This is an active and complex investigation involving multiple jurisdictions.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office released initial information on the morning of the crash in a press release. As the investigation has developed, we have learned the initial release of information wasn’t correct. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office wants to correct that information now and apologize for the incorrect information being released.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office initially reported the fatal crash happened before deputies had a chance to return to their patrol vehicles to follow. Based on the accident investigation being conducted by the Grand Junction Police Department, we now know the deputies had returned to their vehicles and had begun to pursue the stolen vehicle.
We continue to investigate the events that ended with this crash and deeply regret this tragic loss of life.
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Previous: 4/5/20
Update from the Grand Junction Police Department
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Previous: ** Please note information in the below press release is not correct, for the most current and accurate information please view the updated release**
4/5/20
MESA COUNTY, Colo – At approximately 5:55 a.m. Sunday, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies received a report of a burglary at a home on the 600 block of 30 Road. The homeowner reported someone stole their car keys from inside their home and was driving away with their 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A short time later, two deputies spotted the SUV parked at the Alta gas station at 30 Road and I-70B. As the deputies approached the stolen vehicle on foot, it took off westbound on Frontage Road at a high rate of speed. Before deputies could return to their patrol cars to follow the stolen SUV, it rolled and the driver was ejected at I-70B and North Ave.
The male driver was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
This case remains under investigation. The Grand Junction Police Department is assisting with the crash investigation.
