Loveland Police Use BolaWrap Device to Apprehend Suspect in Vehicle Break-In Case

Loveland Police arrested a suspect accused of unlawfully entering vehicles on October 20 after deploying a non-lethal restraint device called the BolaWrap to end a brief foot pursuit without injuries.

Officers located the individual at a local gas station parking lot after receiving reports of someone breaking into vehicles. When officers arrived, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly stopped using the BolaWrap device and officer pursuit.

The device fires an 8-foot Kevlar tether at approximately 640 feet per second to mechanically restrain a person's limbs from a distance of 10 to 25 feet, according to manufacturer Wrap Technologies. The tool is designed to control non-compliant subjects without relying on pain compliance, distinguishing it from tasers or impact weapons.

Once detained, officers found evidence linking the suspect to the vehicle entries along with fentanyl in his possession. The individual was cooperative after apprehension and was transported to the Larimer County Jail.

BolaWrap Represents Non-Painful Restraint Option

The BolaWrap device operates at an optimal range of 10 to 18 feet and is intended for early intervention in encounters where subjects are uncooperative but not presenting an immediate violent threat. The system produces 105 to 110 decibels of sound when discharged and can be reloaded in 3 to 8 seconds.

Over 1,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States reportedly use the device, though specific deployment statistics for Colorado agencies are not publicly available. The technology has received certification from the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

The device differs significantly from tasers, which rely on neuromuscular disruption and pain compliance to control subjects. BolaWrap's mechanical restraint approach is designed to minimize injury risk to both officers and suspects.

Vehicle Break-Ins Remain High-Volume Crime

Vehicle trespass and theft from vehicles represent persistent property crime problems throughout Larimer County. Law enforcement agencies typically document hundreds of vehicle break-in reports annually, with many incidents occurring in residential neighborhoods and commercial parking lots.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes 18-4-502, first degree criminal trespass of a vehicle entered with intent to commit a crime constitutes a class 5 felony punishable by one to three years in prison. Many first-time offenders receive probation, diversion programs or short jail sentences rather than prison time, particularly when no violence or major theft is involved.

Fentanyl Possession Carries Separate Felony Charge

Colorado law makes possession of more than 1 gram of fentanyl a felony offense following 2022 legislative changes. Suspects found in possession of fentanyl during arrests for other crimes typically face separate drug charges in addition to their original offenses.

The combination of vehicle trespass and drug possession charges can result in multiple felony counts being filed by the Larimer County District Attorney's Office.

Jail Processes Nonviolent Suspects Through Bond System

The Larimer County Detention Center has a rated capacity of approximately 620 inmates and typically operates at more than 80 percent capacity. Most nonviolent property crime and drug possession suspects are eligible for bond release following booking and initial court appearance.

Arrestees charged with felony vehicle trespass and drug possession typically spend less than 48 to 72 hours in jail before posting bond or receiving pretrial release, unless additional risk factors or active warrants apply. Jail capacity pressures result in priority being given to violent, repeat or high-risk offenders.

The arrest-to-release process includes transport to the detention center, booking with fingerprinting and medical screening, bond determination by a magistrate or judge, and a first court appearance within 24 to 48 hours.

Loveland Police did not release the suspect's identity or specify the exact location of the gas station where the arrest occurred.