On Sunday August 3rd, 2025 at approximately 12:55PM the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call concerning a side-by-side UTV that was stuck in the Arkansas River near the Ruby Mountain Campground off County Road 300 in Buena Vista, CO. Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Buena Vista Police Officers and members of Colorado Parks and Wildlife responded.
Upon arrival the UTV was found to be partially submerged in the river with two occupants inside. Utilizing swift water rescue techniques Colorado Parks and Wildlife rescued the two occupants from the river and the UTV had to be pulled out with a tow truck. Local recreational boaters also assisted with the rescue.
The investigation by the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office showed that driving into the river was an intentional act and that alcohol was a contributing factor. The driver of the UTV, Jason Joseph Beltz, age 49 from Colorado Springs, CO, was arrested and transported to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center where he was held on a $1,000.00 bond for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The passenger of the UTV was not charged. No injuries were reported. Beltz is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“This is a clear example of how mixing alcohol and driving a motor vehicle is a dangerous combination. Both of the occupants are very fortunate to have walked away without any injuries. The river began to sweep the UTV downstream before hanging up on a rock so this could have certainly had a grimmer outcome. Although the river can serve recreational interests, it can be very dangerous if it isn’t respected. This should also serve as a reminder to others that you don’t have to be driving down a paved road while drinking to get a DUI. Drinking and driving a motor vehicle of any kind is illegal regardless of where you are, even private property, and it will be met with life altering ramifications when you are caught.” -Sheriff Andy Rohrich
