A car going 100 mph crossed the center line of East 8th Avenue in Greeley about 6:45 a.m. today, smashing into the front of a semi tanker truck and then spinning into a pursuing Weld County Sheriff’s Patrol car, according to Weld County authorities.
Both the car, a 1999 Chrysler Sebring, and the patrol car ended up in the ditch near the Greeley-Weld County airport, according to Margie Martinez, spokeswoman for the Weld County Sheriff’s Department.
The suspect, who is believed to be in his 30s, was trapped in the car for a brief time and may have sustained serious injuries, said Martinez.
He crashed about 60 seconds after Weld County Deputy Sheriff Jared Webb clocked the suspect vehicle going 100 mph and gave chase.
The driver of the truck, Bud Nelson, 52, complained of muscle soreness.
Webb also complained of soreness and was checked out at a nearby urgent care facility.
Martinez said the suspect had no identification and investigators are currently attempting to identify him through motor vehicle records.
According to Division Chief Dale Lyman of Greeley’s Union Colony Fire Rescue Authority, firemen extricated the suspect from his vehicle and also stopped a diesel fuel leak in the tanker truck.
Lyman said firefighters spread absorbent material on the ground to soak up the spilled fuel. They also set up a firefighting hose to prepare for any possible fire or explosion.
Lyman said the suspect was taken to North Colorado Medical Center with moderate injuries. The driver of the tanker truck was evaluated and released at the scene.
The suspect is being held for investigation of speeding and felony eluding.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
