Dispatch transcript (partial)
Credit goes to OG researcher Catnip for creating this partial transcript. It was noted that it is not word-for-word, portions have been skipped, and this needs some refinement eventually.
Tape 1 side A & B
Dispatch: I just picked it up on CLEER Jefferson County is getting shots fired at officers, 2 parties in the school, Columbine high school 6201 S. Pierce. 2 males in trench coats have shotguns and possible grenades.
Dispatch: 484 ok Im trying to get command post (CP) for you. Im trying to get information from Jefferson county, they are sort of busy possible CP on Leaway. Im trying to get that location Leawood Place is what we were told this is 490, the suspect is in the cafeteria with apx. 17 students. The clerk at district 4 has one of the students on the phone here for the information.
Dispatch: Ok keep us updated sir, I have 490 @ 11:40.
435-410 Yeah apparently we got 2 shooters in 1 of the buildings and they probably can use more assistance here with traffic and getting these kids evacuated.
Ok we got several cars coming.
Command 4(C4)-400 Wheres the CP? C4- Off Leawood way, I'll give you better instructions after after we get there and find it.
Ask him how many cars we got on it.
Dispatch: As many as we can sir.
490-Radio One suspect has a shotgun apparently, according to one of the kids the clerk is talking to and some type of radio, he can hear radio traffic. Apparently Jeffco is not in the building yet.
Yeah 35 there just now getting assembled around here with their swat unit and stuff, uh lot of confusion.
(All other radio traffic switched to other channels).
Adam 9: In route could you also start some of our DE ambulances please.
Dispatch: They have been sent sir.
560-490 Roger, can you use help out there.
You know, Im not sure Steve, we will have to wait until somebody gets on scene, trying to relay the information our clerk gets.
424 on 5 responding to Columbine.
Dispatch: 424 ok, all officers on dispatch 5 for 6201 the CP is at Leawood and Pierce. There are any number of general ambulances and other ambulances standing by.
400 Im going to be at Leawood and Pierce in 90 seconds, is there a commanding officer?
Dispatch: Jefferson county is on scene sir.
498 & 484 code 6.
Metro 9 Whats going on at Columbine high school?
Dispatch: Shots fired Jefferson county taking shots possible hostage situation, parties in cafeteria with weapons.
Metro 9 Mark me in route in civillian attire.
Can you hook up with Lt. Vessa Im trying to get a hold of him for assignment.
490 The information hasn't been relayed yet there are apparently 2 shooters.
How many cars do we have responding down here total?
About 20.
410 Divert some of them, have em come up from the S. the school hasn't been totally secured yet and prepare to take over the W. side of the school but I don't think we need any more coming in right here to the North.
Dispatch: All officers per 410 come in from the S going to take up the W side of the school.
Tac1529 code 6.
400 Can I have the air?
400 All Denver cars report to Leawood and Pierce we will take the outer perimeter per the other command thats going to be our basic assignment for now.
400-434 All Denver cars when you get into position report to 430 your location so we can log where ever you are at and send backup when we get them.
435 I'll be at Pierce and Fair.
498 Im at Clement Park entrance here I have it blocked off just S of the CP. I need somebody at the Park entrance on the N side Ive got traffic coming through.
410 Which cars are not here yet.
Dispatch: Have 23, 24, 34, 483, all kinds of cars are not there yet.
Who is supposed to assist officer Grove? (Park entrance)
33 I can get the N entrance of the park entrance off Bowles.
33, 23 & 24 coming on 6 right now
Dispatch: 11:51
21 if you don't have me I'm on my way 83 & 84 is here.
490 Apparently both the shooters are in kitchen/cafeteria at this time.
(unknown) Were getting shots over here on the E side.
Dispatch: All officers from Jefferson county on CLEER they found a bomb device on the E side of Wadsworth and Chatfield.
483 I got 1 party down on W side of school.
Dispatch: Any cars cover 483 W side of school?
483 I got a bunch of people down I need a lot more cars to get these kids down W side theyre trapped. I got 2 kids 2 kids down.
Metro 9-483 Hold your position well get you covered in there within a couple of seconds, just stand where your at and maintain cover.
483 Ok theres 1 car out there, and their open.
Metro 9 Alright all units hold your position until we can get a rescue team in there.
Metro 9 Wayne stop for a minute.
We got 4 cars on the W side, we got ambulances coming to the W side?
82 We got 3 down on the W side we need an ambulance.
Metro 9 To that DG ambulance stay where you're at don't go in.
496 Im on the W side we actually have 3 down.
430 We have 3 gunshot victims on the SW side we need at least a couple of ambulances up here.
432 We got cover over here so they can come over here on SW side.
Dispatch: Jefferson county and ambulances have been notified parties down, ambulances responding.
Ambulance 4 (A4) Yeah were with a swat car to go into the scene we've just been dispatched.
Dispatch: Ok stand by please, 432 or 484?
Ambulance 4 is on the air any help getting them in or we hold our positions for Metro 9.
(Ambulance is guided into area)
410 Were over on the W side were going to try to transport this group of kids out.
Dispatch: Sir are you getting close?
Metro 9 Yeah were approaching the inner perimeter at this door where they are calling for cover for rescue.
400 Wheres Ben at?
430 He's over on the SW side with me, we're trying to get students out of the line of fire right now.
412 Both parties have bullet proof vests on.
96 Taking shots on the W side again.
Dispatch: Shots on the W side 11:57.
Tac29 Just for information on SW side party with a gun just came to the door, fired 3 rounds.
Dispatch: Tac 15 you were clear. Could it have been a male in a trench coat.
412 Both parties have bullet proof vests on, 1 armed with a shotgun, 1 armed with assault rifle.
Dispatch: Verifying they have vests on.
Confirmed.
Dispatch: All officers, parties have body armor, there are shots fired again on W side 11:58.
(Unknown)- Suspect #1 first name is Eric, last name Harris, Party #2 first name Dylan, Dylan is tall w/m blonde headed.
430 Can you confirm there are some ambulances coming up here, we got 4 or 5 gunshot victims up here whats your location again?
Were at the SW corner of the school here we've got probably a dozen officers and probably 30 students.
(location is given)
Ambulance 4 is there any chance of them getting the victims to us at roughly Pierce and Bowles?
430 we're doing exactly that right now were loading up most of the gunshot victims in our police cars and heading west on the greenbelt pathway.
Ok why don't you guys meet us about a quarter mile on Pierce and Bowles.
498 We have channel 7 flying over head us up there, listen and let us know if they see them come out or anything.
Dispatch: ok.
400-430 You have that section secure? Bill? You got that section secure so they can come in and get the victims?
430 I think we can see pretty much , uh most of the SW side we're on the corner so we can view to the N and to the E from where we are but I still think we need people in the uh NW corner and to the N of the school.
400 We will send the ambulances to you with their command and they're going to coordinate with you and get those people out, how many down?
430 Um Id say at least 5, we're still trying to get some people out.
400 SW corner of the building meet them there and set that up and get the injured out.
Patrol 1-Command 400 Uh would it be worth it to establish a staging area, bring in more Denver cars to hold the reserve to put them where you need them.
400 I got a ton now right here at Leawood and whatever this street is.
Patrol 1 Ok do you want more Denver cars out there?
Command 400 Uh not yet Mike, Leawood and Pierce is where we're at and we're still trying to finish establishing our perimeter.
Patrol 1 Ok is that gonna be the CP and do you want the mobile CP out there?
C 400 Yeah ask somebody to bring it out, that might not be a bad idea, this is right now where the CP is.
484 I got 1 party in my car shot, where are we taking them?
(Depew 483?) Take em to Caley and Yukon, there are ambulances going there.
Dispatch: 483 Channel 4 verifying that you are ok?
483 ok.
Dispatch: 484 Where did he tell you where to go with the victim? ambulances are meeting at the CP at Leawood and Pierce.
484 Call channel 4 have em go up to Caley and Yukon it's where the ambulances are going.
(unknown) Could you get a hold of the ambulance, the red ambulance responding here, they're driving into a very bad spot.
Ambulance 4 Metro guys in that red ambulance get out of the way.
(Unknown) Is there any way to do a Medivac here at Yukon and Caley?
716 Were gonna shut Bowles completely down.
Dispatch: Bowles will be shut down at 12:06.
84 we need an ambulance at Yukon and Caley court if we could do a Medivac, I don't want to loose this kid... is going out on us.
Dispatch: command car at the CP.
400 Desperately need an ambulance at Yukon and Caley for 484.
484 We need 2 at least, maybe 3.
400-430 Exact location for ambulance command to send an ambulance.
430 I don't see any right now, 484 calling for one Yukon and Caley I know there's some gunshot victims over there.
484 Yeah were at Yukon and Caley I got about 5 gunshot victims one is going out on us, going core.
Dispatch: 400 are you clear you have any ambulances there?
400 Yeah we have the ambulances command now he's getting the ambulances going (Unknown) Greg Romero you have your radio on?
Romero: Go ahead.
(Unknown) Is that body down by the door conscious or just staying there?
Romero: He stays there.
(Unknown) Ok the one in the corner that I can see.
Romero: In front of the silver car, green shirt... yes.
481 Where do you need me?
Dispatch: CP Leawood and Pierce.
?17 Im code 6 @ Bowles and Pierce.
Zebra4-400 I got detectives Riggs? Gable and Terry Rich headed your way if you need the technical support.
400 Uh right now we got plenty of detectives here.
Zebra4 These are the guys that will do phones, wiring whatever you need.
499 Ok were gonna try and get the CP (mobile) down here Command4 to Capt. O'Neil.
Patrol 1 Were getting it now, we're lining up a driver.
(directions given)
Tac? Emergency we got about 6 more victims coming out.
We're clear will get some more cars down there to pick them up in a minute.
484 Total gunshot victims Yukon Caley court 8 gunshot victims.
?11 to Sgt. O'Shea or O'Neil.
(DePew?) We've got a large white linen van we could use for a rescue vehicle, got the keys in it.
(unk) We got Loomis armored car is gonna try to provide armored car if we need one.
?11 We've got some downed parties here we need to get out we got a great big chevy van, its running, 11 to Sgt. O'Shea or Bloodworth.
44 Can I get an ETA on these ambulances please?
745 We got one ambulance headed in now S bound Wadsworth at Crestline.
424 to O'Neil there's a guy on the roof right above you, who is that?
424 Steve, identify that guy! Wayne stay down in the van!
(DePew?) He's working on the roof he's just stuck up there.
424 Tell him to get down for me thanks, he's in my line.
(DePew?) Alright.
End of Tape 1 side A
Catnip's notes: Sorry, some of the numbers were inaudible and some did not identify themselves.
Tape 2 side A
Dispatch: Possible party on fire truck is a suspect?
(mumbled reply) Trying to extract them.... his name is Nathan, he's one of the bad guys.
Dispatch: Any officer on scene with the fire truck assisting getting people out?
10-4 Littleton fire chief can they give us anything more definitive?
We're getting 1 or 2 people out they're saying 1 of them may be 1 of the suspects.
Attention all units he says that his last name is Dykeman and he also if so can give us the rest of the names, if somebody can come by and get him.
Wheres that fire truck Greg?
He's backed up right to the door.
C2-C4: How many more Denver officers were you expecting?
C4 6 or so.
24 Wayne DePew: You got a Swat unit headed your way. Wayne did you hear, Identify yourself, they appear to be Jeffco.
DePew: Yeah Im out in front.
Unit 48: Were at Marshall and Fair we need more uniforms for large crowd.
C4 is on it, we'll handle it.
C4 repeated by Dispatch: Load up injured taking them on Pierce just S on Bowles to triage area 12:47.
400-430 Coming up where you are to the adjacent fence by the chevy.
(unk) Who does the black Chevy belong to? Belongs to C4.
(unk) Total number on this gang all w/m is 8-10.
Dispatch: 8-10 parties involved?
(unk) Negative total membership of this gang is 8-10 members, I have no idea how many are involved.
Dispatch: Still haven't gotten a hold of Metro unit with fire truck getting kids out of the school, anyone check to see if 1 of the parties is a suspect still have no description.
Tac29 Last name of Dykeman.
430 We'll pass it on.
242 Armored car, how do I get to CP? (directions given)
Tac6-Tac1 You need officers there sir? Steve you got your people?
District4 Yeah were down here around Marsh? and reservoir looking for a party, and were about done here.
Patrol1: If officers are available come and move their cars from Pierce.
Loomis armored car report to Bowles and Pierce.
999 Pipe bomb that was on a timed delay motion sensitive in a backpack at Chatfield and Wadsworth use caution for all other devices.
Dispatch: For all officers in the area there was a pipe bomb found @ Chatfield and Wadsworth use caution on any items 12:55.
745 I just got information from a construction worker they had a pipe bomb detonated right beside the road near Chatfield and Coalmine about an hour ago.
(unk) On E side of school @ Marshall @ Fair were getting a lot of traffic we do need some uniforms to protect these people they're getting in the line of fire.
(skipped a lot of requests for direction and locations of detectives, where children and families were to be taken etc)
Patrol1 All officers on all channels treat backpacks as suspicious devices, a device was located nearby.
Metro1-Adam9 We need to know who's watching the roof.
News 4 has somebody live may be a witness.
Metro12 We need someone to turn off the alarm (alarm in background) roof is clear.
Adam9 Ive got the principal of the school here.
900 If you need any bomb dogs alert them now.
24-Wayne DePew.
(unk) Go ahead I can give him a message.
24 Can you see into the entrance way?
Yes
Metro1-Metro3
Your right in the line of fire bomb squad pull up.
490 We've got a possible suspect somebody wants just left the library, a w/m in a tie-dyed T shirt unknown what he's wanted for but I got that from 5A.
Dispatch: Man in a multicolor shirt possible suspect information from 490, 490 any other description? 13:09.
Adam90 We need a bomb squad in lot we have a black truck with 2 backpacks in the bed of the truck.
1440 You might want to clear the air, Metro's gonna do an entry.
Dispatch: Metro to do entry @ 13:10.
Marshall and Fair device clear.
Just had a student on the news Channel 9.
Sgt. Horton They're gonna come across with a front loader.
Metro4 description 2 w/m, 1 tall blonde.
Go ahead 120 come in by library.
Adam9 Car information for you, copy car information on suspects.
Adam9 Cars that are associated to the 2 shooters, it's an old black Mercedes unk license plate had a bumper sticker of NIN on it. Second is a Honda civic with a bumper sticker that has Rammstein on it.
(verified)
Tac70 information 4xray were checking the cars 13:18.
End of Tape 2 side A
Tape 2 side B
(skipping the directions and general keyups)
4xray20 I got kids here who can ID from a yearbook.
Adam3B to Lt. in helicopter 4.
Tac70 Locate a yearbook? bring it to Fair and Marshall.
Adam3-Lt. Cooper.
Unit1-Sgt. Jones.
Metro3 Can you check on getting a floor plan or schematic for the school?
490 We have a male teacher and student trying to get out on E side of the school Male teacher on cell phone.
(Dispatch repeats)
FBI available.
Metro3 A student on 2nd floor called out on his cell phone, hiding under a desk says suspects are shooting, not at him just walking down the hall shooting for your information.
(per Randy this phone call was later found to be a prank call)
DepPew and Laureta (sp?) There's a bunch of students coming out if you want to assist those Metro guys.
Okay
Floor plan is at JCSO CP at Leawood and Pierce.
Hold any response from Denver until we find out what we've got.
144-Metro3 Orton.
Adam3-Chopper Lt. Cooper We need you on channel5 check perimeter for breaches.
Patrol1 Where do you want the press?
Tac29 Can you get a hold of the Metro guys on C let them know that where their at there's a little blue SUV just on the inside of the fence one of the Jeffco guys said there is a pipe bomb right there so they need to stay clear of that area.
Metro3 Close to a hundred students being evacuated.
NW corner? Closest to Steve. He's the closest one to you.
Someone in window 2nd floor SE corner near awning.
East side of school.
Male white T-shirt 2nd floor East side.
(Helicopter in background) West of awning entrance 2nd floor he's waving at us.
We got a SWAT guy on the roof should be able to see him.
Metro3 Do we have observation on the roof?
424 Roof is clear, 2 teenagers trying to get our attention near Littleton fire truck.
David 126 responding 13:26.
All Denver commanders meet me @ Denver CP.
Capt. Im with one of the teachers, tall kid 6' 200 lbs she was able to drag him into cafeteria he was wounded in the back. Also victim had been shot by someone in black jacket from the hill (Sean?)
Dispatch: We still have parties inside the school calling out 13:45.
Floorplan @ JCSO CP is ready to go.
We need a map N of the school.
Adam31-Lt. Vessa We're on the roof clearing it now.
433 Lots of parents who want to get to Leawood and Jay cant get through.
We have a yearbook with pictures.
490 You in the truck with Jeffco? Need to get a hold of Jeffco.
Reach them on CLEER.
FBI13 Cleer go 320.
24-430 Emergency - over in the alcove area we got a door open by a green Jeep, door wasn't open before.
I got it, we did it command.
4xray Plain clothes officers meet me at Leawood and Pierce.
End of Tape 2 side B
Tape 3 side A
13:56 135 In relation to party shot in the back, cafeteria, he was shot by parties on the hill NW security saw 3 males on hill, driving a black possibly dark blue small Toyota or Nissan right before this occurred.
Adam9 or Patrol1 clear on 135.
Patrol1 Hold parents at Leawood, keep it sanitized.
You got a bunch of kids running across Pierce, about 15 of them.
Dispatch: (repeated)
Could use a couple of Metro officers with attitude.
CP Leawood and Pierce need floor plans back.
4xray20 Hand written plans in the hands of cadette O'Neil.
Dispatch: O'Neil has floor plans.
All people off the roof now.
Xray65-Sgt. Jones Kids that were reunited to parents we are trying to get statements.
4xray20-4xray10 to Leawood and Pierce (need plain clothes officers).
4xray20 Sending 2 uniforms to Fair and Marshall to relieve plainclothes, barricade on standby if they need it.
Xray14 Do they have descriptions? I talked to witnesses with good suspect descriptions. I got 1 suspects name. 2 suspects 1-Eric Harris 2nd 1st name Dylan he is w/m 5'8-6' 15-18 yrs of age student, short blonde hair seen wearing blue baseball cap turned backwards, bright orange t-shirt, baggy jeans suspect possibly carried a shotgun. unknown explosive device possibly a grenade, break.
Dispatch: Is that Eric Harris or Dylan party? Unknown which one description for.
Suspect 2 Kacki colored cap, fuzzy long black hair, baggy jeans possibly a hand gun. 1 witness unk which one carrying semi auto. S of CP about 30 students a lot of good witnesses we need help for statements at Leawood and Pierce plain clothes.
Sgt. Martinez coming down.
Adam72 Responding to help with interviews.
3 NCO's in the area at the moment its sterile.
642 Dispatch (repeat) Home Depot W. Crestline requesting bomb squad for backpack up against a tree, it was not there this morning.
950 & 954 Responding.
Adam9 Home Depot unattended backpack.
(Unk) Someone 2nd floor holding sign says I'm bleeding to death looks like an officer in the doorway right below them.
Union1-Capt. Leary wanted by Patrol1.
Union1-Patrol1 Anyone at Leawood taking statements, we need more.
Clean up air traffic.
529 Upstairs library, looks like female with a head injury.
Patrol1 Clear from Tac29 ... inside library, also 9 in foreign language.
43 We cant talk to the gal because of the news 4 copter.
Channel4 chopper - Can look in windows, looks like they might be trying to come out the window we are SW corner by hole in the window, were talking 2nd floor.
Patrol3 1 down W side by fire truck (Rachel?) N of armored car sign 1 bleeding to death and where windows are blow out S side 2 people face down in the building-2 face down in the building.
(repeated by dispatch)
Dispatch: Patrol verify 490 Requesting we need more ambulances. 4 additional call out by Tac29 861 East side there are people in doorway, don't look like officers, there is a Swat E side they are S of him.
Metro3 Jeans dark, shirt orange top Pierce and Fair, in door way, tell Swat to turn around.
861 East side SW of sign for school and flag hiding by doorway off lot.
Metro3 All our guys are inside we are trying to communicate.
(Unk) Those look like the students they are trying to evacuate.
Dispatch: Patrol1 We need a number we can call you.
End of Tape 3 side A
Tape 3 side B
(Unk) Have they Id the suspects, Possible Eric Harris and Dylan something.
491 Leawood are all students coming here.
Patrol1 Either Bowles and Long library or Leawood.
Xray14 Statistics- Students major area hit at B lunch in class A lunch in cafeteria apx 600 lunch off campus. 300-400 potential victims in cafeteria.
Tac29 Party looks like he's trying to come out 2nd floor, he's goin, he's still trying to get out, there trying to get him with the armored car.
Is it a suspect?
Looks like innocent, their using armored vehicle.
412 Officer DePew respond to CP.
DePew412 Were still clearing a couple of bridges.
They got him out, their putting him in the armored car, have ambulance ready for him.
Pierce and Fair Do we have a plan to debrief and move em out?
40 additional coming out, make sure they're searched, we got kids setting right behind a sniper team, were going to have folks in the way - (unk) Working on getting a hole in the fence.
Patrol3 We're back in the air, let Adam9 know (refueled)
Patrol1 Metro3 - Theyre on 5A 5C
823 Jay and Marshall-3 school buses were still trying to clear, stand by.
Half a dozen kids ready for busses 5 kids and 2 adults where Lamar meets Marshall.
50-75 kids coming your way.
Patrol to C4 Any detectives without assignment to Leawood and Pierce.
Sgt. Barker to Fair and Pierce.
142-Jones Tac29 Metro inside building SW corner Metro will meet there at doorway by fire truck.
John1 Press is following the bus.
Adam1-Patrol1 15 out through the fence safe now.
Patrol1-Capt. Luker(sp?)
Xray82 Anybody NW side 3 or 4 people with cameras walking toward school, have they entered the outer perimeter?
SW corner 4 paramedic... I'll direct.
Press are all over the place, I don't know who let them through.
Adam31 with SWAT emergency code 10 by the pumper.
Dispatch: Officers or ambulance Code 10, ambulance paramedics code 10 to rear of school 14:58 Xray20 we have intelligence when you're ready.
Tac5-Patrol1 Confirm you need ambulance Asap to CP.
John1-Patrol1 Sending anymore kids out the hole in the fence, come through, Im in the back yard, excuse me Fair and Pierce West to get these kids they don't need to be subjected to all these questions.
Adam31-Lt. Ryan Tell those paramedics we need a backboard Asap.
Patrol1 Are you clear they are requesting another ambulance by the pumper, the 2nd ambulance x24.
Guteras (sp?) We need you to send another ambulance. We need 2.
Backboards and medical ready by the pumper.
424 SW side overlooking roof and back door.
Xray20 I'm here with a parent whose on the phone with his daughter in science area, none of them injured 13 children 1 teacher, get that information to Metro3.
End of Tape 3 side B
Tape 4 side A
Swat on East side bringing kids out East side.
Adam1-Zebra Parent in contact with daughter inside school, where do I bring her?
Zebra20 Request for school bus, walking students out of outer perimeter buses on East side of school Adam31 Dont let em come into the hot zone yet.
(various mic clicks)
Zebra20 We have a Jeffco bus here-coordinate RTD buses at Bowles and Pierce.
Metro1-Capt. Collier-Mike and Jim, Jim at fence, I need to hook you up to Jeffco command and where you are sending them on the bus.
Patrol1-Leawood - A lot of parents, what hospital?
Jeffco advises they don't have names yet. Thanks.
Mike we got hundreds of parents here.
Patrol1-Collier Apx 250 out by now.
Kiekbusch coming down there now.
900-Patrol1 Are you looking for anybody in black or camouflage?
380-CP Parents been in contact with choir room have they been cleared yet?
They were hiding in the choir room, we are now doing a systematic search, we are close to that area Metro3 Was that the music room office? How old is this info? we cleared the music room 30 minutes ago Adam31 All paramedics to be directed multiple victims by the pumpers SW side?
Patrol1 Ambulances to SW side on their way.
Unit1-Metro1... Patrol1-Lt. Wheeler or Sgt. Marker-Barker.
X90-X70 At triage.
All fire equipment to fair standby, all fire equipment.
Adam3 Call me.
Ida15-Patrol1 I'll wait to talk to you in person, were not gonna send them through a fire zone. Stick with original plan through the fence.
241 Leawood Elementary ambulance Kids having trouble breathing.
Xray20-Capt. Collier General Westernall (sp?) is on scene have him come to the CP.
Devices by the door-Bring the truck.
Xray82-Patrol1 Have metro specifically check in library for any possible victims.
Bomb squad moving up, bomb dogs on scene several already pointed out.
124-123 If you need additional let us know, were still in traffic. What door do they want the bomb squad?
900-Bomb squad Let us know if you want us to come up with the dogs.
Bomb squad responding to East door, have someone direct them.
Metro4 is handling this.
(Unk) 2 they got in there might be suspects, bodies might be booby trapped.
20 detectives here we can leave 3 or 4 send the rest to Leawood elementary. 4 more to library.
10-11 Send to Leawood en route spreading them out between library and school.
Metro3 or any officer in the school, Any more students coming out?
We don't know yet.
123 Jeffco Guerra....Unit23 to Jeffco bomb squad.
This is 309 Im not sure where Guerra is.
Adam31 Shots fired in the gym area.
Dispatch: Shots fired in gym area 15:44.
End of Tape 4 side A
Tape 4 side B
Adam31-CP Arapahoe- Info. any suspects in custody?
1 was taken into custody... 2 in custody Arapahoe we are trying to do the math on this.
Ida1 Will there be more kids coming out?
(Unk) I don't know there was a flurry of shots about 20 minutes ago I understand there are several devices, don't know who is who yet.
123Arapahoe Move gear and team park in front of ambulance, we got several here were gonna do 1 at a time, we want you close Joe.
Baker11-Paramedic to Leawood for student in shock.
Dispatch: Paramedic in lot on scene 16:01.
Headquarters-Patrol1 Possible suspect vehicle from off duty officer- Silver 4 door car bumper sticker punk rock 1st parking space.
Zebra40-CP Leaving headquarters with 6 detectives from narcotics where do you want us to go Go to CP find Capt. Leary.
Metro1 Leary will be with you in a sec.
John1-Patrol1 Is there more kids?
Any number could still be hidden.
X70 Little confusion here, we are at library are we moving to Leawood, If they haven't been matched up with a parent. 100 to Leawood to match up with parents. Who is running the operation Jeffco? Mike I think I am.
X70 If them kids have been interviewed and your done, send them to Leawood.
Metro9-Patrol1 Trying to raise Metro command, we have pictures if that would help you inside (Unk) We have 2 parties inside with self inflicted.
Metro9 I got JCSO resource officer who can ID here at CP if your secure, I can send him in.
(cut... cut... unknown transmission)
(Unk) Be advised we are very certain we have the shooters inside self inflicted Im not sure whose jurisdiction.
Patrol1 I heard him say they have both parties, does Jeffco want SRO inside.
Will be quite a while, have him standby.
(Unk) Greg Romero anyone who shot to go to Leawood.
Metro9 Let him know his daughter is here and safe.
(Much of this part of this side concerns sending counselors, psychologist to parents and students.
Albertsons supplying food and water, the salvation army offering assistance.
All homicide personnel go to homicide channel.
Dispatch: Lincoln96 Your emergency ID has been activated numerous times.
745 Citizen gave me info on pipe bomb on road I want to give it to Jeffco.
Patrol1, 745 has possible info on device.
Standby.
The one on Wadsworth and Chatfield.
End of Tape 4 side B
Tape 5 side A
Talking about the one at Chatfield, they watched it being thrown and detonated.
Were real busy take a name and number.
Unit1 Would you please air all personnel, all officers who discharged suppressive fire to meet at CP.
Dispatch: (repeats)
250 Officer Grove.
434 Were walking to CP.
Dispatch: Parents to Leawood and Jay.
Patrol3-Adam9 Im on the ground, where do you want me now?
198-400 (series of mic clicks)
Union1 to dispatch When it settles down here, all personnel need to make statement, detailed statement any activity and location, forward to crimes against persons.
(Repeated by Dispatch) 16:54
Union1-Ida1 We got bomb dogs to assist in lot.
Sgt. Chew and Jeffco doing survey not moving any devices yet, meet SW corner.
Denver-All officers-Anyone who fired suppression.
All kids cleared from school.
Baker11 Any more kids to Leawood for interviews.
Negative.
Patrol1 No more at this point.
Baker11 clear 17:00.
430-Dispatch All personnel relieved on perimeter need to go to district 4 to write statement 17:03 Union3 to anybody at Leawood and Pierce- Help us out S block outgoing traffic so we can get days in Union123 we need to start disarming, we need everybody to stay on East side, If they hear shots its us.
Patrol1 All officers, during detonation stay on East side 17:06.
Union1-4Xray10 We had information at Bowles and Pierce may need additional detectives.
Ida2-CP Capt DEA officers has infa red was called to scene can you confirm?
Union1-Yankee1 If you're still with Kiekbusch we need debriefing on devices found.
Ida12 Who is looking for DEA with infra red?
I'll meet you down there.
Yankee1 (helicopter)-Union1 10 minutes up here West side of ambulances debriefing with Jeffco.
Yankee1-Union1 Right up here next to the Robert Clement park sign, bring your folks up here.
Union1-Union2 Clear all by CP briefing by Robt. Clement park sign in grass area West of CP.
(series of mic clicks)
Doing briefing crime lab and homicide to go in and process scene.
Union3 will respond.
17:25 44 relieved 496, 434 and 421.
Xray70 Crime lab on scene on this channel?
Zebra4-Adam4 Chief Abrams.
Zebra40- Attempt to raise Adam4.
Zebra Leawood doesn't need anymore detectives, Jones checking if they don't need em release em.
Union3-Adam4 Sending a couple of homicide detectives, sit in with our guys.
Union123 Emergency- All officers we have a large device in a vehicle W lot, advise all cars and helicopters stay out of area.
End of Tape 5 side A
Tape 5 side B
Where are you exactly?
Right by street at entrance to school coming up on you now.
Denver is on West side of school chief.
Union1-Patrol1 Whats your I call?
Control2 Who has a list of all students released, those who escaped unharmed?
Tac1 We got the list here at the school.
C2 Ok.
Adam8 Moving back from lot, more devices.
Get far enough back.
Union1-Bomb squad... go ahead we're really busy, we're on the backside of the school, we got 1 guy standing near the fence, he needs to move about 60 yards from the car.
Baker5-Union1 Call Capt. Hillburn (sp?)
Union3-Union1 Yes sir, that other thing we talked about, my nieces were located, their ok. I'll meet you there in a minute. Also that info you gave was correct, that party is at CP we notified his father he will pick him up.
9-Union1 I have an officer here who fired shots.
Report to Leawood Sgt. Marker we asked them earlier CP or Leawood?
Detectives have been told to stand down from Leawood.
31Romero still respond to Leawood to see Sgt. Marker.
Union123-Dispatch getting ready to fire disruptors on this large one, West side, all officers maintain position.
All officers make sure we get your statement.
Baker11 Lt. Pernell (sp?) requesting Nicoletti, anybody know where Nicoletti is?
Union123-Dispatch We still have a critical incident in this car, pipe bomb and incendiary, its gonna be a while.
Union2-CP...Go ahead.
Metro1 with you?
I haven't seen him
Metro1 is gone, I can page him.
Ok right away please.
Metro1 3 ......call me sir.
Metro4 Returning mobile CP to garage, just for clarification the police garage.
421Baker relieved heading back to station 18:02.
(Misc conversations on who has a ride with whom, where vehicles are parked etc)
Adam4-Metro1 Henry head down to the lab will you.
Jerry this is Bob Montoya, I need the shotgun and ammo if not deployed.
Ammo was given to Vessa, shotgun I'll get to you tomorrow morning.
Give me an I call... ok thanks Bob.
Union123-Dispatch Another emergency We just discovered another device in another vehicle, S end of school near cafeteria. S end near cafeteria move personnel back.
Union122 Outside or inside?
In car S side down E of what we're working on already.
Tac1 Sgt. meet Capt. on Intel1
Union123 We need to get pumper16 moved back closer to the street.
Union123 2nd device is as big as the one were working on its gonna take us a while... be patient 18:22.
Tac1 Any bomb squad on air?
122 Go ahead.
Tac1 Can you come to Leawood?
Who is calling?... Tac1.
Union120 We're really tied up.
Somebody found a back pack in the park and carried it over here. Leawood S side, we're not sure about it, a citizen carried it over.
(headed for Leawood with bomb dog)
Union123 We need to know if the houses, S baseline of the school, first 9 houses have been evacuated. We have 1 device 30 yards from fence and 1 hundred yards from fence.
Union3-Union123 Have cars in the N lot been cleared.
123-Don't know, very busy on SW side.
Union3 Jeffco pulling back, SWAT will do visual in daytime hours before it gets dark.
Union123 Device located in back seat covered with blanket or towel, cars reek of gasoline, there's several gallons of gasoline in these vehicles.
End of Tape 5 side B
Tape 6 side A
(skipping a lot of who is where, batteries needed and who is bringing them).
Patrol1-Union120 Are you in a position to relay description of vehicles your working on... black BMW 2 door, Gray Honda S side stickers all over it. The silver Honda 1st space outside cafeteria, check that too.
Union21-U2 I got about 30 more video tapes if you need them.
Union123-Dispatch I need status of houses, are they evacuated?
Dispatch: Jeffco is handling that.
Will get you an update.
Patrol1-Union123 Jeffco in process of evacuating.
Union123 pipe bomb ready to disrupt it.
Patrol1 We will let you know as soon as they let me know.
Mike O'Neil- Toms son is at Leawood looking for him.
Union1-Adam4 Need to meet with you to provide some information.
Union120-Patrol1 This car has the same device.
Union123 We're on target waiting for clearance of houses.
Just minutes.
Union1-Yankee1 Chief Abrams can just advise Chief Sanchez on that, then I'll let you know on that who told, them that was the wishes of district attorney Thomas, should be his call on that I believe.
Yankee1 Ok, yeah Im gonna send those guys home to be our dayshift if were not gonna do that Union1 Ok Hold on Chief Abrams is on the phone with Sanchez now.
Yeah, ok.
1-Union123 1 house to go.
(Discussion about sending more bomb dogs)
Adam4-Union1 Chief is comfortable with what you and I discussed... ok.
Union1-Yankee1 We sill go with original game plan document and release.
Yankee1-Yankee10 You clear on that? Send them home they will be the dayshift 7 & 9.
Patrol1-Union123 Everything been evacuated Let em know when its safe to return.
Its gonna be several hours.
Dispatch: Fire disrupter in a few seconds 19:01.
Patrol2-Patrol1 Are you at CP?
Confirm is there supposed to be media? they're down here 1/2 block of the school, down there where the Swat teams are.
Adam8-O'neil JCSO let 1 pool reporter with photographer in.
If their in your way let me know.
Ida1-Patrol1 I have a detective here with victim clothing & slug can you advise? it goes to JCSO can you confirm?
Union1-Control1 Any items recovered from Denver hospital follow our protocol, put em in our custodians office and JCSO will recover them there.
Adam2-Adam3 Anyone have the number to JCSO CP?
Capt. O'neil's there.
Im trying to reach Sheriff Stone.
Let me check, he's not here at CP.
Patrol1-Adam2 JCSO can reach him, you want to meet?
If he can call me, I've left the area.
Patrol1-Adam3 FBI would like to meet with you at CP if possible.
Be right over.
Union3-Union123 Fire dept. just moved.
Yeah they're behind us, they're all right.
Union123 We've got black BMW in W parking lot disarmed Just finishing up on that device, moving down to the other car in a few minutes.
We've got several more pipe bombs found in the black BMW its going to be a little longer.
Baker30-Union1 Is it correct Denver accompanied victims, Any items recovered at Denver hospital... does that include Swedish?
If its Denver personnel.
1 invoice multiple items?
Whatever works for you.
(Discussion about light trucks from DIA available) stand by parking lot still red hot.
309-123 Dave we got a live pipe bomb here, its got the match head fusing system again (car interior door bell in background)
End of Tape 6 side A
Tape 6 Side B
Union1-Chief Gordon (Discussion about sweep crew and when they will go in the school. A meeting is to be held first)
Adam9-Patrol1 Wanting to know when Bowles can be opened up.
Been working on that with the Sherrif will get back to you.
Ida2-CP Anybody in CP with JCSO intel?
(unk) I don't think so.
Zebra22 Tony, Estep was on the scene.
Ida12-2 Tony they are with him, go to Intel 1 please.
Adam4 to Union1 or 60 Can you do a survey, any Denver detectives or bomb squad on Bowles need to move their cars.
(Key ups for I calls or other channels. A lot of discussion on lights, where they are coming from and where they will be set up along with directions on the safest route)
L900 for radio check.
Dispatch: Lincoln72 we read you loud and clear.
Union123 Were moving into position to take on this third device in the other car down here.
Union4-Union11 Is it possible some students left before that may have had a pipe bomb in their car?
That's the concern.
Union3-Union60 we need an exact count of all our personnel.
Stand by
(Call to Sgt. Wisdom for batteries)
Patrol1 Were still operating on 5 and 5A we can secure from 5A and combine, advise personnel on A to come to 5.
(Discussion about batteries needed, and bomb dog cars blocking the street)
410-Union2 Call me at district 4 ASAP.
21-2 Its very important you call him sir.
End of Tape 6 side B
Tape 7 Side A
900-Patrol1 We'll have the dogs clear East parking lot, advise Adam4.
900-Patrol1 Go ahead Wayne.
The dogs can't work inside the building with the alarms ringing its too distracting.
It's gonna be a while before the building is clear.
(skipping discussions about batteries, lighting and flares being brought to the scene)
Patrol1-C900 Confirming Wayne the alarms still going off?
It was CP understanding they were not functioning.
When we were in the front lot they were distracting the dogs.
900-Patrol1 Alarms in back of the school are not going off, appears there on multiple zones.
(A silver Durango with tinted windows sped out of the lot past the bomb squad, there was concern it may have been someone hiding in the lot. It turned out to have police flashers on when it left the lot, it was cleared)
Union123-Dispatch were getting ready to fire disrupters on second device 20:55.
Patrol1-C900 Tec is on scene needs access to main panel in the office.
We'll have to get access through Jeffco.
Are you in contact with their commander?
I have no idea who he is or if he is out here.
I'll get with CP.
730 Any officers with cars on Bowles need to move or be towed. Tow eta 2 sec.
Union1-Patrol1 Some of those cars belong to officers at the hospitals. We sent detectives with each ambulance. They may be taking clothes or evidence to the evidence custodians office.
Patrol1-Ida1 Capt. Collier Is it possible for you to respond to CP?
I'm in a spot, cant get out right now. Can you call me?
800-730 Sgt. Wisdom Location of where we're gonna tow?
Adam9-Patrol1 Tow all to library at Bowles and Delong, Columbine public library.
Ida2-Ida12 go to Intel 1.
Dispatch-Det. Pennington Sir, switch to channel 2 talk to 40.
David 1,2 & 6 still here but in service 21:08.
Union123 Fire disrupter again 21:12.
955-Dispatch We just had sprinklers kick on in the fields. We're concerned they will kick on where EOD is located, we need them off.
More discussion on obtaining flares and batteries.
(The remaining 1/4 of this tape is blank)
End of Tape 7 Side A
Tape 7 Side B
(First half of this tape was blank, but did pick up where side A left off. Once again these are just portions of the tapes)
830-730 When we clear Bowles were gonna open it up.
I'll talk to Jeffco and get back to you.
Adam9-Patrol1 Two maintenance guys are shutting off alarm and sprinklers.
730-830 Bowles is clear.
JCSO needs a couple of officers at the park entrance to relieve the guys there.
Adam9-900 Creiger (sp?) Are you with those maintenance guys?
Yes I am.
Ok thank you.
Union123 Just an update: We got a car loaded with gas just like the other one. We are dealing with gas and a pipe bomb (repeated by dispatch) 21:37.
Dispatch: Bowles is open all officers on Bowles traffic, report to Pierce 21:37.
Union2-Union21 I'll make this short, Lt., Intel is here helping me on this, it does sound like it has some validity to it.
Alright I'll get to my car phone call you, You in intel?
No 1150.
900-Patrol1 Sprinkler off now?
Its off on North side.
730-CP Have a member of the faculty here, wants to get their car from the South lot.
Union122 We are working on a car bomb in that lot no body in the lot.
730 Ok.
Ida2-Ida12 Were you able to get the Capt.?
Two bomb squad guys met with him.
900-Patrol1 Its all shut down we are out of the building.
Thank you.
(alarms and sprinklers)
Union123-Dispatch Were in the process of emptying this 3rd car, we'll let you know when were finished 21:48.
Ida1-Adam4 Dave give me an I call.
Headquarters-120 Confirm if EOD are ready to take Swat into the school.
No were not clear, 1 pipe bomb coming out the door now. Truck will be coming around to pick up some of these devices.
Union120-Patrol1 We got most the stuff out on West side, Jeffco will meet, go in on East side and do the library.
Union123-Dispatch We got the 3rd and what we believe is the final car disarmed.
Dispatch-Patrol1 3rd and final car is disarmed, will let you know when clear to move into the school 21:58.
Union122-Union123 Stop over in front of the 1st car we just worked on Alex. We got 1 pipe bomb down there, we got 1 more out of the school, just to East or... Just to the West.
(directions given for lights)
800- All traffic officers relieved, complete statements give to Sgt. Killon (sp?)
Fair and Marshall relieved.
Fair and Pierce need relieving.
830-Wisdom They're relieving.
(more discussion on who is relieved by whom)
Ida1-Patrol1 Mike is anybody in school know the number of kids in this group? We need to ID the guys.
We need to find out who these guys are in the photo, were missing a bunch.
End of Tape 7 Side B
Tape 8 Side A
(A lot of channel switching and I calls, discussion on if a tabletop meeting for the morning would be canceled)
Ida1-Patrol1 Spontaneous detonation, were checking 22:37.
Adam9-Union21.
Ida2-Ida1 We don't appear to have injury.
Partial detonation, no injuries.
Clear.
(unk) Officer down on the West side?
Negative nobody is injured.
Ida2-Ida1 Meet me Intel 1 for a sec.
Patrol1&2 Bomb squad and Intel are all that's left.
Are we combined to Jeffco CP?
Yes.
Ida1-Patrol1 Gonna go home and get rest, our bomb squad will be back in AM.
Mike we still have an issue on cars of guys in this picture.
I'll check with Jeffco, nobody here from the school.
Verify all Denver are securing and we will secure here and report back at 10AM.
Dispatch-Patrol1 Advise when you and everyone are clear, I'll give you a return to normal operation, will be the tactical tomorrow?
Unknown at this time.
Ida1-Patrol1 I think not.
Clear Ida2-Ida1 Can we switch to Intel 1 for the rest of the night?
Ida1-Patrol1 When will we release the channel?
I'll see you at CP.
Ida1-Sgt. Chew Ida2 If i need you I'll speak to you on Intel.