First arrest made for camping ordinance violation

Colorado Springs police have arrested a man for violating the ordinance that prohibits camping on public property. This is the first arrest made for this violation since the ordinance was passed in 2010.

Just before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, members of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) were following up on a number of camps that were erected on public property in violation of the “Camping on Public Property” ordinance.

A camper, identified as 52-year-old Steven Wood, had received several verbal warnings and a written warning about his violation of the ordinance, according to police. Police say that Wood had provided officers a false name in the past and had refused any type of assistance in the form of temporary housing.

During police confrontation with Wood, he became physical and had to be restrained. He was also found to have an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Wood was transported and booked into CJC.