The Grand Junction Police Department is releasing the following information on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) about a motor vehicle collision which occurred on 07/27/23 involving the Colorado State Patrol.
A trooper with the Colorado State Patrol was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 22 Rd and K Rd in Fruita, Colorado, at approximately 4:10 PM, involving the trooper’s vehicle and a passenger vehicle. Two occupants of the passenger vehicle were transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. The Colorado State Patrol trooper was evaluated on scene and later transported to the hospital. The circumstances of this incident are being investigated.
It is important to note that this investigation is in the early stages, and this preliminary information is subject to change. Members of the Critical Incident Response Team have been and will continue to conduct interviews of witnesses and involved persons in this case over the coming days. Additional details will be released as appropriate, with sensitivity to the ongoing investigation.
The Colorado State Patrol will be responsible for releasing the name of their involved trooper. This incident remains under investigation by the CIRT.
The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is comprised of representatives of the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Department of Corrections-Division of Adult Parole, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The CIRT is activated when a law enforcement agency is involved in a critical incident to ensure an independent investigation. Because Colorado State Patrol personnel were involved in this incident, the Grand Junction Police Department is leading this investigation on behalf of the CIRT.