On Aug. 1, Vail Police detectives in cooperation with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the Englewood Police Department, identified and arrested 40-year-old Jason Todd Champagne of Englewood in relation to the bike thefts that have been occurring in Vail since July 23. Champagne was charged with 12 counts of theft, six counts of possession of burglary tools, three counts of first-degree criminal trespass, and six counts of criminal mischief. 

The Vail Police Department is continuing to investigate the case to identify any additional suspects as well as the whereabouts of the stolen property. Additionally, detectives are still attempting to locate the blue Ford Escape that was used in the crimes. The vehicle is believed to be a 2019 model and has a tow receiver hitch, as well as one black wheel on the front passenger side that is mismatched from the other wheels. No license plates were visible on the Ford during the thefts. 

Champagne previously pled guilty in 2021 to the theft of snowboards, bikes, a dirt bike and other property reported stolen in Vail. Anyone with additional information related to these incidents are asked to contact Detective Angela Sommer at asommer@vailgov.com or at 970-479-2201. All suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.