A man suspected of being involved in a felony burglary case is still on the run after leading police and park rangers on a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday that left three people hospitalized.
According to a press release from RMNP, the incident started at the Grand Lake entrance to the park on its west side. Authorities said a vehicle sped into Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) without stopping to pay for admission or speak with the posted ranger. Park Law Enforcement Rangers were notified and followed the vehicle in pursuit. However, the driver did not stop his car. He sped up in an attempt to flee the officers.
The suspect then led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase over one of the most scenic highways in the U.S., Highway 34, or “Trail Ridge Road,” which traverses the park.
Authorities said the suspect drove so “recklessly” along the road that rangers in pursuit backed off. He was passing other vehicles at high rates of speed, endangering others as he did so, according to the press release.
RMNP: High-Speed Chase, Suspect at Large
Estes Park Police and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office assisted RMNP Law Enforcement Rangers as the suspect approached Estes Park. At Deer Ridge Junction near the Beaver’s Meadow Entrance, the suspect veered south. He ran over spike strips placed by law enforcement but continued to drive at high speeds toward the park’s exit.
Not long after that, he collided with another vehicle carrying three passengers. All three were transported by ambulance to Estes Park Health. One of the occupants was left with critical injuries, authorities said.
Following the collision, the driver fled his vehicle on foot. Police said he was wearing blue jeans and had no shirt or shoes. He ran from the scene south of the Beavers Meadow Visitor’s Center, headed toward the High Street neighborhood on the west side of Estes Park. As of this reporting, he remains at large.
Authorities said the suspect is likely connected with a felony burglary case out of Grand County. He is white, roughly 5’9″, 165 pounds, and bald. He also likely has a head injury from the collision, according to the press release. Authorities warned locals not to approach the suspect if sighted and to call 911 immediately.
GearJunkie reached out to RMNP for more details on this incident but was told by a park spokesperson that no further information is currently available.
This is not the first time that a police chase has led officers into Rocky Mountain National Park. Earlier in 2024, police followed a stolen car into RMNP, where rangers assisted in stopping the fleeing vehicle and taking the suspect into custody. Upon searching the car, police discovered it contained both fentanyl and methamphetamine.
To stay up to date on this story and other news from RMNP, follow its account on Instagram (@rockynps). You can also check in on the park’s National Park Service news web page.
