How A Fake Bomb Scare Disrupted The Larimer County Courthouse

A 43-year-old Loveland man has been arrested for planting a fake bomb outside of the Larimer County Courthouse a few years ago.

That's according to a post on the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

According to the post, the incident happened on July 31, 2023. In the early morning hours a report came in about what appeared to be an improvised explosive device at the Larimer County Justice Center.

The Justice Center was evacuated and closed for the day. People in buildings in the surrounding area were told to shelter in place.

Eventually the Northern Colorado Bomb Squad removed the device. Technicians later said the device was in fact a fake IED which used wires and road flares to look like a bomb.

Harold West Allegedly Was Trying To Postpone A Court Hearing

According to the post "LCSO investigators continued working in partnership with the FBI to find out who placed the hoax device outside the courthouse. After more than two years, evidence led investigators to identify Harold West (DOB 05/25/82) of Loveland as the suspect. Investigators believe the fake explosive was placed to delay a court hearing scheduled that day."

West was arrested on Tuesday on the following charges:

• Attempt To Influence A Public Servant (class 4 felony)

• Possession, Use, Or Removal Of Explosives Or Incendiary Devices – Possession Of Components Thereof – Chemical, Biological, And Nuclear Weapons – Persons Exempt – Hoaxes (class 5 felony)

• Obstructing Government Operations (class 2 misdemeanor)