Share this @internewscast.com

The man accused of injuring four Adams County first responders while driving impaired last week now faces multiple felony vehicular assault charges as well as a misdemeanor, according to the district attorney’s office.

Benjamin Winters, 24, was charged Wednesday with vehicular assault while driving under the influence – and fourth-degree felony – and reckless vehicular assault, which is a fifth-degree felony.

Two Commerce City police officers and two Adams County firefighters were struck by a suspected impaired driver, later identified as Winters, while investigating a separate DUI crash on Interstate 76 on the evening of Dec. 7.

A firetruck was blocking two lanes of traffic, allowing drivers to pass on the shoulder. According to police, Winters allegedly drove through police barricades before hitting the two officers and two firefighters.

“This driver, for whatever reason, found a small opening between the left shoulder and the back of the fire apparatus and decided to go around the left instead of the right, at which time he struck the four individuals who were working,” said Commerce City Police Chief Darrel Guadnola.

All four first responders were taken to the hospital. One police officer and one firefighter were still in the hospital on Friday.

The incident spurred a passionate message from the police and fire departments the day after the crash.

“Being a firefighter today, walking into burning buildings is not the danger of the job anymore. It’s being on the highway,” South Adams County Fire Chief Ken Koger said in a Friday media briefing. “This has got to stop. I don’t know what we have to do. But it’s going to change.”

Winters was scheduled to appear in Adams County court later Wednesday.

Commerce City

Commerce City officials say impaired driving ‘has to stop’ after close call

5:29 PM, Dec 08, 2023

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Major Breakthrough in Search for Missing SA Mum: Vehicle Seized by Authorities

Over the past two days, law enforcement has intensified its efforts to…

States Challenge Trump Tariffs: Call for Refunds Due to Alleged Overreach and Legal Flaws

President Donald Trump speaks in the Cabinet Room of the White House,…

Gainesville Resident Receives 22-Month Prison Sentence for Vehicle Ramming Incident

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 32-year-old man, Marlin D. Roper, has…

Tragic Triple Homicide: Man Arrested After Allegedly Killing Three Women in One County

Inset: Ivan Miller (Archuleta County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Capitol Reef National Park…

Father Who Defended Daughter Triumphs in Sheriff Primary Election

An Arkansas resident, accused of fatally shooting a man who allegedly abducted…

Mother Faces Consequences After Choosing Cosmetic Procedure Over Child’s Health in Tragic Incident

Background: Maya Hernandez in court with defense attorney Teryl Wakeman (Law&Crime). Inset:…

Man Arrested for Murder After Living with Deceased Blind Girlfriend’s Body in Motel Room for Days

Inset, left to right: Daniel Varnes (Saginaw County Jail) and Teressa M.…

Families File Lawsuit Against Fertility Doctor for Allegedly Concealing and Withholding Embryos

Background: The Acacio Fertility Center in Bakersfield, Calif. (Google Maps). Inset: Dr.…

Daughter Claims Mother Prevented Her from Leaving Home Before Fatal Shooting, According to Police

Background: News footage of the London, Ky., home where Carol Rich was…

High Springs Heist: Local Woman Charged with $20K Lottery Ticket Theft from Employer

By Staff Report HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – In a startling turn of…

Tragic Discovery: Mother Charged After Identifying Two Girls Found in Suitcases

A 28-year-old woman from Cleveland faces charges of aggravated murder following the…

Shocking Incident: Man Strikes Woman with Nissan Murano, Launching Her a Block Away – Police Report Reveals Details

Inset left: Charles Edward Wright (Philadelphia Police Department). Inset right: Veronica Herling…