FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
William Porter, Communications Director
Phone: 720.281.2060
Email: william.porter@aspen.gov
Aspen Police Department Successfully Resolves Critical Incident: Endangered Child Safely Recovered, Suspect in Custody
Aspen, Colorado, July 28, 2023 - The Aspen Police Department, in collaboration with Pitkin County Sheriff's Office and the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center, has announced the successful conclusion of an intense overnight operation.
At approximately 11:33 PM on July 27, the Aspen Police Department was alerted to an incident involving a severely injured woman discovered by a local bus driver. The bus driver's vigilance also led to the identification of a suspicious vehicle that was ultimately linked to the case.
During the course of the investigation, the Aspen Police Department revealed a situation of domestic violence, with the woman's husband fleeing with the endangered 5-year-old child. This prompted a rapid response and initiated an interagency operation involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
After the suspect discarded his initial vehicle in Snowmass and stole another, the suspect was located thanks to the diligent use of license plate reader technology and prompt coordination amongst law enforcement.
At approximately 6:40 AM on July 28, the suspect was intercepted and apprehended in New Mexico by San Juan County law enforcement, Aztec Police Department, and New Mexico State Police. The Aspen Police Department can confirm that the child has been safely recovered and is now under protective custody.
The suspect is currently being held without bond at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center in New Mexico. He is facing the following charges:
- Assault in the First Degree as defined in C.R.S. § 18-3-204(1)(a), amended, a class 3 felony
- First Degree Kidnapping as defined in C.R.S. § 18-3-301(1)(a), amended, a class 2 felony
- Domestic Violence as defined in C.R.S. § 18-8-803.6, amended, an undetermined classification
Statement from Aspen Police Chief Kim Ferber:
" The Aspen Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our community, and we are relieved to announce the safe recovery of the child involved. I am tremendously proud of the concerted effort of our team at the Aspen Police Department, our partners in law enforcement, and vigilant community members like our local bus driver who played a crucial role in this incident. This operation underlines the invaluable importance of interagency cooperation, community vigilance, and public participation in ensuring the safety and welfare of our community, particularly its most vulnerable members. Events like this underscore the importance of our community-based policing model that encourages all residents to stay alert and responsive."
Due to the active and sensitive nature of this ongoing investigation, the Aspen Police Department will not provide further details at this time. We appreciate the public's understanding and cooperation in this matter.
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