COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Two suspects have been arrested in connection to a fentanyl overdose death investigation that began in 2022 in El Paso County. According to Colorado Springs police, Hailee Helton and Thomas Galiano III were identified as the suspects in the case, which also involved an overdose in Pueblo County.
The investigation, which began in August 2022, led to federal arrest warrants being issued for Helton and Galiano in August 2023 for the unlawful distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in both El Paso and Pueblo counties. The suspects had evaded law enforcement and were featured in Pikes Peaks Most Wanted.
After obtaining new information on Thursday, detectives were able to locate the whereabouts of the suspects. When they arrived at the residence on South 18th Street where the suspects were located, Helton and Galiano fled on foot. They were, however, apprehended by multiple units of officers after a brief foot chase.
As of the latest update, both suspects have been booked into the El Paso County jail. At that time, no information for Helton was available in jail records, but Galiano was being held on no bond.
Fentanyl overdose deaths have been a growing concern across the country, and this case highlights the efforts of law enforcement to hold those responsible for the distribution of this deadly substance accountable. The arrest of these suspects is a step towards seeking justice for the victims and their families affected by these tragic overdose deaths.