Shelter-in-place lifted for area near Folsom Parking Garage at CU Boulder

Shelter-in-Place Lifted at CU Boulder After Police Incident Near Folsom Parking Garage

On February 24, 2025, a security alert at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) led to a temporary shelter-in-place order for individuals near the Folsom Parking Garage and Champion Center. The alert, issued by the CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD), was triggered by reports of an armed individual on campus. After several tense hours, the situation was resolved, and normal operations resumed.

How the Incident Unfolded

The situation began around 1:38 p.m., when a witness reported seeing a firearm fall from a man’s clothing as he walked across campus. The individual quickly retrieved the weapon and fled the area, prompting immediate police response. Officers arrived at the Folsom Parking Garage and secured the area while they searched for the suspect.

During this time, the CUPD issued an emergency alert, warning students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place and avoid the area surrounding the garage and Champion Center. As law enforcement worked to assess the threat level, CU Boulder activated its emergency response protocols, ensuring that individuals in nearby buildings remained indoors for safety.

Police Response and Investigation

By 3:29 p.m., CUPD announced that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted for the stadium area. Authorities confirmed that the Folsom Garage was secure, and there was no immediate threat to campus safety. However, law enforcement continued to search for the suspect, who had fled in a vehicle.

Further investigation by the Boulder Police Department (BPD) revealed that the suspect was an armed male searching for a woman with whom he had a prior relationship. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was subject to an active domestic violence protection order, meaning he was legally prohibited from approaching the woman.

Standoff and Tragic Outcome

At around 3 p.m., BPD officers located the suspect’s vehicle near 40th Street and Table Mesa Drive. Given the potential danger, authorities issued a new mandatory shelter-in-place order for that area as the BPD SWAT team attempted to de-escalate the situation.

For over four hours, law enforcement engaged in negotiations, urging the suspect to surrender peacefully. Despite their best efforts, the situation ended in tragedy—at approximately 7:17 p.m., the suspect took his own life.

Campus and Community Reactions

The CU Boulder community was shaken by the incident, but swift police action prevented harm to students and faculty. The university later issued a statement emphasizing the importance of campus safety measures and commending law enforcement for their quick and coordinated response.

“This situation was handled with professionalism and urgency by our officers and emergency teams,” said a CU Boulder spokesperson. “While this was a frightening experience, we are grateful that no innocent lives were lost.”

Lessons on Campus Safety

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness on college campuses. Universities across the U.S. have faced an increasing number of security threats, prompting institutions to enhance their safety measures and improve communication systems for rapid response.

At CU Boulder, students and faculty are encouraged to stay informed about emergency procedures, sign up for campus alerts, and report any suspicious activity to university police.

Conclusion

While the incident near the Folsom Parking Garage ended tragically, the swift and coordinated response by law enforcement ensured that CU Boulder students and faculty remained safe. The event highlights the importance of strict gun regulations, domestic violence protection enforcement, and mental health support.

As the campus moves forward, discussions on improving security policies and supporting individuals in crisis will remain a priority.