Arrested: Police Apprehend Man Suspected in High-Speed RMNP Car Chase

Police have a man in custody in connection with the 'reckless' chase through Rocky Mountain National Park that left three people injured.

Photo byShutterstock

UPDATE: Authorities have apprehended the man responsible for a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

RMNP officials said Monday that police had a man in custody in connection with a Sunday morning car chase that left three people injured. The man had initially evaded capture, but authorities confirmed he was found in the High Drive area just outside the park at about 10:30 a.m. Monday.

He was identified as Wayde Thyfault from Hudson, Colo.

It’s unclear if Thyfault has been charged, but he is suspected of involvement in a felony burglary case, according to authorities.

Police Chase Through Rocky Mountain National Park Leaves 3 Injured, Suspect at Large

On Sept. 9, a man suspected of being involved in a felony burglary case led police and park rangers on a high-speed chase through Rocky Mountain National Park on 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

The suspect led park angers on a chase over one of the most scenic roads in the nation;Photo byGoogle

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.

Authorities said the suspect is likely connected with a felony burglary case out of Grand County. Authorities described the suspect as white, roughly 5’9″, 165 pounds, and bald. He also likely had 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.

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.