On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 9:41 AM, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a call for service in which the reporting party stated a 29-year-old adult male, identified as River Merritt, had entered their residence, which was a violation of an active protection order.
While speaking to dispatchers, the victim left the residence for their safety and subsequently met El Paso County deputies at the Simla Police Department.
During the interview, deputies learned Merritt had two active arrest warrants and was possibly armed with a knife.
Deputies responded to the residence on Simla Highway, where they located Merritt walking on the property while holding a knife. Merritt made threatening statements, indicating he wanted law enforcement to “shoot him” and he “would not return to jail”.
Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the suspect refused and advanced toward deputies. In response, a taser was deployed, allowing deputies to take Merritt into custody without further incident.
“My deputies demonstrated exceptional professionalism and restraint under challenging circumstances,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Their quick response ensured the safety of everyone involved, including the suspect. I commend them for their work, as well as the 9-11 call taker who ensured the victim was safe before deputies arrived on scene.”
River Merritt was booked into the El Paso County Jail on both outstanding warrants and additional charges related to this incident of criminal mischief, violation of a restraining order, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and first-degree assault.
Merritt is being held at the El Paso County Jail on a $106,000 bond.