Golden police officer fatally struck by suspected DUI driver on Highway 58

Editor’s note: The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol released the identity of the suspected DUI driver.

Read more here.

GOLDEN, Colo. — A Golden police officer was killed — another seriously injured — after they were hit by a suspected DUI driver while investigating a crash on Highway 58 Wednesday night.

Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey said three of his officers were called out to investigate a crash on Highway 58 near Washington Avenue around 1 p.m. 17. The officers were outside their vehicles when two were hit by a suspected DUI driver, according to Harvey.

The two officers were pinned under the car. One of the officers was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The other officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hear from the police chief in the video player below:

Golden Police Chief Gives Update After Officer Killed in Highway 58 Crash

Harvey said the officer’s wife asked that his name not be released. The police chief only identified the fallen officer as a 33-year-old man.

“He’s a great person. He’s had a long, stellar career in the military, flying Black Hawk helicopters and serving as a commander,” Harvey said. “He will be survived by a wonderful wife, a sister and parents… Internally, he will be survived by 71 members of his Golden family.”

Harvey said the driver who struck the officers was taken into custody.

Highway 58 shut down for nearly four miles between CO 93 (Golden) and Interstate 70 (Fairmount) Wednesday night. Motorists were asked to avoid the area until further notice. It reopened for the Thursday morning commute.

Colorado Department of Transportation

The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state took to social media to express their condolences to the Golden Police Department. In a statement, the Colorado chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said, “MADD Colorado sends our deepest sympathies to the Golden Police Department as they mourn the loss of an officer and support another officer who was injured as a result of a suspected impaired driver These officers investigated a crash working to make our roads safer We honor you and your loved ones.

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