Weather conditions contribute to multi vehicle - fatal accident on Interstate 70
On May 1, 2008, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Deputy Craig Clark was assisting the Colorado State Patrol on a property damage
accident eastbound I-70 at mile marker 296, when a small sedan traveling eastbound lost control and struck the CSP vehicle.
A Colorado Department of Transportation vehicle arriving to assist the trooper was also struck by the out of control sedan,
causing the CDOT vehicle to roll over.
Approximately 100 yards to the west a second accident involving several other eastbound vehicles collided, including two semi
tractor trailers, a tow truck, pickup, and several sedans. The driver of one tractor trailer was ejected from the vehicle
and pronounced deceased on scene.
A third accident occurred approximately one mile to the west, after a pick up truck traveling eastbound rear ended a stopped
semi tractor trailer. The driver of the pickup suffered serious to critical injuries.
A unified incident command was established between the Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Bennett Fire/Rescue, Strasburg
Fire/Rescue, Sable Altura Fire/Rescue, and Aurora Fire Rescue.
Weather was a contributing factor to all three accidents due to poor visibility and heavy snow. Below are some inclement weather
driving safety reminders.
Wet or Snow — Drivers are typically not prepared for inclement driving and forget to take it slow. Remember to drive well below the posted
speed limit and leave plenty of room between vehicles.
Black ice — Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery and dangerous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges
or shady areas. All are prime spots for “black ice.”
Distance — Give yourself extra space. It takes longer and farther to bring your car to a stop on slick and snowy roads. Leave room
between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Speed — The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. When accelerating on wet or icy roads, take it slow to avoid
slipping and sliding.
Vision — Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly, and give
you that split second of extra time to react safely.
Community partnership results in two suspects identified in burglary
On May 19, 2008, Patrol Services responded to a citizen’s complaint of a burglary where two cars were stolen during the night. On
the morning of May 20, another citizen reported one of the cars, an SUV, was recovered under a bridge in a creek bed at South
Buckley Road and East Orchard Road. No suspects were located at the time, the vehicle was processed by the crime lab and was
released back to the owner. Later the same day, Deputy Mike Pacheco conducted a follow up investigation in the neighborhood
and developed possible suspect information from citizens he contacted.
On the morning of May 21, Deputy Kim Schell armed with the new information drove through the parking lot of Grandview High
School where she found the second stolen car. As Deputy Schell approached the car, she realized it was occupied by a juvenile
male, who was taken into custody without incident.
Investigator Frank Agos, who was assigned to the case, was contacted and informed a suspect was in custody. The suspect was
transported to headquarters to be interviewed and confessed to Deputy Agos. During the interview, the suspect implicated another
juvenile male in the burglary. The second suspect was also interviewed that evening but maintained his innocence in this incident
and released pending further investigation.
The outstanding effort demonstrated by all of the Deputies involved in this case has resulted in the Burglary and auto theft
arrest and confession of one suspect, identification of a second, and the recovery of two stolen cars which have been returned
to the victim.
Unattended cigarette starts fire in apartment building
On May 14, 2008 at approximately 7:47 p.m., Deputies responded to 2181 S. Trenton Way, Building 14, reference a fire alarm.
While en-route Deputies were advised of additional calls reporting an actual fire located on the third floor. An elderly female
resident was also being assisted down the stairs by other tenants.
Cunningham Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire which was isolated to a single apartment. Initial investigation
showed the fire started from a lit cigarette left unattended. Damage was limited to the bed and carpeting. Several tenants
in the apartments below were impacted from water damage and had to be displaced for the evening.
The homeowner is facing charges of Fourth Degree Arson, a class 4 felony, and Reckless Endangerment, a class 3 misdemeanor.
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