On September 23, 2025, at approximately 9:57 AM, the Fountain Police Department (FPD) was dispatched to the 900 block of Grinde Drive regarding a reported home invasion.
The victim reported that an adult male, identified as 37-year-old Geoffrey Chinnow, a prolific previous offender, forced his way into their apartment.
During the incident, Chinnow struck the victim in the head with a handgun, threatened to shoot them, and fired two rounds from a handgun into the floor. He then left the scene in a vehicle.
FPD detectives immediately began an investigation, obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect, and established surveillance at his residence on Marksheffel Road in unincorporated El Paso County.
Soon after, FPD detectives positively identified Chinnow at the residence and contacted the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) for assistance from our SWAT team and Crisis Negotiations Unit in serving the high-risk search and arrest warrants.
At approximately 5:47 PM, the EPSO SWAT team began the operation and surveillance observed Chinnow inside the garage. After approximately 20 minutes, the suspect exited and was taken into custody without incident.
Geoffrey Chinnow was transported to the El Paso County Jail and booked for the following charges:
-Second Degree Assault
-Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
-Menacing
-Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender
-Criminal Mischief
-First Degree Burglary
He is being held on a $25,000 bond.
“Coordinated operations and shared resources strengthen public safety and ensure violent offenders are brought to justice. Our community will not be terrorized by violent offenders who illegally bring guns into our neighborhoods,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “My SWAT team executed this warrant with precision, and our Crisis Negotiations Unit secured a safe surrender, ensuring no further harm was done. I thank the Fountain Police for their swift investigation, and I am grateful for the great partnership we share with FPD in holding dangerous criminals in the Pikes Peak region accountable.”
“This suspect assaulted the victim, fired rounds inside their home, and thought he could hide from justice,” said Fountain Police Chief Mark Cristiani. “Because of the fast work of our detectives and the decisive action of EPSO SWAT, he was taken into custody and put into jail where he belongs. This is what strong interagency teamwork delivers—results that keep our residents safe.
“The Fountain Police Department extends our gratitude to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership.”