(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Tuesday, April 22, deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) participated in a clean-up operation in the B Street area of unincorporated El Paso County.

EPSO said the operation was in partnership with El Paso County Code Enforcement and “Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful,” and was launched in response to “numerous community complaints about increased pollution and criminal activity in the area.”

According to EPSO, the area is around B Street near I-25 and South Academy Boulevard.

Before the operation, deputies posted notices to vacate and contacted people at the site, offering information and available local resources and support services.

During the cleanup, deputies found several multi-tent encampments, along with abandoned bicycles, shopping carts, pets, medications, and a large amount of trash. EPSO said that in total, two large dumpsters were filled and removed from the area.

One person was arrested on an active warrant for failure to appear on a previous trespassing charge.

“I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing presence of this unlawful encampment,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “This location has a long and well-documented history of violence, including shootings, fires, and even a homicide, all directly connected to the activity within this encampment.”

Sheriff Roybal said EPSO will continue to monitor the area and work with the surrounding community to restore order and ensure public safety.