On June 7, 2024, the Colorado State Patrol successfully located an escaped inmate using infrared technology. Kegan VanVliet, a 45-year-old homicide suspect who had escaped from the Fremont County Jail, was apprehended with the help of the CSP. VanVliet had tried to shoot his spouse before escaping.
To aid the search for VanVliet, CSP’s Aircraft Unit was deployed to El Paso County to assist troopers on the ground as well as local law enforcement and U.S. Marshalls. The search was concentrated in the area of Interstate 25 and East Woodman Road in Colorado Springs.
The search took place at night, and infrared technology was instrumental in locating VanVliet. His vehicle had been found abandoned in a parking lot, indicating he was likely on foot. The aircraft crew was able to spot him walking away from an area that had been identified by a tip from a concerned citizen. With the help of the aircraft unit, CSP was able to track VanVliet and direct law enforcement officers to his location. He was taken into custody peacefully without any further incidents. CSP documented the moment of his arrest, capturing law enforcement on the ground as they apprehended VanVliet.
