Authorities reported on Monday that the body of a 22-year-old man, heavily armed and clad in body armor and tactical clothing, was discovered alongside homemade explosives at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Colorado. The finding led to the closure of the park over the weekend while investigations for additional bombs and a search of the man’s home were conducted.
According to a press release by Walt Stowe, a spokesperson for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the man was found dead at the park on Saturday morning before it opened to the public. It appeared he had broken into the park while it was closed. Multiple improvised explosive devices were found with him and in his vehicle. Subsequent searches of the park suggested no other explosives were present.
Stowe emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the potential for a devastating attack given the amount of weaponry, ammunition, and explosive devices found.
The identity of the man, a local resident, has not been disclosed. He possessed a semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and multiple loaded magazines for each weapon. His clothing bore patches and emblems resembling those associated with law enforcement.
On Saturday, the Glenwood Springs Post Independent reported that the man’s death was being investigated as a possible suicide, citing Stowe. However, further details were not immediately available, as Stowe did not respond to calls or emails on Monday.
The sheriff’s office stated in Monday’s press release that no additional information on the investigation would be released at this time.
Located above the Colorado River in western Colorado, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park features attractions including cave tours, an alpine coaster, and a pendulum swing ride that extends over the river canyon.