Operation Sand Dune Nets 5 Arrests, Clears 19 Warrants in Multi-Agency Colorado Fugitive Sweep
Description: Operation Sand Dune resulted in five arrests, 19 cleared warrants and 28 sex offender compliance checks during a two-day multi-agency operation in Alamosa...
Published: 08/13/2026
Byline: SECO News
Operation Sand Dune Collaboration Strengthens Public Safety Across Colorado
The Fountain Police Department is proud to announce its involvement in Operation Sand Dune, a coordinated two‑day fugitive apprehension and compliance operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF). The operation took place on August 10 and 11 in Alamosa, Colorado, and brought together multiple agencies committed to improving community safety.
Fountain Directed Investigation Community Engagement (DICE) Detectives worked alongside:
• U.S. Marshals Service – COVOTF
• Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Alamosa Police Department
• Trinidad Police Department
• Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office
• U.S. Marshals Service – COVOTF
• Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Alamosa Police Department
• Trinidad Police Department
• Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office
Operation Sand Dune focused on locating and apprehending violent fugitives, conducting sex offender compliance checks, and addressing outstanding warrants in the Alamosa community. Over the two‑day operation, five arrests were made, 19 warrants were cleared, and 28 sex offender compliance checks were completed.
Statement from Fountain Police Department Chief of Police Mark Cristiani:
“Partnerships like Operation Sand Dune demonstrate the true strength of collaborative policing. Working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our fellow Colorado agencies allows us to expand our reach, share vital resources, and help remove dangerous individuals from our communities. Fountain is proud to contribute to these efforts, and we remain committed to supporting operations that enhance safety not just locally, but throughout our region.”
“Partnerships like Operation Sand Dune demonstrate the true strength of collaborative policing. Working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our fellow Colorado agencies allows us to expand our reach, share vital resources, and help remove dangerous individuals from our communities. Fountain is proud to contribute to these efforts, and we remain committed to supporting operations that enhance safety not just locally, but throughout our region.”
Additionally on August 11, 2026, at approximately 6:18 PM officers responded to the area of Crest Drive and Sunny Lane in the City of Fountain for a reported robbery involving a Facebook Marketplace transaction. The victim attempted to buy an airsoft gun when the suspect took the money and drove off, briefly dragging the victim. The suspect then pointed a handgun and threatened to shoot the victim before fleeing.
On August 12, 2026, less than 24 hours after the crime had occurred, DICE Detectives were able to identify the suspect. Just before 4 PM, with assistance from members of the U.S. Marshals Service Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF), the suspect was taken into custody without incident in the area of Comanche Village Drive.
The Fountain Police Department values its continued partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service and regional law enforcement agencies. Joint operations like this amplify public safety efforts and reinforce the commitment shared among agencies to hold violent offenders accountable.
Community members can submit tips directly and anonymously to the U.S. Marshals Service through the USMS Tips app or online at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.
The Police Beat Sponsor
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
