Colorado Springs police catch man accused of several armed robberies

A Colorado Springs police officer spotted a truck suspected of being involved in a robbery Wednesday evening, but a traffic stop turned into a chase that ended with a crash on Academy Blvd. and an eventual arrest.

Police say Julian Benito Archuleta, 33, faces four counts of aggravated robbery and vehicular eluding.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers were called to a store in the 3300 block of E. Fountain Blvd. around 7 p.m. Wednesday after Archuleta brandished a handgun and demanded cash before fleeing in a white Dodge pickup truck.

Police said they believe Archuleta was involved in several armed robberies throughout the Springs, based on witness statements.

An officer spotted the truck around 10 p.m. and kept eyes on it while backup arrived for a traffic stop. When the officers activated their lights, the truck took off north on Academy Blvd.

The truck approached Chelton Road, and officers performed a pit maneuver to stop the vehicle, causing it to hit the east curb.

That’s when Archuleta and a female ran away from the crash on foot. Both were taken into custody after a short chase. No officers were injured during the chase.

The identity of the female passenger wasn’t released.

Archuleta’s bond information wasn’t available Thursday.