Douglas County deputies chase man through neighborhood after break-in attempt

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A car break-in attempt led Douglas County deputies on a foot chase on Thursday. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office shared body camera video of the chase.

It all began in Highlands Ranch early Thursday morning when a man noticed two strangers trying to get into his car outside the Northridge Recreation Center.

“The victim notified us immediately and we had deputies on scene within moments,” Sheriff Darren Weekly said.

Weekly said that’s when the suspects took off in different directions.

“As soon as that happens, the deputy calls it out. Other deputies start converging on the area to contain the suspects that are there,” Weekly said.

Sheriff: Car thefts often linked to other crimes

The video shows the deputy in pursuit, hopping over two fences while chasing the suspect into a neighborhood. Weekly said this kind of pursuit is one of the most dangerous things an officer can do.

“Typically that’s where a lot of officer-involved shootings take place, the suspect and the officer are one-on-one depending on the circumstances,” he said.

The suspect eventually gave up and was cornered on a front porch in the neighborhood.

Weekly said they could have gone on to use the stolen car for other crimes.

“People steal the car and then they go do vehicle break-ins or burglaries or things like that, and that is why we’re so proactive in this area,” Weekly said.

Aurora wanted suspects in homicide attempt

It’s a point made clearer after the two suspects were in custody.

“While they were booking these guys into jail, we got the contact from Aurora that they were interested in these two guys for an attempted homicide,” Weekly said.

He said his deputies handled the chase well, following everything they’re trained, and said if you encounter a similar situation, leave it to the professionals.

“Call 911, let law enforcement respond,” Weekly said. “Don’t take matters into your own hands because you could get hurt or killed.”

The second suspect was eventually found and arrested about two hours after the initial chase with the help of drones in the search. They now face charges of felony theft, vehicular trespass and drug possession.

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