The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has arrested a suspect in a robbery spree that took place from February 17, 2023, to February 22, 2023. The suspect, 31-year-old Alamosa resident Eric Garcia, targeted predominately convenience stores over the six-day stretch. The suspect entered stores and demanded cash and cigarettes after displaying a weapon. No injuries were reported during these robberies. Garcia was taken into custody by CSPD on February 23, 2023.
During the investigation of these crimes, CSPD Robbery Unit detectives identified a vehicle of interest, and on February 23, 2023, detectives located that vehicle outside a business in the 3200 block of E. Platte Avenue. Detectives surveilled the suspect and developed probable cause for his arrest. Due to the suspect being deemed armed and dangerous, the Tactical Enforcement Unit was requested to assist with apprehension.
TEU and K-9 Units responded to the area and attempted to contact the suspect. Upon contact, in an attempt to flee apprehension, Garcia put the car into drive and accelerated into 3 civilian vehicles that were parked in front of him.
TEU & K9 officers placed their vehicles around Garcia’s vehicle, preventing escape. Garcia continued to attempt to accelerate and try to push through tactical vehicles for several minutes, refusing to follow officers’ commands to turn the car off and exit the vehicle.
TEU officers deployed chemical irritants into the suspect’s vehicle and were able to take him into custody without further incident. No injuries occurred during the arrest process.
The robberies took place as follows:
2/17/23, Case #23-06802, Loaf N Jug, 4770 Drennan Road
2/18/23, Case #23-06892, Loaf N Jug, 3705 Drennan Road
2/20/23 Case #23-07109, Family Dollar, 3765 Verde Drive
2/20/23 Case #23-07127, Circle K, 3805 Maizeland Road
2/22/23 Case #23-07412, Loaf N Jug, 5375 Airport Road