Police Fear Maine Copycat: Man found dead at Glenwood Caverns had guns, bombs
Tragedy struck the small town of Glenwood Springs over the weekend as a 20-year-old man from the nearby town of Carbondale was found dead at the popular tourist destination, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
The man, who has not been publicly identified, was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday morning, before the park had opened to the public. This incident has left many questioning what could have led the young man to take such drastic and violent actions.
According to Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario, initial investigations suggest that the man entered the park after hours, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, a handgun, and body armor. He was also found with improvised explosive devices, which were later dealt with by a bomb squad.
Vallario expressed gratitude that the man was stopped before he could do any harm, saying, "We are extremely lucky he did not fulfill whatever plan he had intended."
What is even more chilling is the message scrawled on a nearby wall, "I'm not a killer, I just wanted to get into the caves," which suggests that the man may have been planning a mass shooting.
This is a disturbing reminder of the potential for violence, and the importance of tight security measures in public spaces.
The man's cache of guns included "ghost guns," which are firearms made from kits and lacking serial numbers, making them harder to trace. He was also wearing tactical gear and carrying law enforcement-related patches, raising questions about his potential connections to the authorities. Vallario stated that the man did not have a criminal history, leaving law enforcement puzzled as they search for a motive.
The investigation, which involved assistance from the Carbondale Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is ongoing.
The park was closed for two days as authorities searched for any potential threats and completed a thorough sweep of the property, ensuring the safety of visitors. Thankfully, no one else was harmed in this incident.
Vallario acknowledged the potential devastation that this situation could have caused, given the isolated location of the park and the surrounding terrain. "This wasn't an ordinary potential suicide, this gentleman was carrying a large amount of ammunition," he said. It is a stark reminder of the need for protection and vigilance in today’s world.
READ MORE:
As the investigation continues, authorities will delve into the man's background and search for any clues that may shed light on his intentions.
And while we may never fully understand what could have led to this tragedy, it serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.