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Suspects In Crime Spree Appear In Court

By Andrea Flores

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Two of the three suspects Erie police believe are responsible for a crime spree throughout Boulder County appeared in a courtroom Friday afternoon.

Matthew Leon, 22, and Manuel Rodela, 20, both transients, and a 16-year-old girl, are accused of stealing cars, shooting out windows, stealing clothes, and smoking meth and marijuana, according to an arrest affidavit.

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(credit: CBS)

Leon's bond was set at $75,000, while Rodela's was set at $150,000.

All three suspects face charges including motor vehicle theft, endangerment, and reckless driving.

Leanne Leonhardt was driving with her 2-year-old daughter when two cars pulled alongside her and started shooting Thursday afternoon.

Boulder County crime spree
(credit: CBS)

"I heard a pop and a crash and then she screamed," Leonhardt said.

An arrest affidavit reveals a blue sedan was stolen from Denver on Wednesday.
The other, a stolen van, belonged to Leonhardt's neighbor.

"My wife came running in my office and said someone stole our car out of our garage, and I immediately jumped in my truck," Andy Passen said.

Passen chased his van for 20 minutes, but pulled over when it got too dangerous. It has him thinking twice about what's important.

Boulder County crime spree
(credit: CBS)

"It's just a car," Passen said. "I'm glad my family is safe."

Now, Leonhardt hopes the suspects get what they deserve.

"You have to have consequences for what you do," Leonhardt said. "My daughter could have been seriously hurt or killed."

Across Boulder County, at least 12 windows were shot out, adding up to $3,600 in repairs. All vehicles were occupied, but no one was hurt.

Both men are due back in court Tuesday afternoon.

Andrea Flores is a reporter for CBS4. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @AndreaFloresTV.

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