Update: Coroner Identifies Inmate Found Unresponsive at El Paso County Jail

At approximately 4:27 am on August 15th, 2025, a 37-year-old male (in custody) was found unresponsive in his bunk bed at the El Paso County Jail.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies and medical staff responded and began rendering lifesaving efforts.

At approximately 04:38 am, medical personnel from American Medical Response (AMR) and the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) arrived and assumed medical care of the individual.

Shortly after their arrival, at 4:57 AM, the individual was pronounced deceased.

The deceased individual has been identified as 37-year-old Dequan Ward.

Our Office extends our condolences to Mr. Ward’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Sheriff Roybal has ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division will conduct this investigation, adhering to the standards we provide for all citizens of El Paso County.

Upon initial investigation, there is no indication of self-harm, assault, or foul play.

In addition, Sheriff Roybal has requested an autopsy by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.

Recent News Articles

Sheriff Joseph Roybal Extends Thanksgiving Message to El Paso County

El Paso County, CO – As families across El Paso County gather to give thanks, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal and the men and women of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office extend their heartfelt gratitude to the citizens they serve. “This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the strength and compassion which define our community,” said Sheriff Joseph

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Begins ‘Blackout Wednesday’ and Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement

Beginning Wednesday, November 26, through Sunday, November 30, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and regional law enforcement agencies will launch a two-phase “Blackout Wednesday” operation to curb unsafe driving behavior. • Phase 1 (Daytime): Targeting distracted, speeding, and reckless drivers. • Phase 2 (Evening): Concentrating on impaired-driving enforcement. Participating agencies include the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Regional Academy Recruit Class 25-2 Into the Law Enforcement Profession

Today, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the Oath of Office to 37 POST-certified deputies during the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy Class 25-2 Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony, held at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, also included the formal swearing-in of two new County Security personnel—professionals entrusted with protecting community members who visit county

Read More »

Sheriff’s Office Honors Pikes Peak Region Veterans During Honor Bell Ceremony

Today, Sheriff Joseph Roybal and members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office joined the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners and members of the community for a special ceremony recognizing the Pikes Peak Honor Bell, which will serve to honor and remember veterans throughout the Pikes Peak region. El Paso County has been home to approximately 95,000 veterans

Read More »

Contact Information

Phone
(719) 520-7100

Address
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Office hours
8:00 am – 4:30 pm