A disturbing encounter on Front Street led to multiple charges against a man who allegedly tried to set another person on fire and subsequently barricaded himself, resulting in an explosion that injured law enforcement personnel. According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Miguel Borja faces grave charges including attempted first-degree assault, first-degree arson, three counts of attempted homicide, and five counts of attempted homicide of a peace officer following his destructive standoff.
The confrontation escalated quickly after responding officers evacuated a residence due to Borja’s alleged attempt to ignite another individual, and during the process of communication, they detected a strong gas odor from within the home, an explosion believed to have been deliberately triggered by Borja occurred as officers and deputies were gaining entry, which injured five of them, sending all to area hospitals, yet thankfully all were released shortly thereafter.
Borja himself was apprehended at the scene and needed medical attention for burn-related injuries, being transported to a Denver area hospital for treatment. The investigation was handed over to detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office branches out as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Colorado Springs Police Department Regional Explosives Unit, and the Metro Crime Lab join the effort to unearth the full scope and motivation behind Borja's actions.
In the wake of the incident, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal extended his gratitude that no law enforcement officers suffered serious harm while voicing a stern position on the perpetrator, "Criminals like Borja do not belong in our communities, and I am grateful he is in the custody of my deputies," as reported by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
