Florida fugitive wanted in Colorado vehicle theft case arrested at Miami hospital

A Florida man wanted in Colorado in connection with the theft of a deployed U.S. serviceman’s vehicle and belongings was arrested early Saturday in Miami-Dade County after deputies tracked him down at a hospital, authorities said.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, deputies took 28-year-old Andrew Lee Jansen into custody at approximately 3:42 a.m. on May 16.

Investigators said Jansen was wanted by the Aurora Police Department in connection with the theft of a vehicle and personal belongings belonging to a U.S. serviceman from Aurora, Colorado, who is currently deployed overseas. Authorities said the serviceman had hired Jansen to care for his dog while away.

During the investigation, police reportedly discovered the dog deceased inside the stolen vehicle.

Miami-Dade deputies initially responded to a residence near Southwest 152 Street to assist Miami-Dade Fire Rescue during a medical call involving Jansen’s father. Authorities said Jansen interfered with rescue personnel and fled the residence before deputies could detain him.

After canvassing the area, deputies issued a “be on the lookout” alert with Jansen’s description to officers nearby. An off-duty deputy working at Jackson South Medical Center later identified and apprehended Jansen when he arrived at the hospital to visit his father, who had been transported there by fire rescue personnel.

Jansen was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he remains pending extradition to Colorado.