were brought into custody.
During a follow-up search of the Jeep Liberty, deputies recovered 32.4 grams of methamphetamine.
Velasquez is facing several charges, including Motor Vehicle Theft, Attempted Second-Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, Attempted Felony Eluding, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Mischief. He is currently being held on a $3,000 bond.
Valverde is facing charges of Motor Vehicle Theft, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and Resisting Arrest. Her bond is also $3,000.
“This was a dangerous situation which could have ended much differently. A suspect who is armed, dangerous, and focused on escaping poses a significant threat not only to law enforcement but to the community. Thanks to the vigilance of our deputies, the quick action of our partners at the Fountain Police Department, and the technology of FLOCK Safety cameras, this suspect was stopped without injury to the public or our deputies. This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships, proactive policing, and teamwork in protecting our community.”
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal
