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Suspicious package critically injures man in Trinidad

Explosion in Trinidad
Posted at 11:36 AM, Feb 08, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-09 10:09:24-05

TRINIDAD — A man is severely injured after opening a suspicious package in Trinidad around 1 a.m. Monday.

According to the Trinidad Police Department, officers found Diego Hurtado severely injured in the 300 block of E North Avenus following a reported explosion.

Officers were told Hurtado was walking through the parking lot of an apartment building when he found a suspicious package. Hurtado picked up the package and opened it while walking away. According to police, the explosion severely injured the man.

Late Monday night, officers made an arrest in the cases involving explosive devices. With the help of the ATF and the Pueblo Bomb Squad, Trinidad Police said they arrested Jonathon Ryan Armijo of Trinidad for both incidents involving explosive devices, with the first being on Feb. 5.

Hurtado has been transported to the hospital by medical staff and later transferred north by Flight for Life. His status is currently unknown.

Trinidad Police say based on the evidence and statements given, they requested the assistance of the Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives unit along with Pueblo Police Department Bomb Squad.

Police have noted that this is not an isolated incident; a similar suspicious package appeared on Friday, February 5.

News 5's Spencer Humphrey spoke to several people who were in the area when the explosion happened. They told him the box appeared to have the words, "mom and dad's wedding rings" written on it. He also spoke to Hurtado's brother, who said he believes that this was no accident and that his brother was targeted.

Armijo is facing the following charges: Two counts Criminal Attempt First Degree Murder and Two counts Possession/Use of an Explosive Device.

Anyone who may have information of the incident is asked to contact the Trinidad Police Department at 719-846-4441 or call 1-888-ATF-BOMB.