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Marvin HeemeyerWelder
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Welding
- Snowmobile Hobby
- Military Service and Career
- Dispute with Mountain Park Inc.
- Building the Killdozer
- The Destruction of Granby
- Police Intervention and Death
- Aftermath
Welding
Marvin Heemeyer worked as a welder in the town of Granby, Colorado, a small town with a population of 2200. He owned a welding shop and store there. It is understood that he had purchased the land for the shop at an auction for a substantial sum of $15,000, selling his share in a larger auto repair shop in Denver to do so.
Snowmobile Hobby
In his spare time, Heemeyer enjoyed building snowmobiles and would take newlyweds on rides around Granby during the winter, much like a limousine service. He even had a license for such activities. Those who knew him described him as a friendly and humorous man. However, he also had a reputation for being someone not to cross.
Military Service and Career
Heemeyer served in the Air Force as an airfield technician and continued working in various engineering and technical roles after his military service. He remained unmarried throughout his life, supposedly due to an unfortunate love affair in the past. His welding shop bordered the Mountain Park Inc. cement plant, which planned to expand its operations and required additional land. As is common in such cases, the company began acquiring land around the plant.
Dispute with Mountain Park Inc.
However, Heemeyer refused to sell his land to the company. He contested the company's acquisition of land near his shop in court in 2002, representing himself, but lost the case. In response, the company began harassing Heemeyer by cutting off his access to utilities and roads.
Building the Killdozer
Feeling persecuted, Heemeyer devised a plan to retaliate. He purchased a used Caterpillar D-9 bulldozer, equipped it with a concrete-filled armor plating, and installed cameras and refrigeration inside the cab. He also armed himself with firearms and stocked up on supplies.
The Destruction of Granby
On July 4, 2004, Heemeyer embarked on a destructive spree. He drove the killdozer through the Mountain Park Inc. plant, destroying buildings and equipment. He then proceeded to the town of Granby, targeting buildings owned by members of the town council, the bank, the gas company, the town hall, the fire station, and several private residences, including the mayor's.
Police Intervention and Death
Law enforcement responded to the rampage but were unable to stop Heemeyer's heavily armored bulldozer with their small arms and shotguns. A SWAT team and forest rangers were called in, but even their grenades and assault rifles proved ineffective. Heemeyer shot at the police but fired above their heads.
Aftermath
The "Killdozer Incident" ended with Heemeyer's death after his bulldozer was crushed by the rubble of the Gamble's store. The town of Granby sustained $5 million in damages, while the cement plant lost $2 million. The town has never fully recovered from the destruction, and the plant was forced to sell its land. The bulldozer was eventually scrapped, and the incident remains a subject of mixed emotions for the residents of Granby.
