Four metal shards — commonly known as “shanks” — approximately 6 inches in length and a quarter-inch in diameter were seized in a raid at the Larimer County Jail on Tuesday.
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 used.
An observant corporal discovered the plot during a routine inspection of one of the jail’s outdoor recreation areas.
According to a news release from the Larimer 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 had been accounted for after a lockdown at the prison Tuesday.
