ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colorado – 23-year-old Wayde Thyfault of Hudson, Colorado, was arrested on Monday, September 9, after injuring three in a motor accident in Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday.
According to a press release from the park, the man initially sped through the Grand Lake entrance on the west side of the park on Sunday, September 8, leading Park Law Enforcement Rangers to attempt to pull him over. He did not stop for the officers, continuing to speed along Trail Ridge Road (US Highway 34) while passing vehicles along the 48 mile stretch of road. The suspect’s recklessness and speed lead the rangers to back off on the pursuit.
Law enforcement personell with Estes Park Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office assisted rangers in stopping the suspect, placing a tire deflation device near the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The suspect continued past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, eventually hitting another vehicle containing three individuals. The three individuals were brought to Estes Park Health by ambulance, with one suffering critical injuries.
“After the collision, the suspect exited his vehicle and ran on foot northeast toward homes along High Drive in the town of Estes Park. Law enforcement agencies including Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office provided instructions to area residents, to shelter in place.” – Rocky Mountain National Park
On Monday, September 9, Rocky Mountain National Park announced via social media that the suspect, Wayde Thyfault, was apprehended in the High Drive area outside of the park.