An incident has unfurled in the Stratmoor Valley area, where the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is on a manhunt for a suspect involved in an axe assault. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the assault occurred in the 1100 block of Denise Drive after a 911 distress call was placed at approximately 09:50 A.M. The nature of the attack was grisly, yet the victim, fortunately, escaped with non-life-threatening injuries.
The deputies responded promptly to the caller's alert that the assailant, known to the victim, had fled the premises by bicycle. On arrival at the scene, the law enforcement agents found the victim had been struck with the blunt end of an axe and promptly provided medical aid before transportation to a local hospital ensued. The authorities have identified the suspect as 40-year-old Steven Barcelona, though their efforts, which included the use of K-9 units and drones, have yet to secure his apprehension.
Steven Barcelona is now the subject of a critical search operation, and the authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. The Sheriff's Office cautions against approaching Barcelona, deeming him armed and dangerous. The public has been solicited to report any sightings of the suspect directly to 9-1-1.
Efforts to locate Barcelona intensified throughout the Stratmoor Valley with assistance from the Fountain Police Department. It becomes a narrative of law, order, and the immediate urgency to protect the community from potential harm, while the law enforcement presses on with the search operation, the community is left in a palpable state of heightened alertness. The Sheriff’s Office has released a photograph of Mr. Barcelona to aid in his identification, and they are keen on receiving the cooperation of the community to conclude this matter swiftly and safely.
