On September 12, 2025, at approximately 7:38 AM, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies received a report regarding possible damage and vandalism at the main entrance of the Office of the Sheriff (27 E. Vermijo Ave.) in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Security footage revealed at approximately 4:20 AM, a black adult male attempted to force entry into the building. When unsuccessful, the suspect became enraged and vandalized security hardware attached to the building.
Later, at approximately 8:15 AM, Sheriff’s Office employees working to repair the damage observed the suspect walking across the street toward Centennial Hall, located at 200 S. Cascade Avenue. Deputies contacted the suspect, who was still wearing the same distinctive clothing seen in the security video footage.
The individual was identified as 62-year-old Mitchell Highsmith.
Highsmith was placed under arrest and transported to the El Paso County Jail and booked on the following charges:
- Criminal Attempt – Second-Degree Burglary
- Felony Criminal Mischief
He is being held on a $2,000 bond.