(Douglas County, CO) Detectives from the Douglas County IMPACT team have identified and arrested the suspects allegedly involved in a vehicle trespass and theft outside of Cougar Run Elementary School in Highlands Ranch on August 27th. The suspects were located and taken into custody on September 3rd at a hotel in the 7600 block of E. Union Ave in Denver. The suspects are identified as 24-year-old Reese Bilyeu and 27-year-old Devon Lynn Ashley.
Bilyeu was arrested in the hotel lobby, armed with a handgun and extra ammunition. Ashley was apprehended shortly after, near a stolen Toyota RAV4 parked outside the hotel. Upon searching the vehicle, detectives recovered a hoodie and mask matching the description of those worn during the Cougar Run trespass, as well as illegal drugs and multiple stolen credit cards. Detectives also executed a search warrant on the suspects’ hotel room and found stolen property, including four computers, numerous passports, driver’s licenses, social security cards, and credit cards, and other personal information belonging to various victims.
“I am incredibly proud of our IMPACT team detectives who worked diligently and relentlessly to track down and apprehend these criminals. Their determination reflects the high standards we hold at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. While many agencies may not prioritize property crimes, we take these offenses seriously and pursue suspects with the same dedication as we would any other crime. The recovery of stolen items and the arrests made in this case demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that Douglas County remains a safe place for our residents,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly.
Both Bilyeu and Ashley had multiple outstanding warrants. The two will face additional charges related to this case, including motor vehicle theft and vehicular trespassing. Charges are allegations, and the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This investigation is ongoing, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is working to identify other potential victims linked to the recovered items.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 303-660-7579.
Previous release: On August 27th, shortly after 7:00 a.m., deputies responded to Cougar Run Elementary, 8780 Venneford Ranch Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO., on the report of a suspect entering a vehicle parked in front of the school. The victim’s 9-year-old son was inside the car. The victim’s computer and bag were taken. The suspect then got into the passenger seat of a black SUV and drove away. The 9-year-old was not harmed.
Looking through school surveillance video, deputies determined that the vehicle was likely a Toyota RAV 4 with a sunroof. The driver appears to be a white, heavy-set female wearing a white shirt. The driver also appears to have a tattoo on the right forearm. The passenger is a white male with dark hair and a dark shirt. He was wearing a mask over his nose and mouth. The video also shows the suspect getting out of the suspect car, opening the door of the victim’s vehicle, reaching in, and taking items before getting back into the suspect car, which then leaves the parking lot.
At around 7:12 a.m., the victim’s credit card was used at the King Soopers at Highlands Ranch Pkwy and University. Deputies converged on the area but did not locate the suspects or the vehicle.
This is an open and active investigation; if anyone recognizes the suspects or has information about the car, please call our Tip Line at 303-660-7579.
