19-05-2025
EPSO: Deputies, officers in home when explosion set off
(MONUMENT, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) reported that on Saturday, May 17, a suspect was arrested and charged with Attempted Homicide of a Peace Officer after he was believed to have deliberately caused an explosion in a home while deputies and police officers were inside.
According to EPSO, around 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, the Monument Police Department responded to a reported family disturbance in the 40 block of Front Street, near 2nd Street and Mitchell Avenue, in Monument. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Miguel Borja, had been involved in previous incidents and disturbing behavior, prompting a request for EPSO's assistance.
EPSO reported that during the incident on Saturday, Borja allegedly tried to light another person on fire. Responding officers evacuated the home, but Borja barricaded himself inside. While trying to communicate with Borja, officers smelled a strong odor of gas inside the home.
According to EPSO, an explosion, believed to have been intentionally caused by Borja, occurred as deputies and officers tried to enter part of the residence. Two officers and three deputies were inside the home when the explosion happened. All five were taken to the hospital and later released.
Borja was taken into custody and to the hospital for treatment of burn-related injuries. According to EPSO, he was charged with one count of Attempted Assault, one count of Arson, three counts of Attempted Homicide, and five counts of Attempted Homicide of a Peace Officer.
'I am incredibly thankful members of law enforcement were not seriously injured during this incident,' said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. 'Criminals like Borja do not belong in our communities, and I am grateful he is in the custody of my deputies. Thank you to our collaborating partners, at the local and federal levels, for assisting us in this investigation and ensuring justice for everyone harmed by this troubling act of violence.'
EPSO detectives assumed responsibility for the investigation, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Colorado Springs Police Department Regional Explosives Unit, and the Metro Crime Lab. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.
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