Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Suspected drunk driver arrested after hitting two patrol cars

Victor Reyes-Lomeli, 43
MCSO Photo
MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 6:30 Monday evening, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies received a report of a possible drunk driver swerving in the road while going east on River Road near Railroad Blvd. The report matched the description and location of a vehicle that moments prior had almost struck a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle driving the opposite way.

The deputy in the area, made a U-turn and began attempting to stop the vehicle before a serious accident could occur. The Volkswagen Bug did not stop, turned down a private drive near 23 road and began ramming a locked gate. After causing about $200 of damage, the car turned around, hit the patrol vehicle and took off on River Road at a slow rate of speed.

The deputy pursued the vehicle still swerving in opposing lanes of traffic when a second deputy arrived to assist. The vehicle crossed the centerline and hit the second patrol vehicle. It then continued on Riverside Parkway eventually coming to a stop about 50 yards away near 24 Road.

Deputies successfully pinned the vehicle so it couldn’t drive off again. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Victor Reyes-Lomeli, was arrested and is facing the following charges:
  • 2 Counts of Criminal Attempt of Vehicular Assault while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Class 5 Felony) 
  • Reckless Endangerment (Class 3 Misdemeanor) 
  • Criminal Mischief, less than $300 (Class 3 Misdemeanor) 
  • DUI- Drove Vehicle under the Influence 
  • Vehicular Eluding (Class 5 Felony) 
The Grand Junction Police Department and Colorado State Patrol also assisted with this incident. No one was injured.

Reyes-Lomeli is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on anyone in our facility visit our website.

Suspect a drunk driver? Call 911!! Your call can save lives.