On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the El Paso County Department of Public Works to clean up an illegal homeless camp and accumulated trash located underneath the Chamberlin S bridge near the intersection of Chamberlin S and Tanager Way in unincorporated El Paso County.
This area was first reported to the Sheriff’s Office on September 9, 2025, by El Paso County Code Enforcement. Deputies responded to the location and discovered evidence of illegal camping. While no suspects were present, a large hunting knife and drug paraphernalia were found in plain view on public property. These items were seized and submitted to the Evidence Facility for destruction. Notices to Vacate were posted, which included information and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
On September 10, 2025, deputies responded to a disturbance involving a female party suspected of being under the influence near the same bridge. A reporting party expressed concern after observing the suspect entering the area beneath the bridge, which is located near a school bus stop at a local church.
On September 16, 2025, deputies, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit and Posse, returned to the site. Two adult males were located under the bridge and were informed unauthorized camping in El Paso County is illegal. They were advised of the upcoming cleanup and received updated notices, which were also posted at the site. The notices stated any person remaining at the time of cleanup would face charges for Unauthorized Camping on Public Property and Obstruction.
On September 18, 2025, Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies cleared the area and secured the site, allowing El Paso County Public Works crews to begin restoration. Deputies contacted two additional individuals at the location, both of whom voluntarily left.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal stated, “Community safety requires vigilance and teamwork. While we will not tolerate illegal activity on public property, our deputies approach these situations with professionalism and compassion, ensuring individuals are offered resources and information before enforcement action is taken. I want to thank our partners at El Paso County Public Works, as well as our Patrol deputies, Reserve Unit, and Posse, for their dedication in restoring this area and protecting the environment and quality of life for nearby residents.”
