SPEAR Finishes a High Speed Chase that Began in Mesa County

NEWS RELEASE
January 1, 2025

Shortly after 9 a.m., the Special Problems Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) team received information from the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) regarding a high-speed traffic pursuit that had begun in Mesa County. The driver of the vehicle fled a traffic stop in Mesa County and was last seen headed towards Garfield County on I-70. Both the MCSO and CSP discontinued the pursuit in Mesa County due to concerns for public safety as well as the safety of the individuals in the pursued vehicle and the Law Enforcement Officers involved in the pursuit.

At approximately 9:30 AM, members of SPEAR and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) prepared for a high-speed traffic pursuit and stop. The Garfield County pursuit began in western Garfield County at about mm 68 in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70. Officers from the Parachute Police Department (PPD) and Troopers from the CSP effectively deployed stop sticks at mm 78 ½. The stop sticks resulted in three flat tires on the vehicle.

The female driver, Regina Johnson born 01/05/1984 was taken into custody. She was charged with felony eluding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and child abuse. There was an 8-year old child in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the stop that resulted in the added charge of child abuse. Johnson was transported to the Garfield County Jail; the car was impounded.

SPEAR would like to thank the MCSO, CSP, GCSO and the PPD for their efforts in working together to achieve a safe and successful stop of the eluding vehicle.