Two teens accused in string of violent armed robberies

The Colorado Springs Police Department says two 17-year-old’s have been arrested in a series of business robberies and home burglaries, most targeting liquor stores. At least four other people are being investigated and additional arrests are possible.

Police say the string of holdups that the teens have been linked to were especially aggressive. The victims were often threatened with being killed as they were forced to the floor with guns pressed against their heads.

Police believe the same group of people are responsible for robberies at the following businesses:

1/3/16: Subway Sandwich Shop, 3400 Blk. N. Academy Blvd.
1/6/16: Creaciones Novedades Yazmine, 2500 blk. Airport Rd.
1/7/16: Quart House Liquors, 2700 blk. Palmer Park Blvd.
1/8/16: Neighbor’s Liquors, 5000 blk. N. Academy Blvd.
1/10/16: Lake Liquors, 500 blk. S. Union Blvd.
1/12/16: Fillmore Liquors, 800 blk. E. Fillmore St.
1/16/16: Paul’s Liquors, 2800 blk. E. Pikes Peak Ave.

Police say that during the investigation into the January 6 robbery at Creaciones Novedades Yazmine, detectives learned that two people associated with the store had recently been victims of home burglaries. Police say they think they were victims of the same group of criminals.

The first arrest in the case came after the January 10 robbery at Lake Liquors when one of the suspects was seen leaving in a silver or gray car. Police say he was chased by a witness after the robbery and dropped some items in the process. He was arrested after returning to retrieve the items that he had dropped.

As the investigation progressed, detectives conducted surveillance, interviewed possible witnesses and worked to develop leads. Eventually, they obtained search warrants for two homes. Those homes were searched on January 21. It was at this time that the second 17-year-old suspect was arrested.

In addition to the arrests, police say numerous items of evidence were recovered during the searches. The recovered evidence included stolen property and guns.

The names of the suspects were not released because they are under the age of 18.

Anyone who thinks they might have information about this investigation is asked to call Colorado Springs Police at 719-444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).