Homeless tapping I-25 light poles for camp electricity near Woodmen Road

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Tuesday, May 13, multiple law enforcement agencies cleared out a homeless encampment beneath I-25 near Woodmen Road, where televisions, lighting, and stereo equipment were found to be powered by illegally tapping into I-25’s light poles.

According to a press release sent by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), its agency teamed up with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to help initiate a restoration project beneath I-25 just north of the Woodmen Road exit.

EPSO said this location, where Pine Creek flows under the interstate, has been a frequent site for homeless encampments.

“This encampment has been a persistent concern for the surrounding community, affecting residents in both unincorporated El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs,” EPSO said. “Despite repeated restoration efforts, the site has been reoccupied multiple times.”

In advance of the cleanup, EPSO said notices were posted warning occupants that they needed to leave the area, and resources were offered as well as support services. When deputies arrived, they encountered one person who agreed to leave voluntarily.

Five tents and one wooden structure were found abandoned. In addition, deputies found evidence that the people occupying the encampment had been illegally tapping into I-25 light poles for electricity to power televisions, lighting, and stereo equipment.

Cleanup crews also discovered several tons of debris, including nearly 20 shopping carts, numerous bicycle frames, and a large amount of drug paraphernalia.

“These encampments not only pose health and safety hazards but also impact the quality of life for nearby residents,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I’m proud of the coordinated efforts between our Office, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and CDOT to restore this area and ensure it remains safe and accessible for our community.”