Colorado bicyclist injured by cannonball blast at charity race; teenagers investigated

Colorado bicyclist injured by cannonball blast

DURANGO, Colo. — A bicyclist riding in a multiple sclerosis fundraiser was bombarded by a cannonball in what authorities suspect was a teenage prank gone awry.

The La Plata County Sheriff’s office say they plan to interview five teenagers with their parents next week about the cannonball that was fired at the bicyclist Sunday during a multiple sclerosis fundraiser in Durango.

Authorities say the cannonball was similar to what is used at high school and college games to celebrate a touchdown. Sheriff’s officials say a gauze-like material soaked in an unknown chemical caused an explosion near the legs of 37-year-old Ian Altman.

The explosion lodged small pieces in Altman’s legs and arms. He finished the race, then later was briefly hospitalized with a fever and possible infection.

Information from: Durango Herald, www.durangoherald.com