Killdozer: The True Story Of The Colorado Bulldozer Rampage
On June 4, 2004, a man named Marvin Heemeyer went on a rampage in Granby, Colorado, using a modified bulldozer to destroy 13 buildings and cause over $7 million in damages. The event, known as the Killdozer rampage, shocked the nation and left many wondering what could have driven a man to commit such a destructive act. In this article, we will explore the true story of the Killdozer rampage and the events that led up to it.
The Early Years of Marvin Heemeyer
Marvin Heemeyer was born on October 28, 1951, in South Dakota. He grew up in a farming family and learned how to repair machinery from a young age. After high school, he attended trade school and became a skilled welder and mechanic. In the 1980s, he moved to Colorado and started a muffler shop in the town of Granby.
Heemeyer was known to be a quiet and introverted man who kept to himself. He was also known to hold grudges and was involved in several legal disputes with the town of Granby over zoning issues and a proposed concrete batch plant near his muffler shop.
The Build-Up to the Rampage
In 2001, the town of Granby approved the construction of a concrete batch plant near Heemeyer's muffler shop. Heemeyer was outraged and felt that the plant would negatively impact his business. He tried to appeal the decision but was unsuccessful. He then started a campaign of harassment against the town, including filing numerous complaints and lawsuits, and even putting up billboards criticizing the town's leadership.
Heemeyer eventually decided to take matters into his own hands. He spent over a year modifying a Komatsu D355A bulldozer, adding layers of steel and concrete to make it almost impervious to gunfire and explosives. He also installed video cameras and monitors to give him a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
The Rampage
On June 4, 2004, Heemeyer climbed into the bulldozer and began his rampage. He targeted 13 buildings in the town, including the town hall, the library, and the police department. He caused extensive damage, but no one was killed or seriously injured during the rampage.
Heemeyer's rampage lasted for over two hours before the bulldozer became stuck in the basement of a building. Heemeyer then shot himself, ending the rampage.
The Aftermath
The Killdozer rampage left the town of Granby in shock and disbelief. Many people were left wondering what could have driven Heemeyer to commit such a destructive act. The town eventually rebuilt and moved on, but the memory of the rampage still lingers.
Heemeyer's actions have been the subject of much debate and speculation. Some see him as a hero who stood up against a corrupt government, while others see him as a dangerous and unstable man who should have sought help for his grievances in a more constructive manner.
Conclusion
The Killdozer rampage was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the town of Granby and the nation as a whole. The true motivations behind Heemeyer's actions may never be fully understood, but his rampage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of holding grudges and seeking revenge in destructive ways.
Meta Description: The Killdozer rampage was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the town of Granby and the nation as a whole. In this article, we explore the true story of the rampage and the events that led up to it.
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