Colorado Man Accused in String of Armed Robberies Released Over Competency Concerns
DENVER, COLORADO — Authorities and residents across Colorado are expressing frustration and disbelief after Ross Woessner, a man accused of committing a dozen armed robberies at gas station convenience stores, was released back onto the streets following a judge’s decision to dismiss charges against him due to “competency concerns.” The controversial ruling has reignited debate over how the justice system handles suspects deemed mentally unfit for trial, particularly in cases involving violence and public safety.
According to court records, 29-year-old Ross Woessner was arrested earlier this year after a months-long investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado Springs Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators linked Woessner to a spree of at least twelve armed robberies that occurred between January and May 2025, targeting gas stations and convenience stores across several Colorado counties.
Surveillance footage from multiple incidents showed a suspect wearing dark clothing and a mask, brandishing either a knife or a handgun while demanding cash from clerks. In several cases, Woessner allegedly forced employees to open safes or cash drawers before fleeing the scene with hundreds of dollars. Though no serious injuries were reported, victims were left traumatized.
“He came in fast and quiet, pointed something at me, and told me not to move,” said one gas station employee in Aurora. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it home that night.”
After weeks of reviewing security footage, tracing vehicle movements, and gathering eyewitness statements, detectives identified Woessner as the prime suspect. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop near Lakewood, Colorado, where officers discovered stolen cash, clothing matching the suspect’s description, and a replica firearm.
Prosecutors charged Woessner with multiple counts of armed robbery, aggravated menacing, and theft, and initially sought to hold him without bond. However, during pre-trial proceedings, defense attorneys raised concerns about Woessner’s mental competency, citing erratic behavior and apparent delusional statements. A court-ordered psychiatric evaluation concluded that Woessner was not mentally competent to stand trial, finding that he was unable to understand the legal process or effectively assist in his defense.
Following that assessment, the presiding judge made the controversial decision to dismiss the charges and release Woessner into state supervision for mental health treatment rather than continued incarceration.
The decision has sparked outrage among victims, law enforcement officials, and members of the public who fear that a potentially dangerous individual has been allowed to walk free. “This man terrorized store clerks and communities for months,” said one investigator familiar with the case. “Now he’s back out there because of a technicality.”
Mental health advocates, however, have pointed out that competency rulings are complex and legally required to ensure due process. Under Colorado law, a defendant cannot be tried or punished while mentally incompetent. Judges may order treatment and periodic evaluations to determine whether competency can be restored. If it cannot, charges may eventually be dropped or deferred.
Still, the case of Ross Woessner has fueled calls for reform in how violent offenders with mental health issues are handled. Critics argue that current laws often fail to balance public safety with compassionate care. “We can’t keep releasing people who are both unstable and dangerous,” said one local lawmaker. “We need facilities that treat them without putting communities at risk.”
As of now, Woessner remains under state supervision for outpatient treatment but is not in custody. Authorities continue to monitor his compliance with court-ordered mental health programs.
The incident has reignited debate over the intersection of mental health, criminal justice, and community safety—a conversation growing louder as similar cases unfold nationwide. For the victims of the robberies, however, the issue feels painfully simple: they want justice, accountability, and peace of mind that their attacker won’t strike again.
Whether or not Woessner will face future charges remains uncertain, but for now, a community once terrorized by his alleged crimes is left questioning how such a dangerous situation could end this way.