According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, a man was arrested on January 7 for allegedly threatening to commit a mass shooting in the local area.

Law enforcement responded to the suspect’s residence in unincorporated Breckenridge on Wednesday after receiving multiple reports related to the male threatening to kill himself and other people. Deputies arrived at the suspect’s home and confirmed he was inside within 15 minutes of the initial report, establishing a perimeter around the building to prevent him from leaving.

A report from law enforcement indicates that authorities concurrently reviewed electronic messages allegedly written and sent by the man “that detailed plans and a timeline” related to carrying out a mass shooting in Summit County.

These messages were used to establish probable cause for an arrest. The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon without further incident.

The suspect was identified as Nathaniel Zabik, with Summit County Sheriff Jaime Fitzsimons releasing the following statement: “We recognized the threat Zabik posed to our community and immediately isolated and contained him. Deputies acted quickly and decisively to ensure there was no risk to public safety.”

Zabik was booked on the following charges:

• CRS 18-11-202 (2 Counts): Inciting Destruction of life or property, a Class 6 Felony
• CRS 18-3-206 (2 Counts): Menacing, a Class 5 Felony
• CRS 18-9-111 1(e)(2) (2 Counts): Harassment, a Class 2 Misdemeanor

The investigation into the situation is ongoing, with the suspect to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any possible charges that are mentioned in this report are merely potential accusations. The District Attorney’s Office will determine if formal charges will be levied in the case and what those charges should be.

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