Business Owners Seek Answers Following Explosion in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Numerous business owners in Colorado Springs are anxiously awaiting answers after an explosion occurred near downtown in January, leaving them concerned about the safety of their establishments.

According to the Colorado Springs Police, multiple calls were received reporting an explosion near Costilla Street and El Paso Street at around 10:10 p.m. on January 12. The incident took place just north of South Shooks Run Park, a popular area for locals and visitors alike.

Authorities have confirmed that the explosion involved an explosive device, as evidenced by the discovery of scattered parts at the scene. The Colorado Springs Police Department Explosives Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) promptly responded to the incident, taking charge of the investigation and processing the area for further analysis.

Edward Kiley, a suspect linked to the explosion, was apprehended on January 23 and subsequently released on bail. Court records indicate that Kiley is facing various charges, including arson, violent crime, possession of explosive devices, criminal mischief, and possession of a controlled substance.

Video footage obtained by 11 News reveals the explosion on the night of January 12, depicting what seems to be an “improvised hot-air balloon” with a flaming object attached to it. The balloon appears to have caught fire after becoming entangled in a fence, resulting in the subsequent explosion. As a result, four windows and a garage door, located approximately 50 feet away from the blast site, sustained damage.

According to arrest papers obtained by investigators, this is not the first incident involving explosive devices in the vicinity of the 500 block of E. Costilla St. In the past 12 years, two other cases related to pattern explosives/explosions have been reported in the immediate neighborhood. Previous encounters with Kiley led officers to discover his involvement in the production of homemade M80s and the possession of explosive devices within his residence. Kiley pleaded guilty to a possession of explosives charge in 2011, resulting in a four-year prison sentence.

In 2018, police were once again summoned to the area after reports of another explosion. Kiley sustained injuries to his arm during the incident, and smoke was observed emanating from his home. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of eight homemade explosive devices. As a result, Kiley was sentenced to six years in prison after accepting a plea deal.

The recent arrest papers reveal that surveillance footage from January 12, 2024, captured a truck resembling Kiley’s vehicle, carrying a “plastic-type” material in its bed. The truck was observed turning onto Costilla Street and entering an alley before a homemade hot air balloon emerged from the same alley. Subsequently, the truck departed the area and returned to Kiley’s residence, with the previously mentioned “plastic-type” material no longer present.

During a search warrant executed in connection with the 2024 case, investigators discovered materials similar to those found at Kiley’s home and in his truck, linking him to the most recent explosion. Additionally, a significant quantity of drug paraphernalia was found within Kiley’s residence, with some powder testing positive for methamphetamine.

Kiley has denied any involvement in the 2024 explosion, vehemently maintaining his innocence. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, where further details regarding the case may emerge.

In the interest of public safety, 11 News has chosen not to disclose the specific details of how investigators believe the explosive device was constructed.