Colorado university student accused of taking ‘large cache’ of weapons, ammo to campus

A student at Colorado State University Pueblo was arrested this week after authorities said he had a “large cache” of loaded weapons and ammunition on campus.

Robert James Killis, 24, was charged with unlawful carrying/possessing a weapon on a university campus, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked in Pueblo County Jail.

Authorities said they found a loaded semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun and a handgun in Killis’s car located on campus, in addition to several fully loaded high-capacity magazines and an ammunition box with additional ammo rounds. Assorted tactical equipment was also found in his car.

When authorities executed a search warrant at his home on Tuesday, they found another handgun with approximately 100 rounds of ammunition, as well as other “suspicious items,” the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives started monitoring Killis on Monday, after witnesses reported that he made “threatening and concerning statements” directed at university staff and students, according to the sheriff’s office.

He allegedly spoke about buying body armor, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and other guns, and allegedly said he liked to kill people. According to authorities, Killis has previous military experience.

Detectives located Killis’s vehicle on campus and were able to view an ammunition box on the floorboard, a bullet proof vest and a case that looked large enough to hold a rifle or shotgun.

Authorities then followed Killis to a restaurant away from campus, after obtaining a search warrant, where he was detained.

Killis, when asked if he had any weapons on him, told the deputies that he had guns in his truck. The authorities then executed a search warrant on his vehicle and found a cache of weapons.

The unlawful possession of a deadly weapon on school property is a felony in Colorado. Additionally, the state does not allow the sale, transfer and possession of large-capacity magazines, which refers to magazines that have more than 15 rounds. 

The law does not, however, limit how much ammunition an individual can own, according to NBC News.

Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor applauded the witnesses who came forward with tips regarding Killis, and said additional law enforcement will be on campus “out of an abundance of caution.”

“I commend the information coming forward which we acted upon quickly. … By reporting suspicions to our deputies in a timely manner, we were able to quickly investigate and take this person into custody before any harm could be done,” Taylor said in a statement.

“Out of an overabundance of caution, there will be an added law enforcement presence at the university, and our deputies will be available to address any concerns from students and faculty. … We continue to encourage anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious or threatening that involves an educational setting to report it immediately,” he added.