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La Junta Police Seize 386 Grams of Suspected Meth, Fentanyl After 120 MPH Chase; Two Arrested on Drug Distribution Charges
Description: La Junta Police arrested two suspects after a high-speed pursuit reaching 120 mph through Otero and Las Animas counties on July 9, 2026. Officers seized 386 grams of suspected methamphetamine and more than 5 grams of suspected fentanyl. The driver faces multiple felony charges, including drug distribution, vehicular eluding, and evidence tampering. Read the Full Arrest Report from LJPD...
La Junta Police Department Arrests Two Following Vehicle Pursuit and Major Narcotics Seizure
La Junta, Colorado – On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 3:26 p.m., officers with the La Junta Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black 2009 Lexus near the intersection of 10th Street and San Juan Avenue.
The vehicle initially came to a stop but then fled, leading officers on a pursuit through the City of La Junta, onto U.S. Highway 50, North La Junta, back through the City of La Junta, and ultimately onto Highway 350.
During the pursuit, the vehicle's occupants threw multiple packages from the vehicle. Officers recovered and seized those packages as evidence. Speeds during the pursuit reached approximately 120 miles per hour.
Near Mile Marker 1 on Highway 350, Assisting Officers successfully deployed tire deflation devices ("stop sticks"). The driver turned the vehicle around and drove directly toward pursuing officers, narrowly avoiding a collision with patrol vehicles. The vehicle continued a short distance before coming to a stop on Highway 350 in Las Animas County.
The driver, David Bailey (DOB: February 13, 1987), and passenger, Angelica Muniz (DOB: October 23, 1995), were taken into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, officers recovered approximately 386 grams of suspected methamphetamine and more than 5 grams of suspected fentanyl.
David Bailey was transported to the Otero County Jail and booked on the following charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – C.R.S. 18-18-405 (Drug Felony 1)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – C.R.S. 18-18-405 (Drug Felony 2)
Vehicular Eluding – C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 (Class 5 Felony)
Tampering with Physical Evidence – C.R.S. 18-8-610 (Class 6 Felony)
Reckless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1401 (Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense)
Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
Two counts of Violation of a Protection Order – C.R.S. 18-6-803.5 (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
At the time of his arrest, Bailey was on parole for a previous conviction of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance under C.R.S. 18-18-405.
Angelica Muniz was transported to the Otero County Jail and booked on the following charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – C.R.S. 18-18-405 (Drug Felony 1)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – C.R.S. 18-18-405 (Drug Felony 2)
Two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence – C.R.S. 18-8-610 (Class 6 Felony)
Two counts of Violation of a Protection Order – C.R.S. 18-6-803.5 (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
The La Junta Police Department would like to thank the Colorado State Patrol, Otero County Sheriff's Office, Las Animas County Sheriff's Office, and the Trinidad Police Department for their assistance during this incident. Their coordinated response and teamwork were instrumental in safely bringing the pursuit to a successful conclusion.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
