Boulder County, Colo. - Members of the Boulder County Regional Bomb Squad responded to Ponderosa Way in unincorporated Boulder County on April 19 following a report of a suspicious case containing what appeared to be improvised explosive devices, or pipe bombs.

After the items were safely relocated to a secure area using a containment trailer, bomb squad personnel examined the five devices. They determined that the devices had the structure and components commonly used to assemble pipe bombs, such as a sealed container and related hardware; however, they did not contain any explosive material. Without that key element, the devices were not capable of detonating.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from federal partners, continues to investigate the origin of these devices. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boulder County Communications Center or submit a tip to the Sheriff’s Office at BCSOtips@bouldercounty.gov.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is 26-01767.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous press release issued on April 19, 2026:

The Boulder County Communications Center received a call just after 8:00 a.m. today, April 19, 2026, regarding a suspicious item located near Ponderosa Way in unincorporated Boulder County.

The reporting person discovered a metal case near the roadway. Upon opening the case, they observed what appeared to be multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Bomb technicians from the Boulder County Regional Bomb Squad responded to assess and safely manage the situation. Bomb technicians identified five suspected homemade IED’s inside the case that had components consistent with potentially functioning devices. Out of an abundance of caution, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding neighborhood at approximately 12:00 p.m.

As of 7:00 p.m., technicians reported the devices were safely transferred into a containment trailer. The devices were transported to a secure location where bomb technicians will further inspect and conduct disposal procedures of the devices. Until disposal is complete, investigators will not be able to definitively determine the functionality of the devices.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted at approximately 7:00 p.m. after officials determined the threat to nearby residences had been mitigated.

If you encounter a suspicious package or item: • Do not touch or move it • Leave the area immediately • Call 911 and provide as much information as possible

We appreciate the community’s patience during this incident. Bomb Squad technicians needed to adjust tactics during the operation for safety reasons, which extended the time needed to secure the devices. The safety of the community remains our highest priority.

Assisting agencies included: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Regional Bomb Squad, and Timberline Fire Protection District.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is: 26-01767.

###

Sr. Communications Specialist, Carrie Haverfield