CSP Trooper Uses Patrol Vehicle to Stop Wrong-Way Driver on I-76 near Fort Morgan

PRESS RELEASE: Colorado State Patrol - Sunday morning, August 30, 2026, at around 2:20 a.m., the Colorado State Patrol Dispatch received reports of a wrong-way driver in the area of eastbound Interstate 76 near milepost 82, near Fort Morgan, Colorado. The reports were for a red Honda HR-V driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 76.

Colorado State Trooper Talamantes responded to the area and was able to locate the vehicle, which was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes. Trooper Talamantes activated his emergency lights and used his patrol vehicle to stop the Honda by colliding with it front-first to avoid it from colliding with any other vehicles traveling on the roadway.

After the collision, Trooper Talamantes exited his patrol vehicle and ultimately placed the driver in custody, who was identified as 36-year-old female Claudia Z. Rodriguez from Sterling, Colorado. Rodriguez was charged with:

·        Drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both

·        Reckless Driving

·        Open Alcoholic Container in a motor vehicle

·        Failed to provide valid insurance upon request

Rodriguez was booked into the Morgan County Jail following her release from the hospital. The roadway was closed for the crash investigation but was reopened at about 6:43 a.m. Sunday morning.

Trooper Talamantes was evaluated at a nearby medical facility following the incident. He was treated for minor injuries and released the same day.