El Paso County Deputies Make Drug Bust During Traffic Stop

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at approximately 11:52 PM, a Patrol deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office observed a suspicious vehicle in the 5000 block of Marabou Drive in unincorporated El Paso County.

The deputy stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Hancock Expressway and Yucatan Drive.

Upon contact, the driver, 68-year-old Dale Witham, showed signs of impairment and was determined to be driving under the influence.

A second deputy assisting with the stop observed a glass pipe commonly used for narcotics in the possession of the passenger, 37-year-old Justin Haakenson.

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 9.5 grams of methamphetamine, 741 blue fentanyl pills, packaging materials consistent with narcotics distribution, a digital scale, and empty syringes. Deputies also found additional drug paraphernalia on both Witham and Haakenson.

The suspects were transported to the El Paso County Jail and booked on the following charges:

Dale Witham: Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale; Driving Under the Influence; and multiple traffic offenses.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Justin Haakenson: Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and other misdemeanor offenses.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Dale Witham

Recent News Articles

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Honors Deputy Michael Ratai with Badge of Military Merit, Purple Heart

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office honored Deputy Michael Ratai during a Purple Heart ceremony Friday at Centennial Hall, recognizing his courage, sacrifice, and service to the United States Army. Ratai recently learned he would receive the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Now an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Ratai requested the

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Honors 9/11 Victims, Survivors and Those Who Continue to Serve

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office joins our military partners, first responders, families, and community in remembering nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and honoring the courage of those who answered the call. On September 11, 2001, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, military members, and ordinary citizens responded

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Selected to Host 19th Annual NAMUCA Conference

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce it has been selected to host the 19th Annual North American Mounted Unit Commanders Association (NAMUCA) Conference, April 4–8, 2027, at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. The 2027 conference will mark the first time NAMUCA has been held west of the Mississippi River, bringing mounted law enforcement

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Murder-Suicide in Gleneagle

On September 7, 2026, at approximately 9:47 AM, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding a suspicious incident in the 14000 block of Nichlas Court in the Gleneagle area of unincorporated El Paso County. The caller requested a welfare check on their neighbor, an adult female who had not been seen for several days. A vehicle belonging to

Read More »

Contact Information

Phone
(719) 520-7100

Address
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Office hours
8:00 am – 4:30 pm