“The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway.” So states the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Sad to say, the campground there was anything but peaceful a couple of weeks ago. An unsettling incident at a popular Colorado camping spot serves as a reminder for RVers and tent campers alike to stay alert—even in scenic, remote areas.
Man fishes through belongings, leads to campers threatened at this Colorado campsite
On July 19, a pair of campers at Penitente Canyon Campground in Saguache County, Colorado, were allegedly threatened by a man swinging an ax. The Saguache County Sheriff’s Office says the man, later identified as Steven Sanguinetti, age 36, was rummaging through the campers’ personal gear when they first spotted him.
After they confronted him, the man walked away—but didn’t go far. The campers told deputies that Sanguinetti was later seen watching them from a distance. As the couple prepared to leave the campground, the man suddenly charged at them, swinging an ax.
Charges stack up
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Deputies arrived soon after and arrested Sanguinetti. He now faces several charges, including:
- Two counts of felony menacing
- First-degree assault
- Harassment
- Criminal impersonation
- Criminal attempt
Sanguinetti is being held on a $20,000 bond. Adding to the seriousness of the situation, court records show he allegedly assaulted a prison employee just two days later while in custody.
For RVers and campers using public lands like Penitente Canyon—a favorite for climbers and boondockers—it’s a reminder to keep an eye on your surroundings, lock up valuables, and know where the nearest ranger station or cell coverage is in case of emergency.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t be too worried about how relevant this incident is to your own safety. Situations like this are extremely rare.
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RVT1221b
Sadly, gun sales will probably increase by campers! We just had 4 people shot on the main street (at bar closing time) and the police chief is on the radio saying the city is safe – we haven’t had a homicide in 8 months…. Doesn’t say anything about the threats and robberies and home invasions in our – used to be – peaceful place to live and raise kids – well it still is for the most part – if you can handle -20 -30f a few months a year……and own a snow shovel!
We had 11 people stabbed by a nutter who was off his meds a little over a week ago, not too far from where I live. Criminals and crazies running around everywhere, apparently…
Yet another reason why it’s not a good idea to travel unarmed. Even a Byrna (or similar) launcher would probably have sent this guy packing. And frankly, charging at people with an axe would justify a much…harsher…response than pepperballs.
I have a Byrna. The first 2 rounds are the hard plastic balls then 3 rounds of pepper balls.
However, In Case of Emergency (ICE) I won’t need the Byrna. I have ICE, my 110lb German Shepherd who would have ripped that guy’s throat out. Yes, my German Shepherd’s name is ICE.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Thank you, too, Emily (Diane?) for the reminder that this frightening tale is the exception and not the rule when boondocking. I do wonder how the ax-wielder was able to go through tbe stuff of tbe boondockers? Were they tenting rather than RVing? Why had they not locked up their things when they left? I do not excuse their assailant, but seems they failed to secure their things before leaving. Have a great week and safe travels!