On Sunday afternoon, rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park had to discontinue a high-speed chase on Trail Ridge Road. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Wayde Thyfault, was driving at speeds too dangerous for officers to pursue safely. Given the treacherous nature of the 48-mile highway, a single mistake at high speed could have fatal consequences. Fortunately, Thyfault was apprehended and arrested on Monday afternoon, though not before he caused harm to others and evaded capture by hiding in the park overnight.
The incident began when rangers received reports about a driver speeding and weaving dangerously through traffic on the renowned but perilous road. Thyfault attempted to escape when the rangers signaled for him to pull over. After the rangers opted to back out of the pursuit, local law enforcement deployed spike strips in an effort to slow him down, but the plan was largely ineffective.
Unfortunately, Thyfault continued driving recklessly, losing control even with possibly deflated tires, and collided with another vehicle occupied by three individuals. All three were transported to a hospital, with one reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries, according to Rocky Mountain National Park authorities.
Following the crash, Thyfault abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, despite a head injury. He ran towards residential areas, prompting local police to advise nearby residents to stay indoors. Fortunately, he was captured by local authorities on Monday morning, found without a shirt and shoes. It’s a relief he survived, especially considering he spent hours overnight in a national park, which is home to potentially dangerous wildlife, while injured and lacking suitable clothing. According to RMNP, he is also a suspect in a felony burglary case.
There is hope that the individuals injured in the collision with Thyfault will recover, though their current condition remains unknown.
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