On May 17, 2025, at approximately 11:52 PM, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies were alerted by Flock Safety cameras to a stolen vehicle driving eastbound on Platte Avenue near North Murray Boulevard. This vehicle was identified as a silver Saab sedan bearing a Colorado license plate.
A query check of this vehicle showed the vehicle was still actively reported as stolen.
Soon after the alert, deputies observed the vehicle at the intersection of Platte Avenue and Powers Boulevard. It was occupied by a driver and a passenger.
Next, the vehicle turned northbound on Hathaway Drive from Platte Avenue and entered 781 Hathaway Drive (an apartment complex). Deputies verified the license plate matched the one from the Flock notification, and troopers from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) pulled into the parking lot behind the vehicle. EPSO deputies activated their overhead emergency lights and pulled in front of the vehicle.
The vehicle abruptly stopped and immediately accelerated in reverse, striking the CSP vehicle at approximately 20 mph. EPSO deputies acted quickly and performed a tactical front contact block to secure the vehicle and prevent it from fleeing or causing further damage or harm.
Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident.
The driver was identified as 21-year-old Erica Cadena, and the passenger was identified as 21-year-old Braedan Shumway.
A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a small amount of fentanyl was recovered from Cadena’s wallet along with other drug paraphernalia.
Shumway was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, served, and released from custody.
EPSO deputies contacted the vehicle owner, who confirmed Cadena had stolen the vehicle earlier in the day.
Erica Cadena was booked into the El Paso County Jail for Motor Vehicle Theft, 2nd Degree Assault, Eluding, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
No members of law enforcement were injured during the incident. The CSP vehicle sustained minor damage.
“This incident demonstrates the value of Flock Safety cameras and how they serve as a powerful tool for law enforcement,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “These cameras enable my deputies to identify criminal activity in our community, respond, and remove criminals from our neighborhoods and streets.
“I am grateful no one was seriously injured during this criminal event. I am also grateful for the 2023 change in Colorado law (Senate Bill-097), which ensures those who commit motor vehicle theft are charged at the appropriate criminal level (felony).
“I thank my deputies and our partners at Colorado State Patrol for restoring property to the victim and holding these crooks accountable.”
