An early Sunday crash on northbound U.S. Highway 85 in Commerce City sent three people to the hospital and landed one driver in custody, according to police. The northbound lanes at East 56th Avenue were shut down while officers worked a serious-injury collision that investigators say started when a suspected impaired driver plowed into the back of a car stopped at a red light.
Three occupants of the stopped vehicle were taken to area hospitals for evaluation, and at least two of them suffered serious injuries, authorities said. The driver accused of causing the crash was detained at the scene, and police said charges were pending as the roadway remained blocked for the investigation.
Traffic Response And Investigation
In a Facebook update, the Commerce City Police Department said its Traffic Team responded to the scene and shut down northbound U.S. 85 at East 56th Avenue while officers processed the wreck. According to the post, the suspected DUI driver rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped at a red light, sending three people from that car to local hospitals.
Investigators reported that at least two of those occupants sustained serious injuries. The driver identified as being at fault was taken into custody and, according to the department, faces DUI and vehicular-assault charges as detectives continue to piece together what happened.
Recent Crashes Along The Corridor
Sunday’s closure comes on the heels of a run of serious collisions along the same stretch of highway. On May 20, 2026, a fatal, DUI-related crash on Highway 85 at 120th Avenue drew regional attention and was covered by the Denver Gazette. The corridor through Commerce City has been at the center of ongoing traffic-safety talks as officials and residents look at engineering changes and stepped-up enforcement.
Injuries, Charges And Next Steps
Police said the at-fault driver in Sunday’s crash was arrested at the scene and is facing DUI and vehicular-assault charges while detectives with the Traffic Team continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses. The department is asking anyone who has dash-cam video, surveillance footage, or other information to contact investigators.
Authorities have not released the names of the people involved, citing the active investigation, according to the department’s social media post.
How To Report Tips Or Get Crash Records
Witnesses or anyone with video of the collision are asked to call Commerce City’s non-emergency line at 303-288-1535. Non-urgent reports and requests for crash records can also be submitted through the police contact page for the Commerce City Police Department. Detectives say any additional information could help as they continue the investigation.
