Estes Park officer discharges rifle during response to fake active shooter investigation
BY Herschel Smith
1 year, 8 months ago
The Estes Park Police Department received a report from an anonymous source at approximately 9:23 a.m. Wednesday that there would be an active shooter at the Estes Park High School, which was closed due to weather.
Estes Park was among several Colorado school districts that received threats Wednesday, including Alamosa, Aspen, Boulder, Brighton, Cañon City, Clear Creek County, Durango, Englewood, Fort Morgan, Gilpin County, Lamar, Roaring Forks and Wiggins.
A majority of the schools were either evacuated or put on lockdown as a safety precaution, and all threatening reports proved unfounded.
Estes Park Police Chief David Hayes said he was informed about a threat that came into Boulder High School at approximately 8:33 a.m., before being informed by an EPPD staff member that Estes Park received a threat of its own.
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While one of the last rooms in the elementary school was being cleared, an Estes Park Police officer fired their rifle. “It was an accidental discharge,” said Hayes. “The bullet went into the floor. The good news is that no one was injured, clearly something we don’t want to happen.”
As I’ve observed so many times before, “You’re never in more danger than when the police are around.” Get away from them as fast as is humanly possible.
I suspect that pranksters know this dictum and intended this to be a dangerous situation. It’s a wonder someone wasn’t shot by the cops.
Can you imagine a chief of police being so nonchalant about a negligent discharge by you? Do you think you would be charged with a crime if you discharged a firearm inside a school? Maybe red flagged with permanent loss of firearms rights, a hefty fine, and some punitive jail time?
On February 27, 2023 at 7:45 am, J said:
“Do you think you would be charged with a crime if you discharged a firearm inside a school? ”
Nlo, I think I would receive a immediate job offer due to my careless and dangerous disregard for firearm safety.
On February 27, 2023 at 8:13 am, PGF said:
Put cruelty to small animals, and negligent discharge on your resume and the police are sure to hire you.
On February 27, 2023 at 11:08 am, Frank Clarke said:
Whenever I see “accidental” and “discharge” together, I know that I’m dealing with someone who knows absolutely nothing about firearms except (possibly) where the trigger is located.
On February 28, 2023 at 10:01 am, I R A Darth Aggie said:
Not having a badge and gun, I’d be facing legal issues.