(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) on Thursday, Sept. 18 partnered with the El Paso County Department of Public Works to clean up an illegal homeless camp underneath the Chamberlin S bridge, according to EPSO.
The bridge is located near Chamberlin S and Tanager Way in the Stratmoor neighborhood in unincorporated El Paso County. EPSO said the area was first reported to the Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 9 by El Paso County Code Enforcement. Deputies responded to the location and allegedly found evidence of illegal camping.
While there were no suspects present at the time, deputies found a large hunting knife and drug paraphernalia in plain view on public property. The items were seized and submitted to the Evidence Facility for destruction. Notices to Vacate were posted, which included information and resources for people experiencing homelessness.
On Sept. 10, deputies were called to the area about a disturbance involving a woman suspected of being under the influence. According to EPSO, a reporting party expressed concern after seeing the woman entering the area under the bridge, which is near a school bus stop and a local church.
On Sept. 16, deputies with help from the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit and Posse returned to the site. Two men were found under the bridge and informed that unauthorized camping in El Paso County is illegal. The men were informed of the upcoming cleanup and got updated notices stating that any person remaining at the time of the cleanup would face charges for Unauthorized Camping on Public Property and Obstruction.
On Sept. 18, deputies returned and cleared the area and secured the site, allowing El Paso County Public Works crews to begin restoration. EPSO said deputies contacted two additional people who voluntarily left.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal stated, “Community safety requires vigilance and teamwork. While we will not tolerate illegal activity on public property, our deputies approach these situations with professionalism and compassion, ensuring individuals are offered resources and information before enforcement action is taken. I want to thank our partners at El Paso County Public Works, as well as our Patrol deputies, Reserve Unit, and Posse, for their dedication in restoring this area and protecting the environment and quality of life for nearby residents.”
