MORGAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE - PRESS RELEASE:

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 - Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Arrest

On Monday, September 28, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., Morgan County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the area of the 14000 block of Highway 34 after receiving information that a vehicle reported stolen out of Aurora, Colorado, had been tracked to the area.

A Morgan County deputy located the stolen vehicle near the Flame Steakhouse on Highway 34 and attempted to contact the driver. The driver initially appeared to comply with the deputy’s commands but then entered the vehicle and fled.

The driver traveled through several fields and private properties in the area of Highway 34, Morgan County Road S, and Interstate 76. During the incident, the vehicle drove through multiple fences and across agricultural property while deputies attempted to safely bring the incident to an end.

While traveling eastbound on Morgan County Road S, the driver encountered an unmarked Morgan County Sheriff’s Office vehicle traveling westbound with its emergency lights activated. The driver reportedly swerved toward the Sheriff’s Office vehicle, forcing the Undersheriff to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

The driver continued eastbound on Morgan County Road S and later entered another agricultural field. After driving through the field, the vehicle went through a barbed-wire fence and entered Interstate 76, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Due to the significant danger created by the vehicle traveling the wrong direction on the interstate, deputies did not follow the vehicle through the fence.

The vehicle subsequently struck the center median cable rail, turned around, and began traveling eastbound on Interstate 76.

Law enforcement officers coordinated efforts near Exit 79 to stop the vehicle. Stop sticks were successfully deployed; however, the driver continued attempting to flee. During the final portion of the incident, the stolen vehicle collided with Morgan County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles before deputies and assisting officers were able to contain the vehicle and prevent it from moving further.

The driver, identified as Samuel Curtis, 28, was taken into custody at approximately 1:03 p.m. Curtis was transported to Saint Elizabeth Hospital for medical clearance and was subsequently transported to the Morgan County Jail.

The stolen vehicle sustained extensive damage during the incident. Multiple Morgan County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were also damaged, and damage was reported to fences and agricultural property along the route.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Fort Morgan Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado DOT, Log Lane Police Department, and other responding personnel for their assistance in safely bringing this dangerous incident to an end.

Despite the vehicle traveling through fields, private property, county roads, and Interstate 76, no serious injuries were reported during the incident.

Anyone who is a victim of this case and has not been contacted by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office please call our office.

This remains an active investigation. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.