The incident began shortly before 5:30 p.m. when Monument Police Department officers responded to the residence for a family disturbance, the release says. El Paso County Sheriff’s deputies were called to assist because the officers had witnessed “concerning behavior” from the suspect during the call and had prior experience with the suspect.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement as 24-year-old Miguel Borja, “allegedly attempted to ignite another individual on fire,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Responding officers quickly evacuated the residence. Borja then barricaded himself inside the residence. While attempting to communicate with Borja, officers detected the strong odor of gas inside the residence,” the sheriff’s office said.
When officers and deputies tried to go back in the residence, an explosion occurred. The sheriff’s office said in the release that the explosion is “believed to have been intentionally caused by Borja.”
Miguel Borja was arrested at the scene. He was then taken to a Denver area hospital for treatment of “burn-related injuries,” the sheriff’s office said.