On January 27, 2025, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sweeping crackdown on homeless encampments along the Greenway Trail near E. Las Vegas Street, responding to a surge of complaints and reports of increased camping in the area. Deputies from the Patrol Division, Patrol Support Services Section and Reserve Deputies worked together to carry out the operation.
During the operation, deputies notified individuals of the requirement to vacate and reminded them camping in those locations is illegal.
Four people were cited for trespassing on private property, and three others received citations under El Paso County Ordinance 17-363 for unauthorized camping on public property. Deputies also located an individual who had been reported missing.
Additionally, three arrests were made on outstanding warrants:
- 40-year-old Daniel Scheuermann was arrested for failing to comply with probation on a Domestic Violence Felony Menacing charge.
- 23-year-old Leticia Gutierrez was taken into custody for escape from the Department of Corrections (parole violation), stemming from an 1st Degree Criminal Trespass charge.
- 62-year-old Yancey Buckalew was arrested for multiple failure-to-appear warrants related to driving under the influence and driving with a revoked license.
Deputies posted notices to vacate the area, and the Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with El Paso County Code Enforcement, will conduct follow-up actions to ensure compliance.
“These encampments pose a serious threat to our community, putting our trails, rivers, and public spaces at risk. They create a heightened fire danger and encourage increased criminal activity in the area. As this operation proves, these spots are often exploited by criminals trying to avoid accountability. My Office will continue pushing forward with these critical efforts to protect our residents, maintain public safety, and ensure criminal behavior does not go unchecked.” Sheriff Joseph Roybal