Two Arrested After Vehicle Barricade and DUI Incident in Wellington
Larimer County Sheriff's deputies arrested two people on DUI and other charges following a brief barricade situation in Wellington on October 21 after a woman's erratic behavior at a gas station escalated into a standoff with an intoxicated man who refused to exit her vehicle.
The incident began around 12:30 p.m. when witnesses at a gas station called law enforcement to report a woman displaying erratic and confrontational behavior. Deputies arrived and found the woman driving in the parking lot.
When deputies contacted her, they determined she was heavily intoxicated and arrested her. Deputies then asked a man in her vehicle to exit, but he locked the car doors and refused to cooperate despite repeated de-escalation attempts.
During the incident, deputies determined the man was also intoxicated. When he started the car, deputies took additional measures to prevent him from driving away.
Deputies Used 40mm Launcher to Break Window
A trained crisis negotiator attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the man remained uncooperative inside the locked vehicle.
Deputies ultimately deployed a 40mm less-lethal launcher to break a window in the car, according to the sheriff's office. The launcher fires hard foam projectiles and is authorized for use when lesser force options are inadequate in situations involving combative or dangerous individuals.
Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board regulations require officers to receive specific training before deploying less-lethal force tools like 40mm launchers. Only certified officers may use the devices, and deployment follows strict protocols mandating nonviolent means first before escalating to physical force.
After breaking the window, deputies introduced pepperballs into the vehicle. The capsules contain an irritant similar to pepper spray and motivated the man to exit the car.
The man prepared to run but stopped when he saw K9 Mav positioned nearby. Deputies safely took him into custody without further incident.
Both Booked Into Larimer County Jail
Both individuals were booked into the Larimer County Jail on multiple charges. The sheriff's office did not release the specific charges filed against either person or their identities.
Larimer County Sheriff's Office policy authorizes less-lethal weapons to incapacitate combative or armed subjects, control threatening situations, disarm dangerous individuals or prevent serious injury. Deployment decisions follow a force escalation protocol beginning with verbal commands and nonviolent means before advancing to less-lethal or deadly force only when justified.
Officers are prohibited from intentionally targeting the head, neck, throat, breasts, pelvis or spinal column with less-lethal projectiles unless deadly force is warranted. Supervisors must respond to all incidents involving less-lethal device deployment and ensure thorough documentation.
The sheriff's office emphasized the unpredictable nature of patrol work in its announcement. "There are no predictable days on Patrol," the department stated. "Our deputies approach every call with a problem-solving mindset and an unwavering focus on public safety."
Wellington is located in northern Larimer County approximately 10 miles north of Fort Collins along Interstate 25.