Tonight, just before 10:30 p.m., Vela was taken into custody after eluding deputies in the area of 3500-blk of S. Harlan St., Denver. Vela rammed one deputy’s vehicle with the stolen vehicle he was driving, causing airbag deployment and disabling the vehicles. Deputies were not injured and Vela was taken into custody.
Vela will be taken to the Douglas County Jail and will be held without bond.
***Original Press Release at 2:48 p.m. on April 24, 2017***
At approximately 9:00 a.m. the Douglas County Investigations and Lakewood Police Department attempted to make contact with a known suspect, Zachary Vela (DOB: 12-05-84), and take him into custody at a residence located in the 10000-blk of Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO. The suspect was determined not to be at the location at the time of the search.
Vela is a Department of Corrections escapee wanted for a felony parole violation and is suspected in numerous crimes throughout the Denver Metro Area and Douglas County to include vehicle theft, burglary, and vehicle trespasses. Vela has been reported to be armed and dangerous.
Vela was last seen in Lakewood just before 1:00 p.m., driving a stolen red Toyota Tacoma (Lic:VYQ010).
At this time, we would like to ask for the community’s help in locating Vela. If you have any information on his whereabouts or any information that might assist our deputies with taking him into custody please contact us right away at 303-660-7500 or dial 9-1-1. Please do not attempt to contact this suspect. (Vela pictured below)
6’0”, 245 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes
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