Local
Infrared drone leads officers to suspect after wrong-way I-76 collision
A 51-year-old man was arrested after a Toyota Echo traveling against traffic struck two vehicles on Interstate 76 near Commerce City. Police used an infrared-equipped drone to locate him in a field after he allegedly fled the crash scene.
A 51-year-old man was arrested after a wrong-way crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 76 near Commerce City, Colorado State Patrol said. Officers used an infrared-equipped drone to find him after he allegedly ran from the scene into a dark field.
State troopers said they received a call shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, about a Toyota Echo traveling east in the westbound lanes near milepost 15. The car allegedly struck two other vehicles head-on.
One person was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The driver left the crash scene on foot, officials said. A drone operated by the Commerce City Police Department’s Realtime Crime Center detected the person’s heat signature and helped officers pinpoint his location, police said. Officers then arrested him.
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Hunter Mathews said the outcome could have been far worse. “We honestly got lucky with this one that no one was killed in this incident,” he said.
The case was transferred to Colorado State Patrol, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities described the driver as suspected of driving under the influence; no further information about potential charges was provided.