Bomb squad removes munition-like object from Lake Pueblo State Park

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - Lake Pueblo State Park closed for eight hours overnight, as a bomb squad from Peterson Space Force Base removed a munition-like object discovered east of the reservoir.

A park visitor reported the discovery about two miles downstream from the Pueblo Reservoir dam around 6 p.m. Monday.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pueblo Metro Bomb Squad responded, but the object was partially buried and heavily corroded, making it difficult to assess.

Authorities contacted Peterson Space Force Base (SFB), which sent a bomb squad to assist.

CPW says the object weighed more than 100 pounds and was made of solid metal. It was later determined to be nonexplosive and posed no threat to the public.

However, CPW tells KRDO13 that the object would have posed extraordinary danger if it had been active.

Authorities initially said it could be an old training device, possibly several decades old; however, Peterson SFB will make the official identification.

A United States Space Force spokesperson shared the following statement:

"On the evening of January 20, the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Peterson Space Force Base provided specialized support at Lake Pueblo State Park after local authorities requested assistance with a suspicious item. Peterson teams support regional partners under the Defense Support of Civil Authorities when specialized military capabilities are needed to protect public safety. After a coordinated response with the Police Department’s Metro Bomb Squad, the item was safely recovered and determined to pose no public threat."

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.