On June 16, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling in the area of Almont Avenue, in unincorporated El Paso County.
While in the area, deputies observed an adult male known to them, 53-year-old Craig Nothaus, enter a vehicle and begin driving away.
Due to recent contact with Nothaus, deputies knew he was operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and initiated a traffic stop.
During the stop, deputies learned Nothaus was currently out on bond stemming from a May 6, 2026, incident in which he was arrested for possession of 24 grams of methamphetamine.
K9 Dex was requested to the scene to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle. During the open-air sniff, the K9 positively alerted his handler to the presence of narcotics. Deputies searched the vehicle and located approximately 6.4 grams of methamphetamine.
Nothaus was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Driving Under Restraint. He was released on a $1,000 bond, the standard bond amount established by the State of Colorado for the associated charges.
“Proactive patrol operations and targeted enforcement continue to play a critical role in keeping illegal narcotics off our streets,” stated El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I’m proud of my deputies and K9 teams for their continued dedication to public safety. A special shoutout to K9 Dex for once again putting his skills to work protecting our community.”
