The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rodney Cordova, 61, following a SWAT response at a residence in the 11150 block of East Highway 24 on March 18. Deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for Second-Degree Assault – Strangulation and Felony Menacing when they encountered Cordova inside the home.
Deputies located Cordova’s vehicle at the scene and confirmed his presence in the residence. Other occupants left the house voluntarily. Authorities established a perimeter and made several attempts to contact Cordova by telephone, but he did not cooperate. Based on information from the arrest warrant and witness statements, deputies believed that Cordova was armed with a firearm.
Due to concerns about potential danger and lack of cooperation, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office called in its SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators. After repeated unsuccessful communication attempts, tactical officers used chemical irritants to prompt Cordova to leave the home. He exited but initially did not comply with commands; pepper ball irritants were then deployed, leading him to comply so deputies could take him into custody without further incident.
“Thanks to the professionalism and restraint of our deputies, this dangerous situation was resolved safely,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “When we have reason to believe an individual is armed and has a history of violent behavior, we take every precaution to protect lives while working toward a peaceful resolution. I’m proud of the teamwork shown by our patrol deputies, SWAT Team, and Crisis Negotiators in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.”
Cordova was transported to El Paso County Jail where he faces charges including Second Degree Assault, Menacing, Crimes Against an At-Risk Person, Harassment, and Third Degree Assault. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.