A high-speed chase ended in a devastating car crash inside Rocky Mountain National Park, leaving three people injured and one critically. The driver of the Dodge Ram truck, identified as Wade Thyfault, 24, of Northglenn, Colorado, fled the scene on foot but was apprehended the following day after a break-in was reported at a residence in Estes Park.
According to the complaint, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, Wade Thyfault drove his vehicle through the Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park without stopping. A Park Ranger attempted to engage with the vehicle, which continued to drive erratically through the park at high rates of speed. Near the junction of Mill’s Drive and Highway 36, the Dodge Ram collided with a Toyota Corolla.
Three people in the Toyota were injured, one critically. The defendant made his initial appearance in Denver, Colorado on September 12, 2024, in front of Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty.
The charges contained in the complaint are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the National Park Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Garreth Winstead.
Wade Thyfault has been charged with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted, he could face serious penalties.
Case Number: 24-mj-00171-MEH
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Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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