An suspected El Paso County gang member considered by law enforcement to be “armed and dangerous” was arrested after allegedly ramming a stolen vehicle into law enforcement, authorities said Tuesday.

On Saturday morning, a license plate reader software called Flock Safety spotted a stolen 2007 silver Jeep Liberty driving around in the Stratmoor Valley area in unincorporated El Paso County, according to a news release from the county Sheriff’s Office. The stolen Jeep was linked to 29-year-old Arturo Velasquez, who was listed on a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) alert.

Later that morning, the Flock Safety camera system picked up the Jeep near Maxwell Street and U.S. 85/87, and officers from the Fountain Police Department located the vehicle, occupied by Velasquez and a woman. 

After pulling into a gas station, Fountain police and Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to prevent the Jeep from escaping, but authorities say the suspect “intentionally” reversed into officers in an attempt to flee. The Jeep then collided with a deputy patrol vehicle before coming to a stop, resulting in the arrests of the two suspects.

Law enforcement found about 32.4 grams of meth inside the vehicle. Meth is considered a schedule II drug, and possessing more than four grams is a Class 4 felony offense under Colorado law.

Cassandra Sebastian, a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office, said that no weapon was recovered. 

Velasquez and 34-year-old Ariana Valverde were taken into custody. The Sheriff’s Office stated the two are being held at the El Paso County jail on a $3,000 bond.

Velasquez faces charges of motor vehicle theft, attempted second-degree assault on a peace officer, attempted felony eluding, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and criminal mischief.

Court records show he has a criminal history of felony and misdemeanor thefts, weapon charges, fraud and assault convictions dating back to at least 2014.

Valverde faces charges including motor vehicle theft, driving under the influence of drugs and resisting arrest.