On December 28, 2020, a deputy was conducting follow-up on a Child Abuse case in the 7600 block of  Mortensen Road. Through his investigation, the deputy obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect who has been identified as Charles Dowling, DOB 10/18/83, for Felony Menacing, Child Abuse and Assault in the Third Degree.

At approximately 7:05 PM, patrol deputies attempted to contact Dowling to take him into custody and assist El Paso County Department of Human Services (EPCDHS) in securing the children. One of the children came to the front window and relayed the dad would not talk to them and closed the window. The suspect refused to comply with deputies and barricaded himself in the home.

The two children in the home were later able to escape and EPCDHS took them for placement. The children stated their dad was armed with several guns.

Our Tactical Support Unit responded to the residence and after several hours of negotiations, were able to take Mr. Dowling into custody without incident.

Dowling has been booked into the El Paso County Jail and charged with the following:
Felony Menacing, Child Abuse, and Third Degree Assault.

Attached to this media release is a mugshot of Dowling.