Suspect Arrested on Numerous Charges

The Cimarron Hills area experienced a large rash of vehicle break-ins from May 5, 2020 through June 5, 2020.  Initially one vehicle that was left unlocked with the keys in the center console was stolen. The suspects used the stolen vehicle to conduct a crime spree involving breaking into numerous vehicles in the same neighborhood. Vehicles were entered and wallets, money, and credit cards were stolen.  

The suspects used approximately 12 credit/debit cards to commit fraud by using them at various stores.  
 
One suspect has been arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail:

Nicholas Bridgford, DOB:05/26/1998, charged with the following:

Attempt to Influence a Public Servant
First Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Less than $20K
Criminal Impersonation
False Information to a Pawnbroker (2 counts)
Theft over $750 but Less than $2K
2nd Degree Burglary
Motor Vehicle Theft $20K or Less
Identity Theft
Criminal Possession of a Financial Device

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate all 21 reported cases have been tied to this suspect.  Throughout this investigation our Criminal Intelligence Unit has identified additional persons of interest.  

We would like to remind our community of a few crime prevention tips.  A majority of car break-ins and thefts are from unlocked cars. To include those cars that are parked front of your house, in your own driveway or inside your garage, lock your doors. Criminals check doors to see if it's unlocked, if it is they open the door and take whatever is visible and move on to the next target. However, if the door is locked, they are more likely to move on, unless you leave something of value in plain view. Lock up your car and secure your valuables.