Denver runaway teen found in Colorado Springs homeless camp, reunited with family

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a teen reported as a runaway in 2023 has been found after a check of homeless camps in Colorado Springs. After locating the minor, a woman, who officers said is now facing several charges including Child Abuse, claimed that the 14-year-old was her son and she was also allegedly in possession of drugs and financial information linked to several victims.

CSPD said on Tuesday, June 4 at around 10:45 a.m. officers with the Homeless Outreach Team were conducting camp checks near the drainage ditch, south of the 600 block of West Garden of the Gods Road near North Chestnut Street. During that time, officers spotted a woman allegedly in possession of drug paraphernalia, along with the 14-year-old nearby.

Further investigation led officers to find narcotics, financial documents, and financial devices. Police were able to identify seven victims connected to the financial information discovered.

As the woman was taken into custody, she apparently told officers that the teen was her son and the minor confirmed this with officers. Both the woman and minor were taken to a substation for further investigation and processing.

DHS was notified and responded regarding the teen’s placement. During a conversation with DHS about the 14-year-old, officers learned that the woman allegedly gave a false name for the teen and he was later identified as a December 2023 runaway from Denver. The teen’s family was contacted and reunited, according to police.

According to police, the woman was arrested and now faces the following charges:

• Felony Criminal Possession of a Financial Device
• Misdemeanor Drug Possession
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Child Abuse

CSPD said the Violent Crimes Section will be conducting additional follow-up about the relationship between the suspect and the minor.

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