506 E Main Street, Suite 102, Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-920-5400
970-920-5409 (fax)
www.aspenpolice.com
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Bill Linn, Incident Commander
Aspen Police Department
506 E Main Street, Suite 102
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-920-5400
970-920-5409
New Years Incident in Aspen
Press Conference
ASPEN, CO – 01/01/09 1000 Hours – On the afternoon of 12/31/08, the Aspen Pitkin County Communications Center received calls from Wells Fargo Bank, at 119 South Mill Street, and the Vectra Bank, at 534 East Hyman Avenue, each reporting of a package with a note. The notes indicated a credible threat to the community. After initial investigation, approximately 190 people from cooperating agencies responded to assist in investigation of the incident and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of community members.
James H. Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Denver Division says “The FBI is appreciative of the immediate response of the many law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation. It was only through the cooperative efforts between the FBI, Aspen Police, Denver Police Department, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Junction Bomb Squad, ATF and multiple other local agencies that this matter was brought to a safe but unfortunate conclusion.”
Richard Chase, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Denver Division says “The cooperative efforts of Federal, State and local agencies who worked diligently throughout the night, resulted in a safe New Year’s Eve for the citizens and visitors of Aspen. The city of Aspen should be proud of their Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Services.”
By 0400 hours on 01/01/09, the three crime scenes were secured and deemed safe for the community. Law enforcement personnel continue to investigate this incident. All downtown evacuations have been cancelled. Residents and owners can return to homes and business. The suspect, identified as 71 year old James Blanning, was located deceased with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, east of the City of Aspen in rural Pitkin County. Blanning’s official cause of death is under investigation by the Pitkin County Coroner.
Additional press releases will be forthcoming as more information becomes available. Contact Public Information Officer, Stephanie Dasaro, with press questions at 970-429-1857.
506 E Main Street, Suite 102, Aspen, Colorado 81611 970-920-5400 970-920-5409 (fax) www.aspenpolice.com
Timeline & Facts for New Years Incident in Aspen
Timeline
• 1423 Wells Fargo Bank threat
• 1436 Vectra Bank threat
• 1544 Sled with two identical packages located at 500 E Hopkins, Alley
• 1945 Chad at Aspen times found envelope- original bank robbery note that APD has, and hand written
• 2010 Subject possibly in area. Picture of subject going to cops on perimeter.
• 2017 James Chester Blanning, Jr (DOB 11/12/36) – Sheriff Bob Braudis identified him as the suspect; the suspect has a history of using dynamite, and is known to law enforcement.
• 2020 Bomb squad begins disabling first bomb.
• 2153 Bombs are confirmed as devices. Smuggler Mountain checked for devices, nothing located by officers.
• 0162 Subject driving green Cherokee with spare tire on roof per witness.
• 0219 Green Cherokee parked on side of road, in rural Pitkin County. Subject located, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Bomb squad clears, then ERT process body. Secure vehicle to process later.
• 0445 Subject was armed.
• 0500 Crime scenes secured and evacuation lifted for downtown area.
Facts
• Currently assigned to incident: 21 people from 5 agencies. Maximum people assigned to incident approximately 190, including volunteers.
• Estimated costs $150,000 - $200,000.
• Agencies involved: Pitkin County Sheriff's Office, Basalt Police Department, Snowmass Village Police Department, Silt Police Department, Snowmass Village Fire Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Grand Junction Bomb Squad, Denver Police Department, Red Cross, and Salvation Army. Also there were many volunteers from the City of Aspen and Pitkin County.
Kristin Drake
Kristin.Drake@ci.aspen.co.us
Sales & Marketing Associate
City of Aspen- Parks & Recreation
970.429.2098
PRESS RELEASE
Fireworks Will Take Place New Years Day
Contact: Kristin Drake, Sales & Marketing Associate, City of Aspen
Phone: o: 970-429-2098 c: 970-948-2898
Email: kristind@ci.aspen.co.us
Aspen, CO – January 1, 2009 – Aspen has always been the best place to view fireworks while they illuminate the gorgeous snow covered background. Despite a bomb scare in Aspen on New Years Eve, fireworks will still light up the sky. Enjoy the New Year by watching a spectacular fireworks show over Aspen Mountain on Thursday, January 1st at 8:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call 970-920-5400.
May you have a prosperous, safe and happy New Year!
