A 19-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Carson has been arrested for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman in a public park located just minutes from the military base.
Pvt. Caden Michael Meade, who serves as a mechanic in the 4th Infantry Division’s artillery unit, is facing serious felony charges after police say he abducted a woman at knifepoint in the early hours of July 8, raped her, and then released her. Meade had only been stationed at Fort Carson since June 2024 and was recently promoted to the rank of private on June 16.
The alleged attack occurred at Quail Lake Park, a popular recreational area on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, just 10 miles north of Fort Carson’s main gate. The park sits in a well-trafficked part of the city near Cheyenne Mountain and the Broadmoor World Arena — an area that blends suburban neighborhoods, shopping centers, and open space along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says officers were dispatched to the park at approximately 1 a.m. after receiving a report of a kidnapping. According to the victim, she had been spending time at the park with a friend and was walking back to her car when an unknown man in a pickup truck forced her into his vehicle. He then drove her several miles away and allegedly sexually assaulted her at knife-point before letting her go.
Surveillance, DNA Lead to Army Mechanic
Thanks to surveillance images captured by the city’s Real-Time Crime Center, detectives were able to identify a truck that matched the victim’s description. They later traced the vehicle to Meade, who lived and worked on Fort Carson.
Investigators say they also collected DNA evidence from the scene and used it to create a profile of the suspect. While the final match confirmation is still pending, CSPD moved forward with charges based on mounting evidence connecting Meade to the vehicle and timeline.
Commander Dan Thompson of CSPD’s Investigations Division said police found Meade’s behavior suspicious both before and after the assault — including him being seen in multiple parts of the city late at night without clear purpose. This has led authorities to believe there may be additional victims.
“There’s no indication he acted with anyone else, but we are concerned there could be others affected,” said Thompson. “This behavior raises red flags.”
Anyone with information or who may have had similar interactions with Meade is urged to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000.
Army Responds, Soldier Held Without Bond
Fort Carson officials confirmed Meade’s assignment and said they are fully cooperating with the investigation:
“We are aware Pvt. Caden Meade, 4th Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, was arrested by the Colorado Springs Police Department. 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson officials are cooperating with local law enforcement. We expect all Soldiers to always uphold the Army values. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.”
As of Friday, Meade remains in custody at the El Paso County Jail and is charged with first-degree kidnapping, sexual assault, and felony menacing.
Park Popular with Soldiers, Families
The location of the attack — Quail Lake Park — is a popular recreational spot often frequented by Fort Carson soldiers and their families. Just a short drive from the installation, it offers hiking trails, fishing, and scenic views, making it a common spot for off-duty troops looking to relax without heading into the mountains.
Its proximity to the base and the fact that the suspect was active-duty military has intensified local concern and national scrutiny. For many, the incident is a disturbing reminder of how quickly a familiar space can become dangerous — even in a military town.
Police Urge Vigilance
Commander Thompson also issued a set of safety reminders for those walking alone, especially at night:
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Whenever possible, walk with a companion.
“These types of cases are rare, but their rarity makes them all the more serious,” Thompson said. “When they happen, they shake the community. Our job is to make sure we act quickly, thoroughly, and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
© 2025 The Salty Soldier. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this content without permission is prohibited.
