Several people have been injured in a series of crashes in Otero County on Monday. The car accidents were caused by a man in a stolen pickup truck. Colorado State police are investigating the chain of events that took place along Highway 50.
A 48-year-old man reportedly stole a GMC Sierra pickup truck in Fowler before heading east on Highway 50. After Rocky Ford police attempted to stop him, he fled and sped east also avoiding being stopped by Otero county deputies. The first incident happened after the man attempted to aggressively move another car that was in front of him out of his way. He was unsuccessful in his attempt and ended up driving into the median before hitting a delineator post and a street sign. This didn’t stop him, and he continued on down the road, causing more chaos.
A moment later the man once again entered the median, but this time, he crossed all the way over into oncoming traffic, hitting a Chevrolet Blazer head-on. The impact caused the stolen truck to roll multiple times. A moment later, the Blazer was struck again by oncoming traffic.
The 54-year-old Colorado man in the Chevrolet Blazer was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle during the second crash, sustaining serious injuries. The driver of the stolen truck also failed to wear a seatbelt and also suffered serious injuries. As a result of his reckless behavior causing car accidents, the suspect may face multiple charges. In addition to criminal charges, the man could face civil suits from those injured as a result of his speeding and negligent driving.