Halfway house escapees surrender after standoff

GREENWOOD VILLAGE - Police tracked footprints in the snow from the scene of a convenience store robbery to a motel where they caught three men who escaped from a nearby halfway house.

On Oct. 25, the men were reported as escapees from the Centennial Community Transition Center (CCTC) halfway house at 14485 East Fremont Avenue in Englewood.

Police said they are suspected of robbing the 7-11 store at Dayton and Peakview just before 2:30 A.M. Thursday.

The suspects, 21-year-old Patrick Moat, 21-year-old Brian Coshnitzke, and 20-year-old Ryan Spear surrendered after a six hour standoff inside the Motel 6 at Interstate 25 and Arapahoe Road.

Two floors of the motel were evacuated.

Police said the suspects displayed an object intended to look like a weapon, but they do not believe the men were armed.

CCTC director Nick Holland would not discuss their escape.

"They are no longer in the program," Holland said.

Police said they would be returned to the Arapahoe County Jail to face charges related to the escape from the halfway house.

Additional charges including aggravated robbery are expected.

Police are investigating whether the men are also responsible for a recent burglary at a Subway restaurant near the motel.