Man Arrested After Hoax Bomb Device Evacuates Colorado State Capitol

An object with wires protruding from its top and bottom triggered the evacuation of the Colorado State Capitol on Wednesday morning. Cody Miles Flynn, 32, was arrested following the discovery of the suspicious device, which investigators determined was a hoax designed to look like an explosive.

The device was found at 10:34 a.m. on the east side of the building. While some reports placed it on an outside windowsill, an arrest affidavit stated it was found near the door on the east steps. Troopers immediately secured the area and began clearing offices on the east side of the building.

State Patrol Evacuates Building for Inert Device

As a precautionary measure, the State Patrol evacuated the building at 11:12 a.m. The response necessitated the closure of 14th Avenue and Lincoln Street. The Denver Police bomb squad arrived at 11:14 a.m. and utilized X-rays to confirm the contents of the device were inert.

Suspect arrested for leaving a suspicious device at the Colorado State Capitol

The evacuation order was lifted and the roadways were reopened at 11:49 a.m. The bomb squad remained on the premises until shortly after noon. Jared Polis was not in the building during the incident, later stating through a spokesman that he was grateful for the quick actions of the Denver Police and State Patrol to keep workers safe.

Flynn Faces Charges for Hoax Explosive Device

Authorities identified a person of interest and arrested Flynn at 11:29 a.m. According to an arrest affidavit, surveillance footage showed Flynn walking toward the east steps of the Capitol and placing the device there. Flynn has since been transferred to the custody of the Denver Police.

Suspicious device found Wednesday at Colorado State Capitol

Flynn is currently held at the Downtown Detention Center and is being investigated for possession of a hoax explosive device. Court records indicate he is scheduled to appear in Denver County Court on Thursday morning.