Colorado Springs, Colo. – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an investigation into multiple fentanyl overdose deaths in Colorado Springs. Hailee Helton and Thomas Galiano III were taken into custody on Thursday, following an intense pursuit by law enforcement.
The investigation, which began in 2022, focused on the overdose deaths linked to fentanyl in El Paso County. Helton and Galiano were also implicated in another overdose incident in Pueblo County. As a result of the complexity of the case, federal arrest warrants were issued for the unlawful distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in both El Paso and Pueblo counties.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the suspects had evaded capture and were featured in Pikes Peak’s Most Wanted. However, on Thursday, detectives obtained crucial information that led them to the whereabouts of the suspects. When law enforcement officers approached the residence on South 18th Street, the suspects attempted to flee on foot.
After a brief foot chase, the suspects were apprehended with the assistance of multiple units of officers. Both Helton and Galiano were subsequently booked into the El Paso County jail. At the time of the arrest, Galiano was being held on no bond, while no information for Helton was available in jail records.
The arrest of the suspects represents a significant development in the ongoing effort to combat the distribution and abuse of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths across the country. The swift action taken by law enforcement underscores the gravity of the fentanyl crisis and the determination of authorities to hold those responsible to account. The apprehension of the suspects serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by illicit drugs and the importance of collaborative efforts to address this urgent public health issue.