A heavily armed man was found dead Saturday morning at a Colorado amusement park before it was set to open to the public.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said, “We responded to a report of a 22-year old deceased man at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. Based on our investigation, the man entered the park after hours when no employees were present.”
It has not been released to the public as to who the man was or what his death was caused from. The Garfield County Coroner is currently working hard to determine the cause of death, but so far it looks like it was a suicide.
“The young man was dressed in black colored tactical clothing bearing patches and emblems that gave the appearance of being associated with law enforcement,” an officer stated.
The suspect had been heavily armed with a semi-automatic rifle and semi-automatic handgun with multiple loaded magazines for both weapons. He was also wearing body armor and what looked to be a ballistic helmet.
Police also reported that the suspect had multiple improvised explosive devices on him and also inside a van that was linked to him. The Grand Junction Bomb Squad arrived on the scene to render the devices safe.
The bomb squad members also swept the park to find any IEDs that may have been planted on the premises and the rides.
“Our investigation has so far indicated that nobody in the public was at risk,” said the sheriff’s office statement. “It would appear that the suspect’s actions were limited to the property of the Glenwood Caverns.”
The residence of the suspect, who hailed from the Carbondale area, was also searched by authorities as part of their initial two-day investigation to ensure the public’s safety and “to determine the extent of his criminal activity.”
“While this investigation is still ongoing and very active, it is important to realize that given the amount of weaponry, ammunition, and explosive devices found, the suspect could have implemented an attack of devastating proportions on our community and first responders,” the sheriff’s office added.
“This very sad and tragic incident reminds us how much our Glenwood Springs community means to us,” Nancy Heard, the theme park’s general manager, said in a statement. “We appreciate the swift action and thorough work of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department and Coroner’s Office, as well as the Garfield County All Hazard Response Team and other authorities assisting in the investigation, working together to ensure the park is safe to reopen. Thank you for all you do.”
The park also noted its safety measures in the statement.
“Multiple security programs are in place including an extensive network of security cameras, alarms, fencing, gates and posted signage,” the park’s statement noted. “Lock-out protocols provide protection for engineering, ride operation and ride-restricted areas, as well as sensitive buildings. The incident on October 28 did not take place in any of these areas and was not related to any rides or attractions.”
