5 Colo. Law Enforcement Officers Injured in Intentionally Set Blast
Source The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
What to know
- A 24-year-old man faces multiple attempted murder and arson charges after he is accused of trying to set someone on fire and intentionally causing an explosion at a home during a domestic disturbance in Monument.
- Three El Paso County sheriff's deputies and two Monument police officers were injured in the blast after the residence was evacuated and authorities could smell could a "strong odor of gas."
- Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, are helping with the investigation.
A man is facing attempted homicide and arson charges after authorities say he intentionally set an explosion at a home in Monument that sent five law enforcement officials to the hospital, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post.
Sheriff's deputies and Monument police officers responded to a family disturbance involving Miguel Borja, 24, at 5:22 p.m. Saturday at 42 Front St., according to the Sheriff's Office.
Authorities said Borja tried to set someone on fire and barricaded himself inside the home. Law enforcement officials evacuated the residence but could smell "the strong odor of gas," according to the post.
An explosion occurred when two officers and three deputies tried to enter the home. All five were taken to a hospital, where they were treated and released.
Borja was taken to a Denver-area hospital, where he was treated for burn-related injuries. He will face three counts of attempted homicide, five counts of attempted homicide of a peace officer, one count of first-degree arson and one count of attempted first-degree assault, deputies said.
“I am incredibly thankful members of law enforcement were not seriously injured during this incident,” El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal said. “Criminals like Borja do not belong in our communities, and I am grateful he is in the custody of my deputies.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Colorado Springs Police Department Regional Explosives Unit and the Metro Crime Lab are assisting with the investigation.
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