Dillon Dam Road closed after 'suspicious activity'
By Todd Hartman, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 10, 2008 at 12:03 p.m.
Updated January 10, 2008 at 3:33 p.m.
Authorities have closed Dillon Dam Road to traffic until at least early next week after "recent suspicious activity" later found to be non-threatening.
The incident involved two males using video equipment on the road while it was closed because of weather on Tuesday.
But investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's Office and later by the FBI cleared the men, who said they were from Denver and were filming a music video on the dam.
The men were "very cooperative" with the deputies and agreed to show them the footage and have their vehicle inspected, the sheriff's office said in a press release.
After forwarding the information to the FBI, the federal law enforcement agency said it reviewed the matter, and no threat was identified.
Dillon Dam Road, however, remains closed.
Denver Water said it planned "to assess safety and security risks" early next week before deciding when the road might reopen.
The mile-long road travels across Dillon Dam.
Dillon Reservoir is a major component of Denver Water's collection system, delivering water through the mountains and into the South Platte River.
The town of Silverthorne and Interstate 70 sit immediately below the dam.
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January 10, 2008
3:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
JustSayin writes:
Ooo - be scared! Someone has a camera, must be a terrorist!
January 10, 2008
3:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
blacksho89 writes:
The two males were, ironically, filming activity THEY felt was suspicious. Approximately two dozen middle aged males were observed to be sitting on overturned buckets, holding short poles, and staring intently at holes in the ice. The large amounts of alcohol consumed seem to contraindicate Islam terrorists, though.
Thanks to the Feebs for protecting us from.....nothing?
January 10, 2008
9:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Theoldguy writes:
Typical government "one size fits all" mentality. I think the Homeland Security Playbook has to be something to read. If for any reason other than a good laugh. The silliness is that the Sheriff's department HAS to investigate or the deputy will have to undergo an Internal Affairs investigation, probably loose his job or take a cut in pay because he thought on his own. A major no-no when you are a government employee.
And the FBI reviewed the matter. Holy Cannoli, Batman! I still can't get the vision of J. Edgar Hoover in a dress out of my mind. No wonder he kept files on everyone. Blackmail in case he was caught in women's undies. And so our government continues to keep a close watch on its citizens.
January 11, 2008
9:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
p_myers661 writes:
All right. Now let me get this clear. There is a dam with a town and a major interstate highway beneath it. Activity, videotaping, that would be a part of a terrorist plan, is observed. The rest of the report states that law enforcement closed the road and asked questions. No accusations were made and care was taken to make it clear the people involved were NOT doing anything wrong. The situation showed a vulnerability and the road remained closed for a few extra days in order for official evaluations of potential threats and remedies.
Perhaps the general paranoia about authority is a remedy to the paranoia about threats. I am glad that all acted with reason and caution. It is a proof that those with no ill intentions need have no fear of such questions.