(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to reports of a black man carrying an AK-47 near the intersection of East Boulder Street and North Wahsatch Avenue, near Palmer High School.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the 18-year-old man had an authentic AK-47 rifle slung over his shoulder in a non-threatening manner, however, the suspect did have a large-capacity magazine which is not legal in Colorado.
The incident happened during a lunch break at around 11:10 a.m. with 50-100 students out in public. The 18-year-old was not on school property, according to CSPD.
Officers seized the magazine and the rifle while the investigation continues for possible charges.
“At this time, there was no known threat toward any student or staff member of D-11, nor to the public,” CSPD told FOX21 News.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, CSPD responded to the area on reports of a white or Hispanic suspect who was also carrying an AK-47. District 11 security put the Palmer High School on lockdown while officers searched the area.
The suspect was never located, but officers who spoke to eyewitnesses confirmed the suspect was actually known by police for frequently carrying a folded scooter tucked under his arm. CSPD said the scooter is equipped with a rifle sling and a flashlight in a manner that makes it look like a rifle.
“While understandably alarming, is not criminal, and therefore the suspect is not charged and his information cannot be released,” CSPD said previously.
The incident on Thursday and the one that occurred today are not related.
“The suspect was characteristically different in physical appearance from the suspect 1 week ago who was seen in the same area,” CSPD told FOX21 News. “That suspect was likely carrying a scooter that has readily been misidentified in the past as an assault rifle.”
FOX21 News has reached out to D11 and is awaiting a response.
