Grenade wrapped in duct tape found in Colorado Springs park: Happy Valentine's Day!

What to get that special someone on Valentine's Day? Candy and flowers are so played out -- so how about a hand grenade? Granted, we don't know for certain that the grenade found at Colorado Springs' Memorial Park yesterday morning was intended as a gift. But it was wrapped --...

By Michael Roberts

February 15, 2011

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What to get that special someone on Valentine's Day? Candy and flowers are so played out -- so how about a hand grenade? Granted, we don't know for certain that the grenade found at Colorado Springs' Memorial Park yesterday morning was intended as a gift. But it was wrapped -- in duct tape. Look below to read a release from the Colorado Springs Police Department about this explosive discovery.

Colorado Springs Police Department release:

Date: February 14, 2011 Time: 9:56:00 AM Location: 1605 E. Pikes Peak

Summary : The Regional Explosives Unit was contacted by the Gold Hill Patrol Division in reference to a piece of found military ordnance at Memorial Park. The device was located on the east shore of Prospect Lake. The Regional Explosives Unit responded and determined that the item in question was a modified military style hand grenade wrapped in duct tape. Technicians determined the device was a threat to the public, and if detonated would have posed a threat to anyone within five meters. The device was safely analyzed and removed to a secure location and disrupted by Regional Explosives Unit Bomb Technicians. Technicians will work to reconstruct the device and forensic analysis will be conducted in an attempt to learn who manipulated it and placed it in the park. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call police at 719-444-7000. You can remain anonymous by texting CSPD and your tip to 847411 or you can call Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).

The Regional Explosives Unit (which is comprised of Colorado Springs Police Officers and El Paso County Sheriff's Deputies) is responsible for all explosives related calls in the South Central Region of Colorado to include the counties of El Paso, Teller, Park, Lake and Chaffee.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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