Latest news with #JosephRoybal
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
EPSO issues 20+ citations during surge enforcement
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) cited over 20 drivers for infractions including excessive speeding, expired registration, and 'Move Over' violations, in addition to a DUI arrest. The surge enforcement period was aimed at reducing speeding and impaired driving on El Paso County roads, though the enforcement resulted in numerous citations beyond those goals. According to EPSO, deputies made over 40 traffic stops, issued 23 citations for excessive speeding and expired tags, and made one DUI arrest during the operation. In addition, deputies received information regarding a planned street racing operation and successfully prevented it by being present in the area of the event, hindering the participants' ability to drive recklessly. Deputies also issued two citations for 'Move Over' violations. In Colorado, the 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to move at least one lane over if they encounter a stationary vehicle with flashing hazard lights, or to slow down to a safe speed if moving over isn't possible or safe. The law extends to all vehicles, not just emergency vehicles, and aims to protect those working on or near the road. Penalties for violating this law can include a class two misdemeanor traffic offense, a fine, and points on your license. 'I am incredibly proud of the effort by my Traffic Unit in addressing reckless and impaired driving in the Pikes Peak region,' said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. 'Making the roads safer for everyone has been a focus for my Office, and our Traffic Unit is at the heart of this mission. Drivers in El Paso County should know- if they choose to get behind the wheel and use excessive speed, drive while impaired, or break traffic laws, my deputies will pull you over and hold you accountable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Suspected Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in El Paso County
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Several suspected members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) Venezuelan gang have been arrested in El Paso County, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO). EPSO said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified Sheriff Joseph Roybal the first week of March that it had identified, located, and arrested several members of the prolific Venezuelan gang in his jurisdiction. 'My Office is already collaborating with our federal partners at the FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE to ensure dangerous criminals, regardless of their citizenship status, are removed from the streets and held accountable,' said Sheriff Roybal following the arrests in El Paso County. WATCH BELOW: DEA RMFD on Tren de Aragua, cartel activity in the Denver Metro area In addition to this week's arrests in El Paso County by ICE, the Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky Mountain Field Division (DEA RMFD), has also been cracking down on suspected members of both TdA and the Sinaloa Cartel across Colorado. The DEA RMFD said arrests like these have removed 130,000 fentanyl pills off the streets, in addition to guns and a fake DEA badge from an alleged drug trafficker, who the DEA believed was using the badge to steal drugs from other criminals. TdA, which began as a prison gang in Venezuela, has since spread across South America and into the continental U.S. According to the DEA RMFD, it has suspected TdA's involvement in serious crimes in Colorado, including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, prostitution, and human trafficking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
EPSO Mounted Unit horse that worked on Stauch case dies
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A retired Mounted Unit equine partner with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) has passed after a long career of serving the community. According to EPSO, Major Bradley was a 24-year-old Quarter Horse who had served with the Sheriff's Office since 2008. He recently retired from official duty in January. 'I am saddened to announce the passing of Major Bradley and mourn with our Mounted Unit and community,' said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. 'Major Bradley was a Sheriff's Office staple, the equine leader of our Mounted Unit team, always dependable, determined, and ready to work. You could always find him at a community event where hundreds of families enjoyed learning about our Mounted Unit and engaging with our deputies and their equine partners. Major Bradley will be dearly missed, and his absence will be greatly noticed as we continue our mission of serving and protecting our citizens.' EPSO said during a routine barn check on Monday morning, March 3, a member of the Mounted Unity noticed one of Major Bradley's legs was extremely swollen, and a veterinarian was called. After examination and x-rays, the vet confirmed Major Bradley had severely fractured his leg. The decision was made to humanely euthanize him. According to EPSO, during his nearly 18-year career, Major Bradley participated in countless parades, presidential details, advanced training and schools, rescue operations, and searches, including work on the Gannon Stauch case. He also helped patrol the 2008 Democratic National Convention, EPSO said. 'Since joining the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Mounted Unit, Major Bradley exemplified every attribute of being a police horse, and his demeanor has been used as an example for other agencies throughout the Pikes Peak region,' EPSO said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EPSO, City Council discuss inmate mental health
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Monday, Feb. 24, Colorado Springs City Council heard from El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal and other detention officials on the topic of incarcerated members of the community who are homeless, suffering from addiction, or mentally ill. According to Roybal, those in the incarcerated population who require mental health and substance use services are offered the option of medication and support, and Roybal said he stands behind the work his agency does to ensure those who are incarcerated are treated fairly. 'I am confident and proud to say, upon release, those who are incarcerated leave the El Paso County Jail healthier and with more resources than they had upon entering our facility,' said Sheriff Roybal during the presentation before City Council on Monday. City Councilmembers were allowed to ask question of Roybal, and EPSO said council was informed about the the collaborative relationships EPSO maintains with community partners, and the multiple ways EPSO works to ensure those who are incarcerated receive optimal care while in custody and upon their release. 'My staff has done an outstanding job at building programs allowing for rapid diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for those suffering from mental health issues, homelessness, and drug addictions within our community,' said Rpybal. 'The average stay for an incarcerated individual in El Paso County is 32 days, which means we are charged with caring for our neighbors, family members, and local workforce as they will eventually return to our community. Our detention staff does a fantastic job caring for those in our custody. I am extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work.' According to EPSO, on average in 2024: 60% of the incarcerated population reported having a mental health-related concern. 26% of the incarcerated population reported being homeless. 37% of the incarcerated population received psychotropic medication treatment. In addition to the 37% receiving psychotropic medication treatment, 10% were recommended to receive psychotropic medication treatment but refused. In 2024, EPSO said its Jail Based Behavior Providers also led 480 Substance Disorder Group Meetings with 3,037 participants: 3,047 incarcerated individuals had a comprehensive treatment plan prepared upon release. 808 incarcerated individuals received NARCAN upon release as a preventative measure. EPSO said it currently partners with multiple mental health providers, including Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, El Paso County Public Health, Diversus Health, Common Spirit Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation, and more to provide inmates with support and care. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EPSO Sheriff announces partnership with ICE
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced plans to authorize deputies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). EPSO said deputies assigned to the Regional Metro Unit as Task Force Officers (TFO) are authorized to support local ICE operations targeting dangerous criminals in the Pikes Peak region. On Monday, Sheriff Roybal announced changes that reinstated communication with ICE about those in custody at the El Paso County Jail. 'As Sheriff, I am committed to eliminating red tape and ensuring my deputies have access to the resources they need to ensure the safety of our citizens,' said Sheriff Roybal. 'To include coordinating and cooperating with our federal partners regarding criminal activity in Colorado.' 'As of today, I am authorizing my TFOs, patrol, and investigations deputies to assist ICE, when requested, in addressing criminality in El Paso County,' continued Sheriff Roybal. 'My deputies and I know best how to keep our community safe, and working with our federal partners is integral to completing our mission- holding criminals accountable and reducing victims.' Recently, Sheriff Roybal, along with Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, announced a coalition focused on public safety. The coalition endorsed Senate Bill 25-047, which would reverse the laws currently preventing law enforcement agencies in Colorado from working uninhibited, with ICE to address illegal criminal immigrants in Colorado. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: El Paso County Sheriff partners with ICE Sheriff Roybal responded to a letter sent to EPSO and law enforcement leadership across Colorado, threatening litigation if law enforcement collaborated or cooperated with ICE. 'Threaten me all you want (ACLU),' Sheriff Roybal said. 'I have worked with ICE, and I have worked with my attorneys to make sure we are following the current Colorado law.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
