Man accused of armed robbery, sexual assault arrested after search involving SWAT, FBI in El Paso County
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A man accused of robbing two people at gunpoint and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old was arrested following an hours-long search involving multiple law enforcement agencies in El Paso County.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO), deputies were called around 12:35 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, to the area of Drury Lane and De La Vista Street in the Security-Widefield area for a reported armed robbery.
Investigators say the victims told dispatchers they had gone to a home in the 300 block of De La Vista Street after receiving a text message from a 16-year-old friend asking for a ride home.
When they arrived, deputies say 28-year-old Jacob Anderson came out of the home armed with a firearm and told the victims the juvenile would not be leaving. Investigators allege Anderson then robbed the victims and struck one of them with the firearm.
Deputies from the EPSO and officers with the Fountain Police Department responded to the home and contacted the homeowner. Two adults who exited the residence confirmed Anderson lived there, according to investigators.
During the investigation, the victims also reported the 16-year-old had been sexually assaulted by Anderson. Because of concerns for the juvenile's safety, investigators obtained a search warrant for the home. The Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and Investigations Division responded to assist with the search.
Authorities searched the residence but did not find Anderson or the juvenile. Deputies then conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area while investigators continued following leads and interviewing witnesses.
With assistance from the FBI and the Colorado Springs Police Department, investigators located Anderson and the 16-year-old at an apartment in the 3000 block of Airport Road around 6:47 p.m. Saturday. Anderson was taken into custody without incident, and the juvenile was safely recovered.
Anderson was booked on the following charges:
- Aggravated robbery
- Menacing with a real or simulated weapon
- Second-degree assault
- Sexual assault
According to EPSO, Anderson was released from jail on Aug. 3 after posting a $15,000 bond.
EPSO confirms that the investigation is ongoing.
FBI Director Kash Patel released the following statement:
“This case represented the best of law enforcement in action - where the FBI worked with our local partners and quickly took down an alleged violent abuser,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “After law enforcement received a report of an armed adult male sexually assaulting a 16-year-old, FBI Denver and our Colorado Springs RA immediately responded with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office -- and using our Cellular Analysis Survey Team, apprehended a subject and recovered the victim safely within hours. This was the latest example of outstanding work from our agents, Intel teams, and partners -- and we continue to keep the victim and her family in our prayers as she recovers from this horrific incident.”
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