5 in custody after string of robberies and carjacking
Colorado Springs Police arrested 5 in connection to multiple armed robberies and car jackings throughout the city this weekend.
The crime spree began Friday evening, and came to its conclusion in the neighborhood near the Citadel Shopping Center Sunday morning . After patrolmen identified multiple stolen vehicles, police were soon in pursuit which turned into a chase on foot.
The chase led authorities through tunnels and sewer systems near the shopping center.
“Officers coming into the area observed three of these juvenile males coming out of a manhole cover. As they were coming out officers were able to get the three of them into custody,” said Lt. Howard Black of the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Police believe the five suspects, who have not been named, committed a number of armed robberies. These could include two armed robberies at 7/11’s near the 3800 block of Astrozon Blvd. and the 1400 block of North Academy Blvd. An armed robbery involving a victim being pistol whipped at the 4800 block of Ridenour Drive, as well as multiple attempted car jackings. As well as three more armed robberies Saturday night into the early hours Sunday morning.
“Their behavior has just been outrageous this weekend we’re lucky people haven’t been seriously injured,” said Lt. Black.
Police established a wide perimeter in the neighborhood outisde the Citadel Shopping Center, and asked people living nearby to stay indoors while police conducted their manhunt.
When police left the scene, seven suspects were in custody. Two were not connected to the string of armed robberies.
“There we’re two other individuals that were in the area that took off running from the police,” said Lt. Black. “They had nothing to do with the original call. But they had warrants that were outstanding from other incidents.”
During this mornings chase, one officer suffered minor injuries while going through the tunnels and sewer system.
While a juvenile female, was apprehended with a gun shot wound. It’s unclear how she suffered that injury. However, police don’t believe she was connected to the robberies or car thefts.
CSPD Robbery Investigators are currently conducting interviews and evaluating evidence.
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Five people are in custody after a string of robberies and carjackings in Colorado Springs.
A little before 7 this morning, the Colorado Springs Police Department tweeted out an emergency message, saying there was police activity related to a wanted person search in the area of Platte & Chelton.
The police asked residents to stay indoors as well as lock and stay away from windows and doors. The lockdown has since been lifted.
Officers were looking for 2 men and a woman wearing dark-colored clothing. The tweet went on to say that the suspects were considered armed and dangerous.
Around 9 AM, one officer suffered minor injuries and a juvenile, believed to be associated with the incident, is at the hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. Police say no shots were fired by officers.
We’ll keep you update as soon as we learn more.
