On July 24, 2026, at approximately 7:33 AM, deputies assigned to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Specialized Patrol Unit requested assistance from the Intelligence-Based Operations Center (IBOC) to deploy a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) at a residence in the 1200 block of Maxwell Street in the Stratmoor Valley area of unincorporated El Paso County. Deputies were attempting to locate a wanted fugitive believed to be at the residence.
Patrol deputies had located a vehicle associated with 39-year-old Joseph Pietsch, who was wanted on multiple warrants, including a felony charge for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and several misdemeanor Failure to Appear warrants. Intelligence developed by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Impact Team indicated Pietsch was likely inside the residence.
IBOC detectives launched the DFR and maintained aerial surveillance of the residence, providing deputies with real-time intelligence while enhancing the safety of the public, responding deputies, and the suspect.
At approximately 8 AM, Pietsch exited the residence and was observed pacing in the driveway while looking in both directions along the street. After several minutes, Pietsch and an unidentified adult male entered the vehicle and drove away.
IBOC detectives continuously relayed the vehicle’s movements to Patrol deputies, allowing them to conduct a coordinated, non-contact vehicle block. Pietsch was taken into custody without incident.
“The successful apprehension of this wanted fugitive demonstrates the value of integrating advanced technology with intelligence-driven policing,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “The collaboration between our Specialized Patrol Unit, Fugitive Impact Team, and Intelligence-Based Operations Center allowed deputies to safely locate and arrest this individual while minimizing risk to the public, our deputies, and the suspect. By leveraging innovative technology and real-time intelligence, we continue to enhance public safety and ensure wanted offenders are removed from our communities.”
Pietsch was booked into the El Paso County Jail on his outstanding warrants and an additional charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is currently being held on a $2003.00 bond, pursuant to Colorado law.