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Former trooper accused of pointing rifle at man; victims asked to come forward

The Denver District Attorney’s Office is looking for the victims of a former Colorado State Patrol trooper who is accused of pointing a rifle at a man in Denver in April.

Officials said 44-year-old Wesley Dakan threatened the man with a rifle after a road rage incident involving the man and a woman. Dakan has been charged with two counts of felony menacing and fired by the state patrol after the incident on April 25.

As of Monday, law enforcement has not identified the victims in the incident and are urging them to come forward.

According to the probable cause statement, a Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru WRX were on Sheridan Boulevard when the altercation occurred.

A witness said when the cars stopped at West Colfax Avenue, the female driver of the WRX got out and yelled at the driver of the Crosstrek, later identified as Dakan.

After this, both vehicles continued on Sheridan Boulevard and pulled into a gas station parking lot on West 10th Avenue. The male passenger of the WRX exited the car, at which point Dakan said “you want to fight?” and got out of his Crosstrek and walked to his truck, a witness told police.

Dakan then allegedly took an AR-15-style rifle out of his trunk, cocked it and pointed it at the man, according to multiple witness testimonies. There are also multiple photos and videos of the incident showing Dakan pointing the rifle at the man, the statement said.

The man got back into the WRX and drove off with the woman. Dakan left before police arrived but was identified by the Crosstrek’s license plates caught in surveillance footage from the gas station, the statement said.

Dakan’s identity was also confirmed by his superiors at the state patrol who were shown photos and videos taken by witnesses. Dakan formerly worked out of the patrol station in Golden, the statement said. He was terminated on June 1.

The victims of this incident, or any additional witnesses, are urged to contact Denver DA investigator Zac Pauga at 720-913-9055 or [email protected], or Denver police Det. Mylous Yearling at 720-913-0586 or [email protected].

Those who want to remain anonymous can contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

Wesley Dakan. (Photo courtesy of the Denver District Attorney’s Office)
Wesley Dakan. (Photo courtesy of the Denver District Attorney’s Office)


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