(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A man is under arrest after he allegedly hid in an underground hole beneath a shed in unincorporated El Paso County in an attempt to evade deputies.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), during the week of April 20, the SWAT Team located a violent offender in the 700 block of Blaney Road, off Highway 94. The suspect, 33-year-old Stephen Martin, was wanted by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) on charges of first-degree kidnapping. Martin was known to be armed and had made threats to use a gun, EPSO said.

Deputies created a perimeter and safely evacuated four adults and one child, leaving only Martin on the property. Information gathered on scene indicated Martin was hiding in an underground hole beneath a shed. The hole was covered by a securable hatch, which made access difficult for law enforcement, EPSO said.

Members of the Crisis Negotiations Unit made contact with Martin, who initially tried to deceive deputies by claiming he was not present at the location.

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

EPSO said an armored rescue vehicle was deployed to move the shed, exposing the hatch. After further negotiations, Martin surrendered. Deputies found a gun in Martin’s hiding spot.

Martin was transported to the El Paso County Jail, where he was booked on the two outstanding CSPD arrest warrants. He is being held on a $81,000 bond.