A Fort Collins resident, Michael Cooper, was arrested after being accused of not only stealing a vehicle but also attempting to steal another and assaulting a deputy. This incident, which unfolded on Tuesday morning, was initiated when a report reached the Loveland Police Department concerning a stolen 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, according to a Larimer County Government publication.
The stolen vehicle information was quickly spread to local law enforcement databases. Using Flock street cameras equipped with state-of-the-art automatic license plate readers, law enforcement could track the vehicle to Berthoud. There, a Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputy spotted the Malibu and consequently attempted to apprehend the suspect, who proceeded to try and flee on foot. This chase led them to a gas station where the suspect attempted to commit another vehicle theft before engaging in a physical altercation with the deputy.
In the struggle that ensued, the deputy was seriously injured but has since been released from the hospital and is in recovery. The suspect, Cooper, was meanwhile arrested after a minor injury treatment and has been charged with a range of offenses including, but not limited to, first-degree assault, motor vehicle theft, criminal trespassing to a vehicle, and resisting arrest.
