Boulder County SWAT team hunting suspect who fled marijuana operation - Boulder Daily Camera

SWAT teams from Boulder County, Larimer County and Longmont are searching for a suspect "known to be heavily armed" in the mountains west of Lyons after the man fled from officers who were in the area searching for a reported marijuana-growing operation.

Boulder County sheriff's officials say they received a tip last week that hikers had stumbled on a marijuana grow near the towns of Riverside and Raymond.

Sgt. Mike Dimond said, "It's not your typcial marijuana grow, where there are just a few plants. This was a more professional set-up."

The Boulder County Drug Task Force was in the area today conducting surveillance when officers say a man flee the area. Dimond said the suspect -- a 5-foot-6, 150-pound Hispanic male -- is believed to be armed.

More than 20 officers are involved, and a helicopter is being sought to aid in the search. Sheriff's officials have asked the Air National Guard for assistance, but that has been turned down because of windy conditions, according to police scanner traffic.

"It's a very mountainous, rugged area," sheriff's Cmdr. Heidi Prentu said.
Authorities are staging at the Raymond Store and Cabins on Riverside Drive. An officer met with Jerry Brooks, who runs the store.

"They're pretty tight-lipped about it," Brooks said. "It's not a practice. It's the real thing. It's kind of mysterious."
copobo Reviewed by copobo on . grow bust in Boulder County (near Lyons) Boulder County SWAT team hunting suspect who fled marijuana operation - Boulder Daily Camera SWAT teams from Boulder County, Larimer County and Longmont are searching for a suspect "known to be heavily armed" in the mountains west of Lyons after the man fled from officers who were in the area searching for a reported marijuana-growing operation. Boulder County sheriff's officials say they received a tip last week that hikers had stumbled on a marijuana grow near the towns of Riverside Rating: 5