Five Colorado law enforcement officers were injured Saturday (May 17, 2025) when an explosion occurred during a domestic disturbance response, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The deputies and police officers were all treated and released at a local hospital, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook press release.
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.
Sheriff’s detectives are conducting an investigation. They are being assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Colorado Springs Police Department Regional Explosives Unit, and the Metro Crime Lab.
Miguel Borja faces multiple charges, including five counts of attempted homicide of a peace officer first-degree assault, first degree arson, and three counts of attempted homicide.
“I am incredibly thankful members of law enforcement were not seriously injured during this incident,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Criminals like Borja do not belong in our communities, and I am grateful he is in the custody of my deputies.”
