On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at approximately 9:43 AM, the FLOCK Safety camera system alerted deputies to a confirmed stolen vehicle, a 2007 silver Jeep Liberty, in the Stratmoor Valley area of unincorporated El Paso County.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Arturo Velasquez, was also listed on a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) as armed and dangerous, with parole and gang-member alerts.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies canvassed the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At approximately 11:45 AM, a second FLOCK alert indicated the Jeep was near Maxwell Street and Highway 85. A Fountain Police Department (FPD) unit in the area located the vehicle, occupied by an adult male and an adult female, and began surveillance. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded as the vehicle pulled into a gas station at Highway 85 and Glenarm Road.
A Tactical Intervention Method (TIM) Contact Block was attempted to prevent the vehicle from leaving the scene. Before deputies could execute the block, the suspect intentionally reversed into the FPD unit and made an effort to flee. The suspect’s vehicle then collided with an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle equipped with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) bumper, which brought the Jeep to a stop.
Velasquez was taken into custody along with 34-year-old Ariana Valverde.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies recovered approximately 32.4 grams of methamphetamine.
Velasquez and Valverde were booked into the El Paso County Jail.
Arturo Velasquez was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Attempted Second-Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, Attempted Felony Eluding, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Mischief. He is being held on a $3,000 bond.
Ariana Valverde was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and Resisting Arrest. She is being held on a $3,000 bond.
“This was a dangerous situation which could have ended much differently,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “A suspect who is armed, dangerous, and focused on escaping poses a significant threat not only to law enforcement but to the community. Thanks to the vigilance of our deputies, the quick action of our partners at the Fountain Police Department, and the technology of FLOCK Safety cameras, this suspect was stopped without injury to the public or our deputies. This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships, proactive policing, and teamwork in protecting our community.”
