Possible Similar Title: Unarmed Man Found Deceased at Colorado Amusement Park; Officials Investigate Motive
A heavily armed man, with a cache of guns and explosives, was discovered lifeless inside a Colorado amusement park, suspected of taking his own life Authorities believe he may have intended to carry out a catastrophic attack
Officials said that a man armed with guns and explosive devices was discovered deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Colorado amusement park. This incident potentially prevented "an attack of devastating proportions."
The body of the 20-year-old was discovered in a women's restroom on Saturday morning, just before the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs was set to open. According to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, it seems that he unlawfully entered the park after it had closed.
Law enforcement authorities are assembled on the street leading to the residence of the individual being pursued in relation to two separate mass shootings on October 26, 2023, in Bowdoin, Maine. They are currently conducting a search for Robert Card, a 40-year-old U.S. Army Reservist, who is wanted for the fatal shooting of 18 individuals at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston last night. Additionally, at least 13 others sustained injuries during the violent incident.
Cops had been dispatched to the residence of the Maine gunman several weeks prior to the tragic massacres due to concerns that he might suddenly resort to committing a mass shooting. The sheriffs office revealed in a statement that he possessed a semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and numerous loaded magazines for both firearms. Moreover, he was outfitted in body armor and a ballistic helmet, and multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in his possession as well as in a vehicle linked to him.
"We are incredibly fortunate that he did not execute whatever plan he had in mind," said Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario during a press conference on Monday. "It had the potential to cause devastating harm to this community, putting countless lives at risk."
The individual, identified as Diego Barajas Medina from Carbondale, Colorado by the Garfield County Coroners Office, was discovered three days after the deadliest mass shooting in the United States this year. The tragic event in Maine resulted in the loss of 18 lives, adding to the already staggering count of over 580 mass shootings in the country."
Vallario explained that there was a note on the bathroom wall where Medina was discovered, stating, "I am not a murderer. My intention was solely to explore the caves." However, investigators cannot confirm if this note is connected to Medina, but they hold a "reasonable suspicion" that it is.
"The examination of the scene and the forensic autopsy indicate that the deceased took their own life, and the coroner's office is currently conducting an investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding their death," stated the coroner's office.
Medina resided with his mother and brother. Investigators have been conversing with them and conducting a thorough search of the residence in order to ascertain a potential motive, according to authorities.
"There is no known history, reason, or motive as of now. He seemed completely unnoticed," stated Vallario. "To the best of my understanding at this juncture... there was no indication of any prior warning or cause for concern from family, friends, or school."
In April 2022, President Joe Biden held an event at the White House in Washington, DC to announce measures aimed at combating ghost gun crime. Displayed during the event were various components of a ghost gun kit.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/File
Growing ghost gun problem adds to Americas violence woes
Medina possessed at least two ghost guns, according to Vallario. Ghost guns are kits available for purchase online, allowing users to build operational firearms. These guns lack serial numbers and bypass background checks, making them untraceable and devoid of transfer records.
Furthermore, a convincingly fabricated IED was discovered in Medina's vehicle, alongside a legitimate explosive device, Vallario revealed. Patches associated with law enforcement organizations were also found, although it remains unclear how Medina acquired them.
Medina possessed such a substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices that he had the potential to inflict significant harm, according to the sheriff.
Located on a mountain, Glenwood Caverns is about 160 miles west of Denver and can only be reached by a brief gondola ride, lasting approximately five minutes.
Vallario mentioned that if he had proceeded with the worst-case scenario, it could have been catastrophic solely due to the objective of receiving aid and assistance, as well as the high number of first responders in that area, not to mention the challenge of evacuating the victims from the mountain. Following the discovery of Medina's body, the park has remained closed.
