A package containing a dummy grenade and “other suspicious items” shut down the heart of Manitou Springs Thursday, setting off a criminal investigation in the usually peaceful mountain town.Two “suspicious packages” were discovered Thursday afternoon near Lovers Lane and Lafayette Road.That intersection and numerous surrounding roads were closed beginning just after 1 p.m. after the packages were discovered. Most roads was reopened about 8:30 p.m.“A lot of people were inconvenienced — residents, businesses and tourists,” said Michael Leslie, acting city administrator for Manitou Springs. “Unfortunately, public safety trumps all.”He said Manitou Springs police, Colorado Springs police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.Officials used a robotic device to “breach” the packages, and small muffled explosions could be heard in much of Manitou.Residents who were kept from their homes got impatient as the closures wore into the evening, saying they needed to get home to take medication or let animals out.No other details were released late Thursday.

Photo by