DENVER (KDVR) — An alleged stolen Clear Creek County shuttle bus led law enforcement on a multi-county pursuit Friday, slamming into a police patrol vehicle before being abandoned in a Denver alley. The driver has not been caught.
Idaho Springs Police released body-worn camera video showing officers jumping out of the way as an alleged stolen Clear Creek County Roundabout shuttle barreled down the eastbound shoulder of Interstate 70 near Idaho Springs, ultimately hitting a patrol vehicle.
The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office said no officers were injured, but the crash damaged the unit and shut down eastbound lanes for nearly an hour.
Investigators tell FOX31 the incident began in Gilpin County as an attempted traffic stop involving a suspected stolen car with no plates. The driver allegedly fled into Clear Creek County, ditched the car near Georgetown, then stole the county shuttle parked nearby and headed east on I-70.
Around 1:30 p.m., the shuttle was later found abandoned near West 13th Avenue and Pecos Street in Denver, its rear tire shredded and engine still running. Detectives tell FOX31 they recovered both stolen vehicles.
Several agencies are now handling different parts of the case, which include:
- Colorado State Patrol is investigating the I-70 crash.
- Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office is leading the criminal investigation into the stolen vehicles and felony eluding, with assistance from Denver Police on the vehicle recovery.
- The Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office initiated the original attempted stop.
Timeline
According to law enforcement agencies, the following is a timeline of key events during the Friday incident:
- Around noon: Gilpin County deputies attempt a traffic stop on a stolen car, the driver allegedly flees toward Clear Creek County
- Georgetown area: Suspect allegedly abandons the stolen car, steals a Clear Creek County Roundabout shuttle parked across the street
- I-70 in Idaho Springs: Alleged stolen shuttle clips an Idaho State Police patrol car, eastbound lanes briefly closed
- Around 1:30 p.m.: Shuttle found abandoned in a Denver alley near West 13th Avenue and Pecos Street, shuttle’s rear tire shredded, engine still running
- Mid-afternoon: Law enforcement agencies confirm both stolen vehicles recovered, search for the driver continues
Investigators said they are reviewing video and working across jurisdictions to identify the suspect. However, they do not have the suspect’s identity or description at this time. Those with information regarding the Friday incident are asked to contact the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office or the Denver Police Department.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
