A southern Colorado man is facing multiple attempted homicide charges after allegedly setting off an explosion that injured five law enforcement officers.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it responded to assist Monument Police around 5:30 p.m. Saturday on Front Street, following a call about a family disturbance involving a man with a history of troubling behavior, identified as Miguel Borja.
During the incident, deputies reported that Borja attempted to set someone on fire, prompting an evacuation of the home. He then barricaded himself inside.
As two officers and three deputies attempted to enter, they reported detecting a strong odor before an explosion occurred. Investigators believe Borja intentionally triggered the blast.
All five first responders were hospitalized and later released. Borja was arrested and taken to a Denver hospital to be treated for burns.
He now faces several charges, including:
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Five counts of Attempted Homicide of a Peace Officer
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Three counts of Attempted Homicide
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One count of First-Degree Arson
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One count of Attempted First-Degree Arson
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.
Sheriff Joseph Roybal commended the responding officers, saying, “I am incredibly thankful members of law enforcement were not seriously injured during this incident. Criminals like Borja do not belong in our communities.”
The investigation is being led by El Paso County deputies, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Colorado Springs Police Department’s Regional Explosives Unit, and the Metro Crime Lab.
