Deputy Shoots Driver After Vehicle Accelerates Toward Officer in Berthoud

A Larimer County Sheriff's deputy shot a driver during a traffic stop early November 16 in Berthoud after the suspect accelerated toward the officer following a high-speed chase and vehicle immobilization maneuver.

The incident began at 2:32 a.m. when a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near Grand Market Avenue and TPC Parkway. The driver refused to comply and fled at high speeds, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

The deputy performed a PIT (precision immobilization technique) to stop the vehicle on Highway 60 just east of Interstate 25. After the maneuver, the suspect accelerated the vehicle toward the deputy, prompting the deputy to fire his service weapon.

Both the deputy and suspect sustained minor injuries and received treatment at area hospitals. The deputy was released, while the suspect was treated and taken into custody. An adult passenger in the suspect vehicle was not injured.

The Eighth Judicial Critical Incident Response Team was activated to conduct the investigation. Fort Collins Police Services is serving as the lead investigating agency.

CIRT Conducts Independent Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations

The Eighth Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team operates under a multi-agency memorandum of understanding to investigate officer-involved shootings across Larimer County, according to the Larimer County District Attorney's Office. Colorado Revised Statutes require that investigations into officer-involved shootings be conducted by an independent team, not the agency employing the involved officer.

The CIRT includes personnel from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Berthoud Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and other local agencies. Team members are selected based on expertise and assigned to ensure independence from the employer agency.

When an officer-involved shooting occurs, the CIRT is automatically activated. The venue agency preserves the scene while CIRT conducts the independent investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Findings are presented to the District Attorney's Office, which reviews the investigation and determines if criminal charges are warranted.

The employer agency conducts a separate administrative review after the criminal investigation concludes. The District Attorney's Office typically releases investigation findings to the public through press releases and opinion letters.

PIT Maneuver Authorized Under Specific Threat Conditions

The precision immobilization technique is a vehicle maneuver used by law enforcement to stop fleeing vehicles by making controlled contact with the rear quarter panel, causing the vehicle to spin and lose momentum.

A high-speed pursuit that reached 150 mph across Northern Colorado resulted in two arrests on November 11 after a multi-jurisdictional chase crossed county and state lines during the early morning hours.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office policy authorizes PIT use only when the suspect poses a significant threat to public safety, the maneuver is necessary to stop a fleeing vehicle, and the risk to officers and the public is minimized. Officers must complete specialized training in PIT maneuvers, including classroom instruction and practical training in controlled environments.

Colorado law requires that use of force during vehicle stops be reasonable and necessary, with officers considering the threat posed by the suspect and the risk to public safety, according to Colorado Revised Statutes.

Fort Collins Police Services will release further information regarding the incident and any charges filed against the suspect. The investigation remains active.

Contact the Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 970-498-5100.