Stolen SUV tracked by drone leads to two arrests in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Two people were arrested Monday night after Colorado Springs police tracked a reported stolen SUV to an apartment complex on the city's north side.

At about 9:41 p.m. Aug. 31, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said officers were conducting proactive patrols when they spotted a reported stolen Dodge Durango traveling northbound on North Union Boulevard.

Officers say they attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle initially stopped but then drove away.

Colorado Springs Police Department says its Real Time Crime Center used a Drone to track the vehicle as it traveled throughout the north side of Colorado Springs.

At approximately 10:26 p.m., the police say the vehicle stopped at an apartment complex in the 400 block of Arrawanna Street. Detectives say they then determined which apartment the two occupants entered.

CSPD says officers responded, secured the stolen vehicle and began attempting to contact the occupants.

According to police, they identified the female driver as 51-year-old Melanie Harding. Harding made contact with officers but allegedly refused to leave the apartment, says CSPD.

Police say that after obtaining warrants, Harding and the male passenger surrendered.

CSPD says Harding was arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle theft, and the passenger, 44-year-old Joseph Piro, was arrested on unrelated warrants.

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