Fort Carson Soldier Waives Preliminary Hearing in Connection with Alleged Kidnapping and Sexual Assault

Strategic Insights -

Caden Meade, a 19-year-old Fort Carson soldier, has waived his preliminary hearing in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault case that occurred in Quail Lake Park in July. Meade, who was charged with felony kidnapping, sexual assault, and menacing, alongside assault and harassment misdemeanor counts, has been in custody since his July 16 arrest. According to the arrest affidavit, Meade confessed to the crime during an interview with a detective, stating that the victim "just got picked" and it was "natural selection."

Key Takeaways:

  • Caden Meade, a 19-year-old Fort Carson soldier, has waived his preliminary hearing in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault case.
  • Meade was charged with felony kidnapping, sexual assault, and menacing, alongside assault and harassment misdemeanor counts.
  • Meade's arrest affidavit reveals that he allegedly confessed to the crime during an interview with a detective, stating that the victim "just got picked" and it was "natural selection."
  • Meade's defense attorney, Theodore McClintock, informed the court that his client would be waiving the evidentiary hearing.
  • Meade is a mechanic in the 4th Infantry Division's artillery unit and arrived at Fort Carson in June 2024.
  • Meade's next appearance in a 4th Judicial District courtroom is scheduled for October 20.
  • According to previous Gazette coverage, police had reason to believe other victims may be out there due to Meade's "suspicious" driving activities around the time of the July assault.
  • Anyone with information of the incident or any additional victims are encouraged to call police at 719-444-7000.

Statistics:

  • Meade was arrested on July 16 and has been in custody since then.
  • The alleged assault occurred in Quail Lake Park in July.
  • Meade is currently being held on a no-bond hold at the El Paso County jail.
  • Meade is a private in the 4th Infantry Division's artillery unit, arriving at Fort Carson in June 2024.
  • The preliminary hearing was waived by Meade's defense attorney, Theodore McClintock.

Sources:

  • "Fort Carson soldier arrested after investigators connected his vehicle to a July kidnapping and sexual assault in Quail Lake Park." The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), July 2025 ( accessed online).
  • "Fort Carson soldier arrested, accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting woman at Colorado Springs park." The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), July 2025 ( accessed online).