Aspen bomb threats at two banks in downtown Aspen triggered emergency measures. Buildings and streets were evacuated around Wells Fargo Bank.

Wells Fargo Bank called police at 2:30 pm that they received a suspicious pack with a note. It was a suspected bomb threat. Vetra Bank also called police to inform that they received a suspicious package and note. Yet another bomb threat. Vetra, Wells Fargo and Alpine banks all closed down.

Police have tried their best to block the streets in the affected areas because of the Aspen bomb threats but pedestrians still strolled past. New Year’s eve celebrations may or may not be canceled due to the situation caused by the Aspen bomb threat.

Aspen street photo.

Aspen video.

Updated. Jan. 1, 2009.

Police said surveillance cameras caught footage of an older looking man leaving the packages. The packs were left on top of pizazz boxes on black sleds. Police are searching for Jim Blanning, 71. Blanning used to live in Aspen until 2002. Then, in 2003, Blanning went to stay in Denver.

The Aspen fireworks show was canceled.

Updated. Jan. 1.

The suspect has been identified as James Blanning. Apparently there was a nickname or slight alteration in the name released earlier. James Blanning was found dead in his vehicle. Blanning appeared to have shot himself. Police said there was at least 1 rifle in his car.

In 1994, James Blanning, then 58, had standoff with authorities. Blanning threatened to hang himself from the roof of the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen. Blanning held off officers for 7 hours before surrendering.

Read the note supposedly left by the suspect, James Blanning.

James Blanning photo in CNN news.

James Blanning’s previous incidents.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 at 10:29 pm and is filed under News.