Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Boulder Burglaries, Car Thefts, and Eluding Police

Taurian Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges in a string of crimes in November 2024.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 25-year-old man named Taurian Smith was sentenced to 8 years in prison for a series of burglaries, car thefts, and evading law enforcement in Boulder, Colorado in November 2024. Smith pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree burglary, vehicular eluding, motor vehicle theft, and criminal mischief as part of a plea deal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders and property crimes in the Boulder area. Smith had a prior criminal history, including a 2021 shooting incident and other convictions, raising questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism.

The details

In November 2024, Smith stole a vehicle from a local business and led police on a chase that ended with him crashing the car into a ditch near a high school. He then fled on foot before being surrounded and subdued by officers, who used a stun gun to apprehend him. As part of a plea deal, Smith pleaded guilty to 5 charges and had 24 other charges dismissed.

  • In November 2024, Smith stole a vehicle and led police on a chase.
  • In September 2026, Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges as part of a plea agreement.
  • On February 9, 2026, Smith was sentenced to 8 years in prison with credit for 453 days served.

The players

Taurian Smith

A 25-year-old man who was sentenced to 8 years in prison for a string of burglaries, car thefts, and evading law enforcement in Boulder, Colorado in November 2024. Smith had a prior criminal history, including a 2021 shooting incident and other convictions.

Boulder County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting authority that secured the 8-year prison sentence for Taurian Smith.

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What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Smith to 8 years in prison will likely be scrutinized by criminal justice reform advocates, who may argue that longer sentences do not effectively deter repeat offenders or address the root causes of property crimes.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to public safety in Boulder that addresses both enforcement and rehabilitation, in order to break the cycle of repeat offenses and protect the community from further property crimes.