‘Criminal organization’ targeted in Colorado Springs after 18-month investigation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - The Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office were at multiple scenes in and around the city on Thursday, all part of one operation.

Lt. Deborah Mynatt with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to 11 News, part of the activity involved a SWAT Team and El Paso County Deputies at least two scenes south of Fountain Thursday morning. One scene was at the intersection of South Peyton Highway and Myers Road. The second scene was 20 miles away from the first, on the west side of I-25 in the 6900 block of Ghost Walk Point. Mynatt says both scenes were clear as of 11 a.m. on Thursday

At 10 a.m., a tactical vehicle and several CSPD cars were seen in the area of Platte Avenue and Iowa Avenue in Colorado Springs. Eastbound Platte was closed in the area and re-opened at about 11 a.m.

As of Monday, the investigation was ongoing.

“On January 19, 2023y we served multiple search warrants as part of an 18-month investigation initiated by the Colorado Springs Police Department. This investigation was focused on a criminal organization that was involved in a variety of criminal activity to profit the organization. This includes motor vehicle theft, theft of diesel fuel, and other crimes. This is a large and complex investigation that is still ongoing and the release of further information at this time could have a negative impact on the case. Colorado is ranked first in the nation for motor vehicle theft and numerous stolen vehicles have been recovered today. There is no threat to the community and as soon as we can, we will release additional information.”
Robert Tornabene, Senior Public Communications Supervisor with CSPD

EDITOR’S NOTE: Initially, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office told 11 News the activity was part of an FBI Investigation. Since the initial writing of this story, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has reached back out to 11 News clarifying the FBI is not involved and that the operation is being led by CSPD.