On October 23rd, 2026, at about 1:00AM Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Caleb Wroten observed a dark colored SUV matching the description of a vehicle involved in a hit and run traveling northbound on US Highway 285 emitting smoke and sparks from the driver side front wheel area.
He attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle north of Centerville, but the vehicle did stop as the deputy pursued. Shortly after the pursuit began the front driver side rim completely separated from the vehicle and the driver began driving in the opposing south bound lane at speeds reaching 96 miles per hour in a 60 mile per hour zone. Deputy Wroten requested another deputy, north of his location, to shut down all south bound traffic on the highway to avoid injuries to other motorists.
The pursuit lasted approximately four miles until the driver crashed the SUV into a ditch, south of Highway 285 and Highway 24 intersection. The driver fled on foot but was quickly apprehended with no injuries reported.
The driver, and lone occupant, was identified as Rosendo Gonzalez-Garcia. Gonzalez-Garcia was transported to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and held on a $5,000.00 bond for Speeding 25 to 39 Over the Posted Speed Limit, Vehicular Eluding, Driving Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/ Drugs/ or Both, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangerment. Additional charges are expected.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich said in a statement,“We have noticed an uptick in DUI’s in Chaffee County. Some of the high numbers can be associated with more active enforcement. This incident should serve as an example of the resolve of our staff to keep the streets safe in Chaffee County and how foolish it is to try and run. It only makes it worse on you and others. Please don’t drink and drive. Someone out there loves you and needs you home safe.”
