Colorado Man Gets 9+ Years for Ramming ATF Agent

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Dallas Michael Theiss, 24, will spend the next nine years and two months behind bars after being sentenced for a brazen attack on a federal agent. The incident, which unfolded at a 7-Eleven store in Colorado Springs on April 9, 2021, saw Theiss attempt to mow down an ATF Special Agent with his vehicle.

According to court documents, ATF agents and Colorado Springs police were moving to arrest Theiss when he sprang into action, attempting to flee in his blue Nissan Sedan. Boxed in by law enforcement vehicles, Theiss didn’t hesitate to use his car as a weapon. He reversed, then accelerated forward, jumping the curb and barreling directly towards the agent positioned near the store’s entrance.

The agent, facing imminent danger, was forced to discharge his firearm, striking Theiss’s windshield and driver’s side window. Despite the gunfire, Theiss managed to strike the agent in the leg with his vehicle before speeding away. A subsequent pursuit ended with Theiss barricading himself inside a Colorado Springs residence for approximately two hours before surrendering to authorities. A search of the vehicle revealed two firearms.

“This case demonstrates the kind of heroic acts that federal law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe,” stated Acting United States Attorney Matt Kirsch. “Taking violent offenders off the street is a dangerous business, and we are grateful no one was killed in this incident.” The near-fatal attack underscores the risks faced by agents during routine arrests.

ATF Special Agent in Charge David Booth echoed Kirsch’s sentiments, stating, “We are fortunate the injuries our agent suffered were not fatal. Through extraordinary bravery and professionalism in the face of imminent danger, this violent criminal was taken into custody without anyone else being harmed.” The agency praised the U.S. Attorney’s Office for securing the conviction.

On November 19, 2021, United States District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer handed down the 110-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Theiss, now 24, will have plenty of time to reflect on his actions. The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF and the Colorado Springs Police Department, with Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Churnet leading the prosecution. Case No. 21-cr-0149.

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