The Weld County Sheriff’s Office will investigate a fatal crash that authorities suspect was caused by an Ault police officer in the grip of road rage.
Officer Blair Jackson, 48, is suspected of causing the two-vehicle wreck June 1 near the intersection of U.S. 85 and Weld County Road 32 1/2, between Gilcrest and Platteville.
On Wednesday, the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that the Sheriff’s Office would investigate the matter. The Platteville Police Department requested assistance from Sheriff’s Office because it has greater expertise and resources, the release said.
Jackson, who has posted bond, is accused of reckless driving resulting in the death of Esteban Moreno Jr.
Jackson had just ended a shift when the green Subaru he was driving hit a black Ford Ranger driven by Moreno.
Jackson previously had been cited twice on suspicion of careless driving. Most recently, he was issued a summons in Centennial for careless driving causing injury on Jan. 26. The citation was dropped on March 28, and Jackson pleaded guilty to a charge of having an unsafe or defective vehicle.
Jackson also was cited for careless driving in September 1998 in Larimer County. That charge was dismissed in June 1999.
The investigation remains open and ongoing. Investigators are also looking for a red truck that may be a possible witness to the incident. Anyone with information related to the case can call the Weld County Sheriff’s Office at 970-356-4015, extension 2825.
