This press release was originally issued by the Routt County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact Undersheriff Ray Birch at (970) 870-5502 for more information.

On October 7, 2015, at about 12:00 p.m., Routt County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Mt. Werner ski area to investigate a suspicious device found in the area of the Pony Express lift line. Upon arrival, deputies noticed that the device resembled an explosive. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office bomb technicians responded and rendered the item safe. The device was collected for further analysis. The FBI was notified and is assisting the sheriff’s office; this case is currently under investigation.

In considering the circumstances surrounding the discovery of this item, the Sheriff’s Office has determined that it does not pose a risk to public safety at this time. We believe it may have been thrown away there but not placed in that location to injure anyone.

We would like to encourage citizens to be attentive and use caution if a suspicious device is found. Please do not touch or handle the item, maintain a safe distance of at least 300 yards and notify local law enforcement.