(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) reported that a call was received stating that a man had entered the caller’s home in violation of a protection order, leading to the arrest of an armed suspect in northeast El Paso County, near Simla, on Saturday, July 26.

According to EPSO, the call was received around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, reporting that 29-year-old River Merrit entered the victim’s home. While speaking with the dispatchers, the victim left their home for their safety and met El Paso County deputies at the Simla Police Department.

EPSO reported that while questioning the victim, deputies learned that Merritt had two arrest warrants out for him and was possibly armed with a knife. When deputies arrived at the home on Simla Highway, they found Merritt walking on the property and holding a knife.

According to EPSO, Merritt made threatening statements, indicating that he was trying to incite officers to “shoot him” and stating that he “would not return to jail.” Despite repeatedly ordering Merritt to drop the weapon, the suspect refused and advanced toward deputies, who shot a taser at him. Deputies were then able to take Merritt into custody without further incident.

“My deputies demonstrated exceptional professionalism and restraint under challenging circumstances,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Their quick response ensured the safety of everyone involved, including the suspect. I commend them for their work, as well as the 9-11 call taker who ensured the victim was safe before deputies arrived on scene.”

Merritt was booked into the El Paso County Jail on the outstanding warrants and additional charges of criminal mischief, violation of a restraining order, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and first-degree assault.