On September 4, 2025, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a text message reporting a disturbance at a residence in the 3800 block of Chia Drive, located in unincorporated El Paso County. The reporting party texted to 9-1-1 the suspect had assaulted him with a hammer and was attempting to kill him.
Deputies responded and located the victim lying unconscious in the driveway. The victim later regained consciousness, and deputies took him to be evaluated by medical personnel.
Deputies attempted contact with the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Thomas Barton. Barton refused to exit the residence.
Because the incident occurred shortly after school dismissal, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office issued a Peak Alerts advising residents to shelter in place and secured the area to protect children and school buses moving through the neighborhood.
Deputies successfully established communication with Barton, who ultimately surrendered without incident. He was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail on the charge of Second-Degree Assault. He is currently being held on a $7,000 bond.