Press Releases
Sheriff's Office Marks Largest Seizure in Illegal Marijuana Cultivation Operation
On April 29, 2020, the Rural Enforcement and Outreach unit, Tactical Support Unit, and Metro Vice Narcotics Intelligence (MVNI) Division executed simultaneous search warrants in the 20000 block of Sahara Drive and 15000 block of Wagon Trail.
Sheriff's Office Resumes Concealed Handgun Permit Appointments
Starting Monday, May 11, 2020, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will resume accepting appointments for new Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP’s). Those whose appointments were canceled due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order will be called directly to reschedule and given priority for new appointments,
Deputy Sheriff Arrested on Felony Charge
On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Robert Easter, DOB: 08/25/1969, a Deputy Sheriff with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office was arrested by the Colorado Springs Police Department and booked into the El Paso County Jail.
He is charged with Second Degree Assault, related to Domestic Violence.
Sheriff's Office Investigating a Theft Case
On April 3, 2020, at approximately 4:02 PM, a package was delivered to an address in the 9000 block of Royal Melbourne Circle. Shortly after the package was delivered, the suspect was seen on video footage driving by slowly then walking up onto the porch of the home. The suspect stole the package, placed it under their left arm and walked slowly away towards the vehicle.
Suspect Identified in Officer Involved Shooting on Oak Creek Drive East
On April 19, 2020, at approximately 9:57 PM, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Communications Center dispatched officers to a domestic disturbance in the 3200 block of Oak Creek Drive East. A female caller stated the suspect was armed with a rifle.
Sheriff's Office Investigates Officer Involved Shooting on Oak Creek Drive East
On April 19, 2020, at approximately 9:57 PM, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Communications Center dispatched officers to a domestic disturbance in the 3200 block of Oak Creek Drive East. A female caller stated the suspect was armed with a rifle.
Sheriff's office Arrests Suspect in Arson Case
On April 15, 2020, at approximately 11:45 PM, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received numerous reports of a structure fire in the 5500 block of Molly Court in Black Forest. The Black Forest Fire Department responded, but the home was a total loss. According to the El Paso County Assessor’s website, the current market value of the home is in excess of $800,000.
Sheriff's Office Warns of Phone Scam
The Sheriff's Office has received reports of another phone scam. In these most recent cases, the scammers would call different citizens and pretend to be one of our deputies. The caller would threaten the citizen with arrest if they didn’t pay to remedy a non-existent warrant. Their goal is to steal your money.
Deputy Jeff Hopkins Passing Determined to be Line of Duty Death
This morning, April 14, 2020, Sheriff Bill Elder was advised by Dr. Kelly on behalf of El Paso County Public Health they had concluded the investigation into Deputy Jeff Hopkins’ death. The statement says:
Sheriff's Office Makes Arrest in Multiple Fraud Cases with Additional Suspect Still at Large
On April 13, 2020, detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit apprehended Ryan Carneal, DOB: 6/1/76, when he arrived at the El Paso County courthouse for a hearing. Carneal has been charged with fourteen felonies related to identity theft, aggravated motor vehicle theft, forgery, cyber-crimes and other fraud related offenses.
Barricaded Suspect Taken into Custody on Main Street
On April 12, 2020, at approximately 10:57 AM, the Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a call regarding a Restraining Order Violation in the 1000 block of Main Street, located in Security, Colorado.
The suspect was later identified as Thomas Flores, DOB: 07/13/1978.
Sheriff's Office Arrests Two in Burglary Case
On April 3, 2020, at approximately 12:20 AM, our Communications Center dispatched deputies to a burglary in progress in the 9800 block of Fairway Glen Drive.
The reporting party installed a surveillance camera due to the numerous new build construction burglaries in the area. They reported two suspects were inside their new home construction.
Sheriff's Office Investigating a Theft and Fraud Case
Some time during the evening hours on April 1, 2020, a victim lost their wallet in a shopping center parking lot located in the 7600 block of McLaughlin Road.
On April 2, 2020, the victim noticed several fraudulent charges on their credit card. The suspect made purchases amounting in over $300 at a liquor store located in the same 7600 block the wallet was lost in.
Sheriff's Office Investigating a Motor Vehicle Theft and Fraud Case
Some time between 5:30 AM on April 5, 2020, through 8:00 PM on April 6, 2020, a maroon 1999 Toyota Camry was stolen from an apartment complex parking lot in the 4800 block of Manzana Drive.
The victim's credit card from within the stolen vehicle was later used at a store located in Monument.
Sheriff's Office Enforcement of Governor Polis' Orders
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will be working with El Paso County Public Health to enforce the Stay at Home order, in addition to the Bar and Restaurant order issued by Governor Polis and adopted by the El Paso County Public Health Department.
When our Communications Center fields complaints by citizens regarding individuals violating the Stay at Home order or business’s violating the Bar and Restaurant order, the Sheriff’s Office goal will be to:
Inmate Who Dies from Fall Identified
On April 4, 2020, at approximately 9:55 AM, a medical emergency was declared in a male housing ward at the El Paso County Jail.
A male inmate was walking to the restroom and fell, hitting his head. The Ward Deputy responded immediately to provide medical aid. The male inmate was conscious and stated he felt dizzy right before he fell.
Medical Emergency Results in Inmate's Death
On April 4, 2020, at approximately 9:55 AM, a medical emergency was declared in a male housing ward at the El Paso County Jail.
A male inmate was walking to the restroom and fell down, hitting his head. The Ward Deputy responded immediately to provide medical aid. The male inmate was conscious and stated he felt dizzy right before he fell.
Sheriff's Office Message to Families and Loved Ones of Inmates in the El Paso County Jail
To the families and loved ones of inmates in the El Paso County Jail,
Sheriff's Office Investigating a Car Break-In and Fraud Case
On March 30, 2020, our Communication Center received a report of a Car Break-In and Fraud incident that occurred in the 2500 block of Canada Drive on March 8, 2020.
The investigation and surveillance footage revealed two suspects entering an unlocked vehicle and stealing various tools, as well as a checkbook.
Sheriff's Office Makes Arrest in Shooting
On March 31, 2020, at approximately 8:57 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 2200 block of Bison Drive, regarding a shooting.
When deputies arrived on scene, a gun-shot victim was located inside the residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Second Sheriff's Office Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
As of this evening a second deputy has a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. The deputy has been isolated since first developing symptoms. All employees and inmates who have had direct or indirect contact, or other work-related contact with this exposed employee have been personally contacted and notified.
Staff has had plans and structures in place for some time and have continued to take steps to prevent further spread to other employees and inmates that we house in the jail.
Sheriff Bill Elder Orders Stage I Fire Restrictions for Unincorporated El Paso County
Sheriff Bill Elder has ordered Stage I Fire Restrictions for all of the unincorporated areas of El Paso County. The Stage I Fire Restrictions shall go into effect at noon today and the following are prohibited:
Sheriff's Office Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
As of this morning, a deputy has a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. They are isolated and have been for nearly a week now and are home getting better. All employees who have had contact with this deputy has been notified and are taking appropriate precautions.
Staff has had plans and structures in place for some time and have continued to take steps to prevent further spread to other employees and inmates that we house in the jail.
Human Remains Found in Florida Tentatively Identified as Gannon Stauch
Human Remains Found in Florida Tentatively Identified as Gannon Stauch
On March 18, 2020, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office stating they responded to a call of a deceased juvenile male in Pace, Florida.
Sheriff's Office Continues to Investigate a Missing Person Case
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s assistance locating Jane Mudder. Jane is described as a 57 year old white female, 5’6”, 122 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She also has a dream catcher tattoo on her right arm.
Second Suspect Identified and Arrested in the Cimarron Hills Homicide
On November 2, 2019, at approximately 2:19 PM, deputies were dispatched to a vacant lot located at the intersection of Galley Road and Powers Boulevard in reference to a found body. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a deceased male with suspicious injuries. The deputies contacted our Major Crimes Detectives and they took over the scene.
The El Paso County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Thomas Anthony Faircloth.
Suspect Arrested on Attempted First Degree Murder Charges
On March 7, 2020, at approximately 5:40 PM, a 9-1-1 call was received at our Communication Center from a reporting party indicating she was just shot at near the intersection of Space Village Avenue and South Marksheffel Road. The reporting party stated she was waved down by a female and decided to give her a ride. Shortly thereafter, a male in another vehicle pulled up next to them and shot several rounds in their direction. Neither of the females were injured.
Suspect Identified and Arrested in the Cimarron Hills Homicide
On November 2, 2019, at approximately 2:19 PM, deputies were dispatched to a vacant lot located at the intersection of Galley Road and Powers Boulevard in reference to a found body. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a deceased male with suspicious injuries. The deputies contacted our Major Crimes Detectives and they took over the scene.
The El Paso County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Thomas Anthony Faircloth.