Driver struck Idaho Springs police officer during series of hit-and-runs, sheriff’s office says

Authorities in Clear Creek County arrested a driver who allegedly fled after a parking lot vehicle hit-and-run, then struck an Idaho Springs police officer and a sheriff’s office cruiser with a Toyota Tacoma during a Saturday afternoon pursuit.

The incident led to authorities issuing a shelter-in-place during the search for the suspect in near the mountain town 30 miles west of Denver.

On Saturday, at around 2 p.m., a driver struck a vehicle in an Idaho Springs Safeway parking lot, before he drove away and was stopped traveling eastbound on Dumont Road near Charlie’s Place, according to a Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office news release.

During that traffic stop, a Idaho Springs Police Department officer walked up and attempted to get the driver out his vehicle. Instead, deputies said, the suspect put his vehicle in reverse, knocked over the police officer, then drove east on Dumont Road onto Interstate 70.

Sheriff’s office officials said the officer expects to be OK, but was transported to the hospital as a precaution.

Moments later, a Clear Creek County deputy spotted the driver on I-70 and attempted another traffic stop. The suspect veered into the deputy’s patrol vehicle into the center barrier, damaging the cruiser, according to the sheriff’s office.

The suspect then continued to flee.

At 3 p.m., authorities issued a shelter-in-place for residents and businesses in the area of Silver Lakes Drive. At 3:15 p.m., the suspect struck stop sticks near Dumont and Stanley roads, then crashed near a vacant church by Charlie’s Place, sheriff’s office officials said.

After the crash, authorities arrested Aaron Family, 43.

The charges Family faces include first degree and second degree assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, felony menacing, felony vehicular eluding, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, accident involving damage with hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

Colorado’s 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will determine final charges.

Saturday’s hit-and-run in Idaho Springs remains under investigation.


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