Armed suspect arrested after string of burglary and trespassing incidents
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – An Idaho Springs neighborhood was placed on lockdown Thursday night as authorities searched for an armed man believed to be tied to many burglary and trespassing incidents in the area.
On Thursday, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office (CCCSO) shared that it had received three separate reports in the past week of a suspicious person trespassing on private properties in the area near Highway 103.
Footage of the suspect captured by one homeowner's Nest security camera shows him wearing a black mask and tactical colors (green and black) and carrying a loaded gun.
In the video, the homeowner can be heard asking the man if he needs help. The suspect then claims he is with the U.S. Forest Service and says he is "looking for somebody" before disconnecting the camera.
The Forest Service has confirmed to the sheriff's office that the man does not work for them.
According to the sheriff's office, the suspect captured in the surveillance camera footage is believed to have trespassed onto two properties on Peaceful Valley Lane in Idaho Springs on Monday, Sept. 23. There, he was also seen holding a handgun, and allegedly stole over $2,000 worth of items and caused around $2,000 worth of damage.
Two days later, on Sept. 25, he trespassed on a property on Ute Creek Road, where he was seen loading and cocking a firearm, the sheriff's office said.
The suspect is associated with a white Ford Escape SUV without license plates.
In an update, the sheriff's office said deputies had spotted the suspect's vehicle stopped along Highway 103, shortly after 6 pm. on Thursday. Law enforcement responded and established a perimeter, but the suspect fled, CCCSO said.
After a short pursuit, the vehicle crashed near mile marker 3, and the suspect got out of the vehicle and ran from the scene, deputies say.
Deputies quickly began searching for the driver. Highway 103 was shut down, and a shelter-in-place was issued for a 1-mile radius near the crash site.
Deputies and officers with Idaho Springs PD, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Golden PD assisted with the late-night search. A drone and K9 were also used to look for the suspect.
Applequist is being held in the Clear Creek County jail on the following charges:
- 2 counts of first-degree burglary
- Possession of a weapon by a previous offender
- Eluding
- Impersonating a police officer
- Theft
- Criminal mischief
- Reckless endangerment
- Resisting arrest
- Third-degree burglary
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
