On June 7, an escaped inmate named Kegan VanVliet, who was a homicide suspect, fled from the Fremont County Jail. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) launched an immediate search for VanVliet using its Aircraft Unit and infrared technology.
Local law enforcement, U.S. Marshalls, and CSP troopers on the ground focused their efforts on the area near Interstate 25 and East Woodman Road in Colorado Springs. CSP dispatched its Aircraft Unit to assist in the search efforts.
After VanVliet’s vehicle was found abandoned in a parking lot, authorities believed he was traveling on foot. CSP used infrared technology to search the area for any signs of VanVliet’s whereabouts.
During the night, when the aircraft crew arrived at the scene, they utilized infrared technology to locate VanVliet as he was walking away from a spot identified by a concerned citizen. The troopers in the air continued to track his movements and guided ground law enforcement to his hiding location without any further trouble or incidents.
Finally, VanVliet was taken into custody without incident, and CSP captured the moment of his arrest on camera.
