Four metal shards — commonly known as “shanks” — approximately six inches in length and a quarter-inch in diameter were seized in a raid at the Larimer County Jail yesterday.
The metal pieces originated from a clock cover in the prison’s gymnasium. Two of the shanks had been completely sharpened but were seized by Larimer County deputies before they could be put to use.
An observant corporal discovered the plot during a routine inspection of one the jail’s outdoor recreation areas.
According to a press release from the Larmier County Sheriff’s Office, he heard the sound of metal grinding on concrete in an adjacent recreation area and investigated.
Ten inmates were in the area at the time. After a review of surveillance tape, it was determined that five of the inmates were taking turns keeping watch and sharpening the instruments.
All missing pieces of the clock cover have been accounted for after a lock-down at the prison yesterday.
“What’s unusual about this situation is that the inmates were in the gym for an extended period time because of construction on the facility,” said John Schulz, the Public Information Officer for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. “In a normal situation, inmates wouldn’t have the time to work those pieces of metal.”
Schulz said that the clock covers have enough pieces that guards couldn’t tell at a glance that any parts were missing.
The inmates involved in the plot have been put under increased surveillance in a more secure part of the facility. A full investigation of the foiled plot is being conducted and the involved inmates will face criminal charges in addition to violating jail regulations.
Weston Gentry: 303-954-1054, wgentry@denverpost.com or
