Multiple booby-traps on trail lead to attempted murder arrest

At least once a year, the OutThere Colorado team covers an instance in which a Centennial State trail has been booby-trapped, with these traps often targeting mountain bikers, whether the traps come in the form of a snag strung across the trail or sharp logs seemingly placed with intent to impale oncoming cyclists. Many times, these cases unfortunately go unsolved, but if authorities are able to track down a person responsible, stiff consequences could be faced by the culprit.

The serious nature of this malicious act is being put on full display in an ongoing investigation that's taking place in Germany with a 59-year-old man getting arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly setting booby traps on a popular mountain biking trail.

The 59-year-old male of Hardthausen has been accused of stringing wires across the route, which could be capable of causing serious injury or death if struck by a moving cyclist. The wires were found on the trail several times between mid-June and early August 2024.

Some of those in Colorado may remember a similar situation that resulted in injury in Colorado Springs, when a cyclist hit a trip wire on a heavily-trafficked trail, ultimately breaking her ribs and collarbone as a result.

German authorities have pointed to ongoing friction related to shared use of the public space as a potential motive for placing the wires, also stressing the importance of harmonious coexistence between hikers, bikers, hunters, and others.

This idea of peaceful use together is also relevant to Colorado, as just last week a cyclist was accused of throwing large rocks at a passing vehicle after claiming that motor vehicles weren't allowed on the route. The driver was headed up the road to do maintenance work on a backcountry hut at the time.

All of these scenarios serve as a reminder to avoid conflict in the backcountry, but to react will a cool head when something occurs that is frustrating. Everyone won't have the best trail etiquette making it important to lead by example and to approach situations where friction may arise with caution.

Report any suspicious behavior or sightings on the trail to local authorities. The same can be said for irresponsible trail users. Don't try to take matters into your own hands.

Read more about the situation here .

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