Thursday, September 11, 2014

Federal agents, including Homeland Security, serve warrant at home in Erie Airpark Thursday



Officials with the City of Erie said the "enforcement action" took place at a private home, but they did not release any other information.

The Airpark neighborhood is a group of multi-acre home sites with taxi easements leading to a nearby runway at the Erie airport. The neighborhood is full of people who love flying and who own their own small planes.

Homeland Security spokesman Carl Rusnok said no arrests have been made. He said his department was working with the FBI, ATF, Diplomatic Security Services and local officers to serve a search warrant as part of an "ongoing investigation."

The federal and local police presence has scaled back since the morning, but there is still heavy police presence at the home. 7NEWS spotted the Boulder County Bomb Squad leaving the area.

Neighbor Michelle Bratton said the federal investigation at the Airpark, happening on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, was a concern.

"I'd hate to see anything like that in our area. And it's kind of scary," Bratton said. "Is it safe to be here?"

Bratton said the home being searched has been under construction since a new owner moved in last year. She said the owner has kept to himself. She said the owner built a new, sturdy white hangar in the back and has added trees to the property.

Police blocked Piper Drive at Cherokee Court on Thursday afternoon, requiring drivers to show photo ID, proving they live in the area, before they could get home. Bratton said earlier in the day, police were also checking IDs of everyone leaving.

7NEWS interviewed the owner of the home, Ting Wu Song, while he was on vacation with his family.  When asked where he was vacationing, he said he wasn't sure he should say and didn't.

"I have no idea what's going on," Song said. "I'm away from home and I got a call from my neighbor this morning that police cars swarmed my house."

When asked about why he thinks federal agents could be at his house, Song replied, "Quite frankly I don’t know what to say because they might hold it against me.  I don’t know what happened."

Neighbors know Song as "Rick," who drives a red Ferrari.  He confirmed to 7NEWS that he’s a race car driver and he's of Chinese nationality.

Song also confirmed to the The Denver Post  that his family owns a large chemical company in China.

Neighbor Wayne Charles Muhler, 65, told the paper that Song told him he was attending the University of Colorado in Boulder seeking a master's degree in business administration. However, CU spokesman Ryan Huff said there is no one by the names of Ting Wu Song or Rick Song enrolled at the university.

Authorities left the house and drove off about 5:15 p.m.

Story, Video and Photo Gallery:  http://www.thedenverchannel.com








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