Morgan County Sheriff’s Office -
On Tuesday, September 17, Deputy Gabriel Garner received a report of a stolen vehicle, a 2019 blue Toyota Corolla valued at $24,000, which was taken from the victim's address. The vehicle's information was entered into the CCIC/NCIC computer system to alert law enforcement statewide about the theft.
The following day, on Wednesday, September 18, Deputy Christopher Griggs-Ortiz was patrolling in the 9000 block of County Road Q near Wiggins, Colorado. At approximately 2:45 pm, his license plate reader indicated a hit on the stolen vehicle. After turning around, Deputy Griggs-Ortiz confirmed that the vehicle was the stolen Toyota Corolla. He attempted to stop the vehicle by turning on his lights and siren, but the driver fled, speeding west on County Road Q, passing cars on blind hills, and running stop signs.
The pursuit continued onto Hwy 52, where the vehicle continued driving recklessly, ran another stop sign, and merged onto I-76 eastbound. The vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100-110 miles per hour, passing cars on the shoulder and driving recklessly. Law enforcement attempted to slow down the vehicle using stopsticks, and additional police units were contacted to block exits. After several failed attempts, the vehicle's front tire was finally deflated by stop sticks at mile marker 95 on I-76. The driver then turned left, crossed the median onto the westbound side, and drove north across the county through private properties before returning to a county road.
The pursuit continued, with the vehicle eventually turning west on Hwy 6. At this point, Sergeant Parks initiated tactical intervention, spinning the vehicle 180 degrees. The driver attempted to drive again until Sergeant Parks hit the back of the vehicle, and Commander Barbee blocked the front, preventing further movement. The driver, identified as Emilio Mares, refused to cooperate and unlock the doors. Law enforcement had to break the driver's window to take Emilio Mares into custody.
It was discovered that Mr. Mares has a lengthy criminal history, including several felony convictions, he is also on probation and was released from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, September 10, on a separate case.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thanks to The Colorado State Patrol, Fort Morgan Police Department, and Brush Police Department for their assistance in this case. They deployed stop sticks and blocked exits along I-76, preventing the suspect from entering any towns.
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