Denver Dispatch Tapes 1-8, Condensed Version

Tape 1 Side A

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 South Pierce, 2 males in trench coats have shotguns and possible grenades.

Dispatch: 484, Ok I’m trying to get Command Post (CP) for you. I’m trying to get information from Jefferson County. They are sort of busy possible CP on Leaway. I’m trying to get that location.

Leawood Place is what we were told. This is 490. The suspect is in the cafeteria with approximately 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 one of the buildings and they probably can use more assistance here with traffic and getting these kids evacuated.

Ok we got several cars coming.

400: Where’s the CP?

C4: Off Leawood Way, I'll give you better instructions 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, a 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, I’m 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: I’m going to be at Leawood and Pierce in 90 seconds. Is there a commanding officer?

Dispatch: Jefferson County is on scene sir.

498 and 484: Code 6

Metro 9: What’s 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 civilian attire.

Can you hook up with Lt. Vessa, I’m 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 them come up from the South. The school hasn’t been totally secured yet. And prepare to take over the west 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 south going to take up the West side of the school.

Tac15/29: 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. That’s 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: I’m at Clement Park entrance here I have it blocked off just south of the CP. I need somebody at the Park entrance on the north side. I’ve 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 north entrance of the park, entrance off Bowles.

33, 23, and 24 coming on 6 right now.

Dispatch: 11:51.

21: If you don’t have me I’m on my way, 83 and 84 is here.

490: Apparently both the shooters are in kitchen/cafeteria at this time.

We’re getting shots over here on the east side

Dispatch: All officers from Jefferson County on CLEER, they found a bomb device on the east side of Wadsworth and Chatfield.

483: I got one party down on west side of school.

Dispatch: Any cars cover 483, west side of school?

483: I got a bunch of people down. I need a lot more cars to get these kids, down west side, they’re trapped. I got 2 kids, 2 kids down.

Metro 9: 483 hold your position. We’ll get you covered in there within a couple of seconds, just stand where you’re at and maintain cover.

483: Ok there’s one 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 west side. We got ambulances coming to the west side?

82: We got 3 down on the west side, we need an ambulance.

Metro 9: To that DG ambulance, stay where you’re at, don’t go in.

496: I’m on the west side, we actually have 3 down.

430: We have 3 gunshot victims on the southwest side. We need at least a couple of ambulances up here.

432: We got cover over here so they can come over here on southwest side.

Dispatch: Jefferson County and ambulances have been notified parties down, ambulances responding.

Ambulance 4 (A4): Yeah we’re 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 west side, we’re 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: Where’s Ben at?

430: He's over on the southwest 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 west side again.

Dispatch: Shots on the west side 11:57.

Tac29: Just for information, on southwest side party with a gun just came to the door, fired 3 rounds.

Dispatch: Tac15 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 west side 11:58.

Suspect [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], first name is Eric, last name Harris. Party [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], 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.

What’s your location again?

Were at the southwest 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: were doing exactly that right now, we’re 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 overhead 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 most of the southwest side. We’re on the corner so we can view to the north and to the east from where we are but I still think we need people in the northwest corner and to the north 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: I’d say at least 5, were still trying to get some people out.

400: Southwest corner of the building, meet them there and set that up and get the injured out.

Patrol 1: Command 400, 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: Not yet Mike. Leawood and Pierce is where we’re at and were still trying to finish establishing our perimeter.

Patrol 1: Ok is that going to 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 them 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 them go up to Caley and Yukon, it’s where the ambulances are going.

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.

Is there any way to do a medivac here at Yukon and Caley?

716: Were going to 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 medevac, I don’t want to lose 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 we’re at Yukon and Caley. I got about 5 gunshot victims, one is going out on us, going cold.

Dispatch: 400, are you clear you have any ambulances there?

400: Yeah we have the ambulances command now he's getting the ambulances going.

Greg Romero you have your radio on?

Romero: Go ahead.

Is that body down by the door conscious or just staying there?

Romero: He stays there.

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: I’m 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: Right now we got plenty of detectives here.

Zebra 4: These are the guys that will do phones, wiring, whatever you need.

499: Ok were going to try and get the CP (mobile) down here Command4 to Capt. O’Neill.

Patrol 1: We’re 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’Neill.

(Depew?): We’ve got a large white linen van we could use for a rescue vehicle, got the keys in it.

We got Loomis armored car, is going to 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 south bound Wadsworth at Crestline.

424: To O’Neill 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

Tape 1 Side B

11: Is this a suspect on the roof?

Disregard, it’s not, we’re going to get him down.

Horton?

24: Depew, ask him if there's some way he can lock up that roof so nobody else comes out that way.

Dispatch: 484 or 483 do we have ambulances on scene yet?

4xray12: Yeah we had 2 names on suspects.

Dispatch: I have Eric Harris and Dylan, tall w/m blonde hair, that's all I have.

Possible last name of Kirtz or something like that.

Zebra22: Will you put myself, 216, and 223 responding to CHS for tec support?

Dispatch: yeah ok.

400: Horton?

400: Location?

Horton: Southwest corner of school.

400: Give me access route.

(access route given)

484: Verify Yukon Caley, we got media here.

Adam9: Supervisor at High School, we got a pumper coming in with about 10 metro officers.

Adam9: 430, you at scene?

412: We got a w/m running toward the CP. He's got a multicolor shirt. He's the party that was on top of the roof. He’s a repairman here at the school.

Dispatch: All officers, a party in a multicolored shirt running towards the CP per 412 was working on the roof, is OK.

400: CP to bring me a couple of officers over here, I’m at Yukon Caley. I need help with press people and we got a bunch of students and we got a bunch of victims. I’m with 484.

Dispatch: Any officers not assigned a location Caley Yukon to assist with injured parties and students.

?70: I can go over there.

4 Adam: 400 I can go over there, how do I get there?

(directions given)

Patrol1: Code 6, Leawood and Pierce.

412: I’m not for sure but the repairman said he put a pair of vice grips on the door handle so the parties cannot get to the roof. Just might have to have somebody check it.

4x20: Ryan, I got a bunch of detectives here if you want to set up debriefing.

Send a couple to Yukon Caley.

We got parents all over the area. Is there a place we’re sending families?

Send them to CP.

On foot.

490: 400, can Steve or one of your supervisors give me a call on 4?

400: Is it real important? We’re kind of busy.

490: I understand that your relationship to somebody at the scene.

400: Lester's doing it.

490: Ok.

Patrol 3: CP (mobile) Unit on its way.

Dispatch: CP is in route 12:20.

123 Bomb Squad pulling in the neighborhood for assistance if they need us.

Dispatch: OK, 12:20.

We have information shooters belong to the trench coat gang.

Dispatch: Verifying trans co gang?

Trench coat gang, this guy's a senior, his name is Dylan.

He said trench coat, there's one lying right in front of the doorway with a bunch of magazines, he's saying trench coat.

Zebra20: 400 or Command 4.

430: 400, are we going to get a fire truck over here? We need one for an extraction?

I’m not CP anymore, call CP 4 or Metro 1.

30: Metro1.

430: CP.

Ambulance 4: Let metro guys know we’re setting up a triage here on Pierce, 3 blocks south of Bowles, if they want to throw people in their cars or drag them down here, we'll be waiting for them.

Z20: 430, Where's CP?

430: I couldn’t tell you.

Command 4 (C4): Who's asking?

Z20: Captain, I have a few of my tec's headed your way, where could I meet up with you?

C4: South on Pierce, you'll see everybody.

Metro4: C4.

400: C4, we could probably get our whole core of VA people out here. We got a lot of upset students out here. We need to start getting organized and the people talked to.

Metro 3: Send us the robot out here please.

Union120: On the way.

Reference robot southwest corner, we have 2 different sets of doors wide open, they wouldn’t need to open them to try to get the robot in.

430: Can we get a fire truck to the southwest side please, preferably with a ladder, we have 2 parties shot and down, not able to get them.

C4: Det. Wilson, make that Thomas.

C4: 00.

424: I have movement in the parking lot, looks like there's a ‘71 Chevy pickup, 1 party, I can’t make out, Sgt. O’Shea to your right.

Victim at Caley and Yukon cleared by paramedics.

Dispatch: Any officer at CP, 400 asked for a ladder truck to assist southwest side in getting victims out. Is there any other agency or fire truck can assist with that?

Call Jeffco Schools to line up a bus.

Dispatch: Parents, students being sent to Long and Bowles library 12:29.

Metro 9: Orton.

Orton: that's your last trip through.

Metro 3: Notify Fire Department, shut alarm off without going into building, it's causing problems.

Dispatch: 721, minister says he was called to Leawood Elementary to assist (Jay and Bowles directions given).

4xray20: Emergency, we got a bunch of people in the line of fire on Fair over here, we need uniform officers to back them up 6600 Fair... east side Fair.

(skipped a lot of key ups and directions)

498 (relaying Depew phone call): Kids just heard another shot, freezer area.

Jeffco's going in.

400: 870, perimeter, need additional, northwest side of school, wide open by ball field, nobody is there.

400: 430, 4 wheel drive Jeffco dump truck coming.

(discussion about horses available)

Horses are on their way.

Zebra22: Dispatch CP Leawood and Pierce.

New CP Bowles and Pierce.

Metro3: Is Chopper up?

(calling for helicopter)

We have media with Jeffco, trying to get a second media with a spotter. Media with Jeffco already up.

498: Where are people from inside the school going to?

Standby.

498: I have a student with me. Need to know where to take him.

Dispatch: Any supervisor, Adam9, student not injured, need to know where to go.

C4: Bus to transport.

342: Loomis car on its way.

Metro3: Adam9, Ready to make a rescue, is roof clear?

Adam9: Roof is clear.

Metro 3: Complete roof top?

Adam9: Metro 3 checking, roof clear.

Need media chopper to pick one of my guys up (spotter).

Tac29: 1 student just crawled out, 20 students in kitchen area near lunchroom.

400: Multiple shots, southwest corner.

Movement from the head there on your right.

400: 430, is that you over there with all the fire?

I think it’s more cover fire than anything else.

Tac29: Verifying possible party on fire truck is suspect.

Any officer on fire truck?

End of Tape 1 Side B

Tape 2 Side A

Dispatch: Possible party on fire truck is a suspect?

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 can give us the rest of the names, if somebody can come by and get him.

Where’s 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 I’m out in front.

Unit48: We’re 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 south on Bowles to triage area, 12:47.

400: 430, coming up where you are to the adjacent fence by the Chevy.

Who does the black Chevy belong to? Belongs to C4.

Total number on this gang, all w/m, is 8-10.

Dispatch: 8-10 parties involved?

Negative, total membership of this gang is 8-10 members, I have no idea how many are involved.

Dispatch: Still haven’t got 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 we’re down here around Marsh and Reservoir looking for a party, and we’re 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.

On east side of school @ Marshall @ Fair, we’re 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)

Patrol1: All officers on all channels treat backpacks as suspicious devices, a device was located nearby.

Metro 1: Adam9, we need to know who's watching the roof.

News 4 has somebody live, may be a witness.

Metro 12: We need someone to turn off the alarm (alarm in background), roof is clear.

Adam9: I’ve got the principal of the school here.

900: If you need any bomb dogs, alert them now.

24: Wayne Depew.

Go ahead I can give him a message.

24: Can you see into the entrance way?

Yes.

Metro1: Metro3.

You’re 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 going to 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 going to come across with a front loader.

Metro 4: 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, unknown 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, we’re checking the cars, 13:18.

End of Tape 2 Side A

Tape 2 Side B

(skipping the directions and general key ups)

4xray20: I got kids here who can ID from a yearbook.

Adam3: To Lt. in helicopter 4.

Tac70: Locate a yearbook? Bring it to Fair and Marshall.

Adam3: Lt. Cooper.

Unit1: Sgt. Jones.

Metro 3: 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 east side of the school, male teacher on cell phone.

(Dispatch repeats)

FBI available.

Metro 3: 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.
(This phone call was later found to be a prank call)

Depew and Laureta? There’s a bunch of students coming out if you want to assist those metro guys.

Ok.

Floor plan is at JCSO CP at Leawood and Pierce.

Hold any response from Denver until we find out what we’ve got.

144: Metro 3 Orton.

Adam3: Chopper, Lt. Cooper, we need you on Channel 5. 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 they’re 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.

Metro 3: Close to a hundred students being evacuated.

Northwest corner? Closest to Steve, He’s the closest one to you.

Someone in window, 2nd floor, southeast 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.

Metro 3: 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., I’m with one of the teachers, tall kid, 6' 200lbs, 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.

Dispatch: We still have parties inside the school calling out 13:45.

Floor plan @ JCSO CP is ready to go.

We need a map north 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 can’t 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: Clear, 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 northwest 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 Cadet O’Neill.

Dispatch: O’Neill 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 suspect’s 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 Kaki colored cap, fuzzy long black hair, baggy jeans, possibly a hand gun. 1 witness unknown which one carrying semi auto. South 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, it’s sterile.

642: Dispatch, Dispatch, Home Depot West Crestline requesting bomb squad for backpack up against a tree. It was not there this morning.

950 & 954 Responding.

Adam9: Home Depot unattended backpack.

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 can’t talk to the gal because of the News 4 helicopter.

Channel 4 Chopper: Can look in windows, looks like they might be trying to come out the window. We are southwest corner by hole in the window, we’re talking 2nd floor.

Patrol3: 1 down west side by fire truck, north of armored car, sign 1 bleeding to death and where windows are blow out south 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. Four additional call out by Tac29.

861: East side, there are people in doorway. Don’t look like officers. There is a Swat east side, they are south of him.

Metro 3: Jeans dark, shirt orange top, Pierce and Fair, in door way, tell Swat to turn around.

861: East side, southwest of sign for school and flag, hiding by doorway, off lot.

Metro 3: All our guys are inside, we are trying to communicate.

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

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, approximately 600 lunch off campus, 300-400 potential victims in cafeteria.

Tac29: Party looks like he's trying to come out 2nd floor, he's going, he's still trying to get out, there trying to get him with the armored car.

Is it a suspect?

Looks like innocent, they’re using armored vehicle.

412: Officer Depew respond to CP.

Depew: 412, we’re still clearing a couple of bridges.

They got him out. They’re putting him in the armored car. Have ambulance ready for him.

Pierce and Fair, do we have a plan to debrief and move them out?

40 additional coming out. Make sure they’re searched. We got kids setting right behind a sniper team. We’re going to have folks in the way, working on getting a hole in the fence.

Patrol3: Were back in the air. Let Adam9 know (refueled).

Patrol1: Metro 3, they’re on 5A 5C.

823: Jay and Marshall, 3 school buses were still trying to clear, stand by.

Half a dozen kids ready for buses, 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 southwest 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?

Xray82: Anybody, northwest side, 3 or 4 people with cameras walking toward school. Have they entered the outer perimeter?

Southwest corner 4 paramedic… I'll direct.

Press is 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 I’m in the backyard, 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? We need you to send another ambulance. We need two backboards and medical ready by the pumper.

424: Southwest side, overlooking roof and back door.

Xray20: I’m here with a parent who’s 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: Don’t let them come into the hot zone yet.

(various microphone clicks)

Zebra20: We have a Jeffco bus here, coordinate RTD buses at Bowles and Pierce.

Metro 1: Capt. Collier, Mike and 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, approximately 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 pumper’s southwest side.

Patrol1: Ambulances to southwest 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 going to 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 ? 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.

Metro 4 is handling this.

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, four more to library.

10: 11, send to Leawood, enroute, spreading them out between library and school.

Metro 3 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. I’m 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?

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.

123: Arapahoe, move gear and team, park in front of ambulance. We got several here. We’re going to do one 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.

Metro 1: 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 the kids have been interviewed and you’re done send them to Leawood.

Metro 9: Patrol1, trying to raise Metro command. We have pictures if that would help you inside.

We have 2 parties inside with self-inflicted.

Metro 9: I got JCSO resource officer who can ID here at CP. If you’re secure, I can send him in.

Be advised, we are very certain we have the shooters inside, self-inflicted. I’m 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.

Greg Romero, anyone who shot to go to Leawood.

Metro 9: Let him know his daughter is here and safe.

(The remaining part of this Tape concerns sending counselors and psychologists to parents and students, Albertson’s supplying food and water, and 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.

We’re 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: We’re walking to CP.

Dispatch: Parents to Leawood and Jay.

Patrol3: Adam9, I’m on the ground, where do you want me now?

198: 400 (series of microphone 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 southwest corner.

Denver: All officers, anyone who fired suppression.

All kids cleared from school.

Baker11: Anymore 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 south, 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, it’s 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, Captain, DEA officers has infrared, 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 infrared?

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 Robert Clement Park sign, in grass area, west of CP.

(series of microphone 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 any more detectives. Jones checking, if they don’t need them release them.

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 west 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, What’s 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?

Union3: Union1, yes sir, that other thing we talked about, my nieces were located, they’re 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.

31: Romero, 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? requesting Nicoletti. Anybody know where Nicoletti is?

Union123: Dispatch, we still have a critical incident in this car, pipe bomb and incendiary, it’s going to be a while.

Union2: CP, go ahead.

Metro 1 with you?

I haven’t seen him.

Metro 1 is gone, I can page him.

Ok, right away please.

Metro 1 3… call me sir.

Metro 4: Returning mobile CP to garage, just for clarification, the police garage.

421: Baker relieved, heading back to station, 18:02.

(Conversations on who has a ride with whom, where vehicles are parked)

Adam4: Metro 1, 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, south end of school near cafeteria. Send near cafeteria, move personnel back.

Union122: Outside or inside?

In car, south side down east 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. It’s going to 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 south 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, south, baseline of the school, first 9 houses, have been evacuated. We have 1 device 30 yards from fence and 100 yards from fence.

Union3: Union123, have cars in the north lot been cleared?

123: Don’t know, very busy on southwest 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 wreak 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 you’re working on...

Black BMW, 2 door. Gray Honda, south side, stickers all over it. The silver Honda, 1st space outside cafeteria - check that too.

Union21: U2, I got about 30 more videotapes 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’Neill, Tom’s son, is at Leawood looking for him.

Union1: Adam4, need to meet with you to provide some information.

Union120: Patro1, 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, I’m going to send those guys home to be our dayshift if we’re not going to 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 still 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 them know when it’s safe to return.

It’s going to 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’Neill, JCSO let 1 pool reporter with photographer in.

If they’re 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 them in our Custodian’s Office and JCSO will recover them there.

Adam2: Adam3, anyone have the number to JCSO CP?

Capt. O’Neill's there.

I’m 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 Department just moved.

Yeah they’re behind us, they’re alright.

Union123: We’ve got black BMW in west 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, it’s 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 it’s 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. It’s got the match head fusing system again (car interior doorbell ringing in the 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 Sherriff, will get back to you.

Ida2: CP, anybody in CP with JCSO intel?

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: We’re 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,

Standby.

(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, it’s 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, it’s too distracting.

It's going to 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, we’re 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 Custodian’s Office.

Patrol1: Ida1, Capt. Collier is it possible for you to respond to CP?

I’m in a spot, can’t get out right now. Can you I call me?

800: 730, Sgt. Wisdom location of where were going to 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, and 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)

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)

830: 730, when we clear Bowles we’re going to 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? 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.

Dispatch: (repeats above), 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?

It’s 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, nobody in the lot.

730: Ok.

Ida2: Ida12, were you able to get the Captain?

Two Bomb Squad guys met with him.

900: Patrol1, it’s all shut down, we are out of the building.

Thank you

(Alarms and sprinklers)

Union123: Dispatch, we’re in the process of emptying this 3rd car, we'll let you know when we’re 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 we’re 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?

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, we’re missing a bunch.

End of Tape 7 Side B

Tape 8

(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.

Officer down on the west side?

Negative, nobody is injured.

Ida2: Ida1, meet me Intel 1 for a sec.

Patrol1 and 2, Bomb Squad, and Intel are all that's left.

Are we combined to Jeffco CP?

Yes.

Ida1: Patrol1, going to 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.

End of Tape 8