Peterson vehicle thief behind bars Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Stenger 21st Security Forces Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When you think of crime occurring in the area surrounding Peterson AFB, you believe you are safe from criminals on a military installation. Truth is, crime has no address, which was proven on Oct. 25. On this date, a civilian contractor on Peterson AFB was conducting physical training at the base gym. Upon the conclusion of his training, he went to retrieve his car keys from a cubby hole in the weight room. To his surprise, they were nowhere to be found. His next thought was to go outside to ensure his car was where he left it - the car was gone. The owner of the car immediately called 21st Security Forces. Staff Sgt. Christopher Stenger and Staff Sgt. David Stewart of the 21st SFS arrived on scene along with Special Agent Adam Boccher of Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Once on scene, the investigation team immediately took action. The owner of the car explained he had several valuable items in his car including a credit card. After he called to cancel his card, the company explained there were several recent charges on the card already made. The investigation team immediately took the information from the charges in order to track down the subject. It was evident the subject went directly on a shopping spree utilizing the victim's credit card. Investigations were able to locate transactions that totaled over $800 in charges from several stores in Colorado Springs and another $800 in charges that were, fortunately, declined. The investigation team was able to identify the subject with surveillance video from a local store where he had used the credit card. After close observation, the subject was determined to be a student at a local school by the t-shirt he was wearing. Investigators, along with the Colorado Springs Police Department, took the surveillance photos to the school in order to identify the student. Positive identification was determined, and a background check revealed the student was a repeat offender with an arrest warrant from a prior vehicle theft and had been wanted for several months. With the help of the 21st Force Support Squadron, which confirmed the suspect's residence by checking the DEERS identification system, the investigation team was able to locate the subject's place of residence. The investigators notified the CSPD, who requested they meet them at the residence. While awaiting the CSPD near the subject's residence, they noticed the stolen vehicle drive by. With the support of the CSPD, they were able to identify and apprehend the vehicle thief. After several hours of hard work and dedication, the investigation team was able to return the vehicle and property to its rightful owner. Peterson's Security Forces Investigations Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations work daily with local and federal law enforcement agencies in order to bring justice to those who threaten our installation with crime. They strive each day to make Peterson a safer place for those who live and work here. There is no doubt crime will continue to occur on our installation, but rest assured, our Air Force law enforcement agencies are here to serve and protect.