Vehicle Theft Suspect Identified In Douglas County
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4)- Detectives have identified a vehicle theft suspect in Highlands Ranch as incidents of vehicle trespasses and vehicle thefts continue to increase in Douglas County.
About 3:30 a.m. on July 16 deputies responded to a vehicle trespass in progress in the 1100 block of Jesse Court in Highlands Ranch. Deputies parked their patrol cars so they blocked the alley and walked towards the reported suspect's vehicle.
When they got halfway across the street the vehicle started its engine and accelerated rapidly towards the deputies. Deputies had to move out of the vehicle's path and despite giving verbal orders to stop the vehicle continued.
The suspect continued to speed down the alley, almost running into the deputies and patrol cars. The suspect jumped the curb and drove around them.
The deputies tried to find the suspect but only located the abandoned vehicle in the 9000 block of Sylvester Road in Highlands Ranch. The vehicle had been stolen out of Arapahoe County.
Detectives identified the suspect as Terry Smith, 27. Detectives have filed criminal charges against Smith that include motor vehicle theft, criminal trespass, menacing, vehicular eluding and multiple traffic violations.
On Sept. 9 deputies in Douglas County arrested a juvenile for possession of a stolen vehicle. Deputies say the juvenile is not connected to the increase of vehicle trespasses and thefts in Douglas County.
Since Aug. 1 there have been 100 car break-ins, and 24 vehicles stolen in Highlands Ranch and Parker. Most thefts happened in the overnight hours. The majority of the vehicles were left unlocked or with the keys still inside.
Sgt. Lori Bronner said the thieves are taking money, backpacks, CD's, and most alarmingly, garage door openers.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says residents should look their car doors, and bring garage door openers inside for the night. Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to call the sheriff's office at (303) 660-7500.
