Somewhere in a Boulder evidence room sit nearly a dozen bikes and scooters, waiting for someone to prove they are theirs. The police department that put them there has arrested three people, and it is asking the community to come look.
The case opened on Sept. 20, when officers Rosas and Mastriona took a break-in report at an apartment complex’s bike storage room on Goss Street, in the 2300 block. Evidence spotted nearby, and one suspect already familiar from a stolen motorbike case, led detectives to a search warrant. Inside one suspect’s home they found what looked like a chop shop: bikes, frames, burglary tools and parts, all suspected stolen. Several more bikes believed to be tied to the ring have been recovered since.
Jonathan P. Hayes, 37, and 39-year-old Christopher L. Hughes were arrested that first day. The third took longer. Denver’s KDVR reported that on Thursday night a police drone caught Elijah M. Rowland, 19, trying to steal a bait bike; the department’s Drone as First Responder unit made the spot, in the 1000 block of Arapahoe Avenue.
Each man faces counts of second-degree burglary and theft, plus criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools. The youngest of the three picked up extra counts that night, among them unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstructing a peace officer, a concealed knife and a financial transaction device. The department added the standard caveat: the charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Chief Steve Redfearn framed the arrests in terms of everyday life. “We know our community relies on a variety of different means to travel through Boulder, and we won’t tolerate individuals victimizing our residents,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of the good police work done by our officers from Patrol to Investigations to identity the suspects and hold them accountable.”
Getting the bikes home
Here is the part that stings. Boulder police say they recover stolen bikes almost daily, and most never return to their owners because the thefts went unreported or the bikes were never registered in Bike Index. The department’s advice is plain: multiple U-locks, a registered serial number, photographs to prove what is yours.
Owners who spot their wheels in the department’s photo gallery can claim them through Property and Evidence at 303-441-3340, proof of ownership required. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective E. Quayle about case 2608580.
Sources
- Several Stolen Bikes Recovered; Arrests Made after Search Warrant – City of Boulder (official police release)
- 3 arrested after numerous stolen high-end bikes and scooters recovered – KDVR Denver (via Yahoo)
