MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – What began as a traffic stop turned into a high-speed pursuit before ending with a PIT maneuver.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office originally attempted the stop around 12:41 a.m., Wednesday, when a deputy witnessed a car going about 75 miles per hour near 30 and Patterson roads. The driver allegedly didn’t stop and started eluding the deputy.
A second deputy entered the area to help find the suspect’s car, but the man allegedly drove head-on toward the law enforcement’s vehicle at a high rate of speed. The suspect then reportedly swerved just before striking the deputy’s car.
According to MCSO, this led to a pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle as he allegedly drove to speeds of 75 miles per hour. Multiple deputies were able to stop the car by a precision immobilization technique (PIT) near U.S. Interstate I-70B and Warrior Way.
Authorities took the suspect – Grand Junction man Dylan Upchurch, 24 – into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he is being held on the following charges:
-
Speeding 25-39 mph over limit
-
Aggravated driving with revoked license/habitual offender/commits DUI, DWAI, eluding, reckless driving
-
Assault 2-peace officer/intent serious bodily injury
-
Three counts of traffic failure to stop at the sign
-
Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance
-
Criminal mischief $5,000 or more, less than $20,000
-
Drove a vehicle on the wrong side of a divided highway
-
Obstructing a peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical personnel
-
Failed to stop for traffic control signal at the place required
Upchurch was also identified as part of an incident with the Grand Junction Police Department not long before the pursuit started, the sheriff’s office stated. MCSO said there is no outstanding danger to the community after this incident.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
