A high-speed chase culminating in a harrowing auto-pedestrian collision brought the northbound lanes of I-25 to a standstill Monday afternoon, as Larimer County law enforcement pursued an erratic driver who later attempted a desperate dash across the highway.

According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, the incident began near Rocky Mountain Avenue and Highway 34 in Loveland when deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop at around 5:30 pm yesterday. The driver, whose identity has not been released, sped away, leading authorities on a chase down I-25. The pursuit escalated as the suspect weaved through traffic before finally succumbing to a flat tire close to mile marker 245 near Mead.

The situation took another dangerous turn when the driver, armed with a firearm, abandoned his disabled vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. His escape across the interstate was abruptly halted as he was struck by an oncoming car while vaulting the median into the northbound lanes. First responders provided immediate aid until he could be taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

In the chaos, three deputies suffered minor injuries, fortunately, they were attended to and released from medical care, not long after. The highway was blocked for more than three hours, during which officers processed the scene and redirected traffic. Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer expressed gratitude to the community, stating, "Thank you to our local partners for their support during this resource-intensive incident," as noted by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Shellhammer also lamented the suspect's "complete disregard for the safety of others on the highway."