An alleged “squatter” living in an apartment after the original leasers moved out was arrested recently on several charges for assaulting a deputy during an eviction.

Recently, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the civil unit were sent to the 3300 block of Verde Drive in southeast Colorado Springs to complete an eviction notice.

Prior to their arrival, deputies were informed that the original party on the lease had moved out but numerous unknown parties, likely squatters according to law enforcement, had moved in and occupied this apartment.

Deputies initiated the eviction, knocked and announced their presence and intent. Once inside the unit, they found four adult males. At the time, law enforcement said three of the individuals complied with deputies’ requests. However, one refused to comply with their directions and stated he “wasn’t leaving.”

Erek Jones, 34, who was reported to have be verbally abusive with apartment staff previously, attempted to assault one of the deputies physically. During the altercation, an additional adult male who was found in the apartment, 28-year-old Ernie Jones, started to assault deputies as well, according to the deputies’ account.

An emergent call for assistance was placed, and resources from the patrol division and the Colorado Springs Police Department arrived and detained the involved individuals.

Jones had a no-bond felony Department of Corrections warrant for his arrest. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail for his warrant and charged with second-degree assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer.

“I am incredibly thankful none of my deputies were seriously injured during this incident,” stated El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal in a press release Tuesday. “Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to the Colorado Springs Police Department and our Patrol Division deputies for their swift response and assistance.”

The Sheriff’s Office says that the key to protecting oneself from squatters is preventing them from entering one’s home in the first place. Homeowners are encouraged to take security precautions such as locking doors, utilizing a camera system if possible and having a trusted friend check in on the home while out of town.

The office also says individuals can engage law enforcement by requesting vacation checks from their local jurisdiction.