An unusual burglary investigation in Colorado took an unexpected turn when two teenage suspects allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by paddling into the middle of a lake on stand up paddleboards.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Soda Lakes Lodge inside Bear Creek Lake Park after park rangers with the City of Lakewood reported a shirtless male inside the building yelling and causing extensive damage. Authorities said the suspect was allegedly smashing walls and windows with two by fours before leaving the structure with another male.
Rather than fleeing on foot or by vehicle, the two juveniles reportedly grabbed paddleboards and headed into the middle of Soda Lakes.
Patrol Boat Used to Reach Suspects
The unusual circumstances required deputies to respond in a way that is rarely necessary during a burglary investigation.
Working alongside City of Lakewood Park Rangers, deputies boarded a patrol boat and traveled onto Soda Lakes to reach the two juveniles. Authorities said the suspects were contacted on the water and safely transported back to shore without further incident.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office noted that needing a boat to apprehend burglary suspects is highly uncommon, describing the incident as anything but ordinary.
Teens Face Criminal Charges
After being returned to shore, both juveniles were charged with burglary and criminal trespass. Because the suspects are minors, additional identifying information was not released.
Officials did not provide details about the extent of the damage inside Soda Lakes Lodge or whether anyone was injured during the incident. The investigation remains with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.