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Colorado State Patrol Uses Tactical Maneuver to Stop Impaired Driver Near Cortez Work Zone
Description: Colorado State Patrol stopped an erratic driver on Highway 160 near Cortez before entering a construction zone. The driver was arrested on DUI, reckless driving and eluding charges. Read the Full Press Release from the Colorado State Patrol Public Affairs Office...
Watch the Video:
Erratic Driver Stopped Moments Before Entering a Construction Zone
(Montezuma County, CO) - On April 8, 2026, at approximately 10:59 a.m., Colorado State Patrol Trooper Maniss was conducting a traffic stop on Highway 160, milepost 42 near Cortez, when he observed a gray Jeep Gladiator traveling on the shoulder and driving the wrong way into the opposing lane of traffic. Motorists nearby began pointing toward the vehicle, drawing immediate attention to the danger.
The trooper watched as the Jeep continued to travel down the shoulder at highway speeds. He quickly ended the traffic stop and ran back to his patrol vehicle, and followed the Jeep with emergency lights and siren activated. With no appropriate response taken by the driver of the Jeep, Trooper Maniss moved into position behind the Jeep.
As the pursuit continued, the trooper observed the driver weaving on and off the shoulder, leaving the roadway, reentering opposing lanes, and nearly colliding head-on with other vehicles. At one point, the driver continued through the merge area near the Sleeping Ute Mountain Rest Area and again narrowly avoided a head-on crash.
The danger escalated as the vehicle approached an active work zone, where the speed limit had been reduced from 50 mph to 40 mph to protect workers and drivers. Despite emergency lights, sirens, changing siren patterns, and the use of the patrol vehicle's air horn, the driver continued driving at approximately 65 mph and failed to stop.
With the vehicle continuing to pose an immediate threat to the public and nearing the active work zone, the trooper attempted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention. The first attempt was unsuccessful. The trooper quickly repositioned and made a second TVI, which successfully brought the Jeep to a stop before it could enter the construction area.
The driver, an 81-year-old male, was taken into custody without further incident. He was arrested on the following charges:
• Drove Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs or Both
• Reckless Driving
Vehicular Eluding
The Colorado State Patrol is sharing this footage as a reminder during National Work Zone Safety Week about the risks roadway workers face each day. This video also highlights the danger reckless and impaired drivers create on Colorado roadways.
With road construction increasing across Colorado, drivers are reminded to follow posted work zone speed limits, put down any distractions, and be prepared for lane shifts or uneven road surfaces. And, never drive impaired!
Arrests and charges are merely accusations until and unless a suspect is convicted of a crime. All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
