A gold police officer fatally struck a driver suspected in a hit-and-run accident on Highway 58

GOLDEN, Colorado. — A Golden police officer was killed — a second was seriously injured — after they were hit by what was believed to be an impaired driver while investigating a crash on Highway 58 Wednesday night.

Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey said three of his officers were called to investigate a crash on Highway 58 near Washington Avenue around 5 p.m. According to Harvey, the officers were outside their vehicles when the two were hit by the driver, who is suspected in the crash.

Two officers were pinned under the car. One of the officers was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The second officer died at the scene.

Listen to the police chief in the video player below:

Golden Police Chief Releases New Information After Officer Killed in Highway 58 Crash

Harvey said the officer’s wife asked that his name not be released. The police chief only recognized the deceased as a 33-year-old man.

“He is an amazing person. He had a long, stellar career in the military, where he flew Black Hawk helicopters and served as a commander,” Harvey said. “He will be survived by a wonderful wife, sister and parents. . . . Internally, he will be survived by the 71 members of his golden family.”

Harvey said the driver who hit the officers was taken into custody.

Highway 58 is closed for nearly four miles between CO 93 (Golden) and Interstate 70 (Fairmount).

Colorado Department of Transportation

The Colorado Traffic Crimes Unit is investigating the incident. Drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state took to social media to express their condolences to the Golden Police Department. In a statement, the Colorado chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said, “MADD Colorado extends our deepest sympathies to the Golden Police Department as they mourn the loss of one officer and support another officer who was injured as a result of suspected impaired driving. .These officers investigated the accident to make our roads safer. We honor you and your loved ones.”

According to Officer Down’s memorial pagethis is the first line of duty death in Colorado in 2024.