Man still on the run near Rocky Mountain National Park, shelter-in-place lifted

DENVER ( KDVR ) — A man remains on the run Monday morning after speeding through Rocky Mountain National Park and allegedly crashing into and injuring three people. A shelter-in-place order was lifted in Estes Park .

Late Sunday afternoon, the National Park Service said a 23-year-old man sped through the Grand Lake entrance on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park . National Park Law Enforcement Rangers attempted to pull over the man, but the rangers said he failed to yield.

Rangers said the man continued to drive recklessly on Trail Ridge Road, U.S. 34, which is a heavily traveled highway above tree line. Rangers said the man continued to pass vehicles at a fast speed for the entirety of the 48-mile stretch.

Eventually, the National Park Service said rangers were forced to back off their pursuit due to the suspect’s reckless driving.

Once the man reached Deer Ridge Junction on the east side of the national park, Estes Park police and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office attempted to slow him down using stop sticks near the Beaver Medows Entrance.

However, rangers said the man sped past the entrance and hit another car. Three people were taken to the hospital following the crash, with one person sustaining critical injuries, rangers said.

After crashing, rangers said the suspect got out of the car and ran on foot northeast towards homes along High Drive in Estes Park. A shelter-in-place was issued for those living in that area.

Just before 2 a.m. on Monday, the shelter-in-place for U.S. 36 and Elkhorn Avenue was lifted, but the suspect is still on the run.

The wanted man is described as:

• White
• 5 foot, 9 inches tall
• Weighs 165 pounds
• Bald
• Wearing blue jeans and no shirt or shoes.

Rangers and police are asking those in Estes Park to remain vigilant and secure homes and vehicles. If you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

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