Suspect Arrested for 2023 Justice Center Threat

A suspect has been arrested for placing a suspicious device outside the Larimer County Justice Center.

In the early morning hours of July 31, 2023, Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputies and other local law enforcement responded to a report of a suspicious device outside the Larimer County Justice Center (201 Laporte Avenue in Fort Collins). The Justice Center and surrounding businesses were evacuated, and court proceedings were canceled for the remainder of the day. Staff and patrons at surrounding businesses were advised to shelter in place until the Northern Colorado Bomb Squad removed the device.

Upon further inspection at a safe location, bomb technicians determined that the device had been intentionally designed to look like an improvised explosive with wiring and road flares.

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 November 4, 2025 and booked into the Larimer County Jail 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)

A booking photo is attached.

“Justice is a cornerstone of society, and protecting this process from disruption is extremely important to us,” said Captain Bobby Moll, who leads the LCSO Investigations division. “Our investigators worked together with the FBI for years to find answers in this case. Partnerships like this are vital to public safety in our region, and I’m grateful for the many agencies that responded and assisted during this incident.”

LCSO would like to thank Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County All Hazards Crisis Response Team, Northern Colorado Bomb Squad, Loveland Police Department, Colorado State University Police, and the Johnstown Police Department for their rapid response to the incident and extensive efforts to keep the public safe. The agency would also like to thank Poudre Fire Authority, UCHealth EMS, FBI, ATF, and Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office for their instrumental roles in the response and investigation.

The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.