DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase on Interstate 70.
Just after noon Thursday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a 2021 Toyota passenger car for traffic infractions on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Jerry Davis.
The Toyota accelerated rapidly in an attempt to flee and the deputy initiated a pursuit. The Toyota swerved toward patrol vehicles during the pursuit and then exited Interstate 70 and went south on Jeep Road.
The Toyota attempted to turn onto a gravel driveway in the 2000 block of Jeep Road but crashed into the ditch and then proceeded to drive into a field.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the male driver later identified as 37-year-old Joel Edward Hayes of Colorado Springs, Colo., exited the vehicle and ran but was apprehended after a short distance.
A passenger in the vehicle identified as 29-year-old Brenna Alison Fitzgerald of Peyton, Colo., was taken into custody and transported to the Abilene hospital due to injuries received when the Toyota traveled through the ditch.
Further investigation resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen tools from Colorado Springs, two firearms, more than 9,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills believed to contain fentanyl, 1.4 lbs of methamphetamine, 84 grams of heroin, 34 grams of marijuana, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.
Deputies booked Hayes into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, and aggravated assault on a Law Enforcement Office. Hayes was also arrested on a warrant that was issued in El Paso County, Colorado for fail to appear on drug and weapon related charges.
After her treatment at the hospital, Fitzgerald was booked into the Dickinson County jail on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property.