(Douglas County, CO) — At approximately 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Douglas Regional Dispatch received multiple reports of a car traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-25 north of Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock, creating an immediate danger to motorists on the roadway.
When deputies attempted to stop the car, it accelerated to speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour and continued to travel in the wrong direction. Deputies quickly coordinated with the Lone Tree Police Department to protect drivers in the area and closed the interstate, ahead of the suspect, near the I-25 and C-470 interchange.
Given the ongoing threat to public safety, deputies conducted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. After the vehicle stopped, the suspect initially refused to exit the car. Deputies approached and safely took suspect into custody without further incident.
When the suspect was taken into custody, deputies observed multiple indicators of possible impairment. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for medical clearance before being booked into custody. While at the hospital, the suspect refused chemical testing to determine his blood alcohol level, in accordance with Colorado’s express consent law.
During their investigation, deputies discovered the male suspect, not from Douglas County, has a long criminal record in Colorado, including felony arrests. His record shows a documented history of driving‑related convictions, including 7 prior Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired charges, spanning over decades. The suspect’s driving privileges have been suspended or revoked multiple times in the past. At the time of this incident, records show the suspect had a suspended license.
“Wrong-way drivers create an immediate and potentially catastrophic danger for everyone on the roadway,” Sheriff Darren Weekly said. “I’m proud of the quick decisions, teamwork, and professionalism demonstrated by our deputies and our partners at the Lone Tree Police Department. Their actions helped prevent what could have been a tragic outcome and kept our community safe. Let me be clear: we will not tolerate impaired driving in Douglas County. Time and again, impaired drivers put innocent lives at risk, and our deputies remain committed to holding those who make that dangerous choice accountable while doing everything possible to protect the public.”
Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Watch the dash camera video to see the response that helped keep our roads safe here: https://youtu.be/UY7KztUHlIc