A teenager is on the run after stealing a car from his caregiver and fleeing a youth facility over the weekend.
The crime was reported late Sunday afternoon at the Emily Griffith Center on Farragut Avenue, a couple of blocks north of Memorial Park.
“Officers established probable cause that [the suspect] had forcibly removed a set of car keys from his caretaker’s person, ran out of the facility, and stole a blue 2016 Ford Escape, bearing Colorado plate CZTM41,” a Colorado Springs police lieutenant said.
According to police, the boy has a lengthy criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous. In particular, police say the teen is known for breaking into or outright stealing cars in order to obtain guns.
“These offenses are commonly done by breaking into Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The suspect is highly proficient in the methods and means of stealing these types of cars, widely known as the ‘Kia Boyz Challenge,’” the lieutenant said.
The lieutenant said the suspect had also been arrested in the past for pointing firearms at officers and for shooting at a man who was trying to stop the teen and his accomplices from stealing his car.
“Due to these circumstances, the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, has a high propensity for violence [and] is a flight risk,” the lieutenant stated.
Due to the boy’s age, no identifying information has been publicly released, but police do ask that if anyone encounters the suspect, they “use extreme caution” and notify CSPD.
Colorado Springs police were called to the Emily Griffith Center late Sunday afternoon.
