What started as a run of apartment break-ins in Highlands Ranch ended with a Denver man in handcuffs on Tuesday, according to Douglas County authorities. Deputies with the Douglas County Regional Impact Team say they connected the suspect to several burglaries at local complexes, then served a search warrant at his Denver apartment. He is being held in Douglas County on a $100,000 bond while investigators sort through evidence and chase down fresh leads.
Who deputies say is behind the break-ins
Officials identified the suspect as Antoine Lavoie, who they say is on parole from a 2018 Denver burglary conviction that carried a 14-year sentence, according to KDVR. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says Lavoie is now facing a parole-violation hold along with multiple felony and misdemeanor charges tied to the Highlands Ranch apartment burglaries.
How investigators tracked him down
Douglas County detectives say the Regional Impact Team zeroed in on Lavoie after developing evidence that pointed to him, then executed a search warrant at his apartment. Inside, they say they found items that appear to link him to three burglaries in Douglas County and at least one active burglary case in Denver. During the arrest, deputies allege Lavoie assaulted a Douglas County detective, though officials have not released details about any injuries. The sheriff's office credited community tips and surveillance footage with helping narrow the investigation.
What deputies want neighbors to do next
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to tighten up at home - close garage doors, lock doors and windows, consider exterior cameras, and document serial numbers for valuables - and to call law enforcement about any suspicious activity, as reported by KDVR. Investigators are also asking anyone with relevant doorbell or apartment security camera footage to share it, which could help match recovered property to victims. Deputies say they are still processing evidence seized in the search and are relying on the community to help fill in the gaps.
Legal stakes for the suspect
Lavoie remains in the Douglas County jail on bond while investigators coordinate with Denver authorities and the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office to pursue formal charges. If the parole-violation hold is upheld, he could be ordered back into custody on his prior sentence in addition to facing new penalties in connection with the alleged burglary spree.
Property crime concerns in Douglas County
The case unfolds against a broader concern about property crime in Douglas County. In March 2025, deputies were already investigating a separate series of burglaries in Highlands Ranch and Franktown in which suspects might have used devices to knock out home security cameras, according to the Denver Gazette. That earlier investigation reinforced what deputies are saying now: protect your cameras and speak up if something looks off in your neighborhood.
Anyone with information or footage related to the latest Highlands Ranch burglaries is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Authorities thanked residents whose tips helped lead to the arrest and said interviews, evidence processing, and additional follow-up work are still underway.
