(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Local and federal agencies joined forces Thursday, Aug. 14, to arrest a fugitive wanted by the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) for parole violations.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), the operation involved the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force of Southern Colorado, CSPD’s Tactical Enforcement (TEU) and K9 units, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
The fugitive, identified as Joshua Kirby, faced a Felony Escape charge with no bond and full statewide extradition. USMS detectives described him as “a known flight risk with a history of violent behavior, weapons possession, narcotics use, resisting arrest, and mental health concerns.”
Around 4 p.m., USMS personnel spotted Kirby as a passenger in a truck on the 1000 block of Kelly Johnson Boulevard near Academy Boulevard and I-25. The driver, whose identity is being withheld, is under investigation for suspected gang activity, white supremacist ties, and recent firearm possession.
Kirby was also with another man, Shawn Agler, who had felony warrants. TEU officers moved in, blocking the vehicle and deploying a “sight-and-sound diversionary device” while loudly identifying themselves as police. Agler surrendered immediately and was booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center (CJC).
Kirby, however, ran, jumping a six-foot fence in an attempt to escape. CSPD said K9 officers and USMS detectives blocked his path, giving multiple K9 warnings, which Kirby ignored. He ran into a heavily wooded area with USMS vehicles in pursuit.
K9 Zev was deployed and “successfully located and apprehended Kirby in dense brush, holding him until officers could safely take him into custody.”
Kirby was treated at a hospital for minor injuries before being turned over to USMS custody. He will be booked into the CJC.
“This operation exemplifies the teamwork and professionalism of multiple agencies working together to ensure public safety during the capture of a dangerous fugitive,” CSPD stated. “No officers, citizens, or additional suspects were injured during the incident.”
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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