Golden cop fatally struck on Highway 58 by suspected drunk driver

GOLDEN, Colo. – A Golden police officer was killed – a second was seriously injured – after he was struck by a suspected drunken driver while investigating a crash on Highway 58 Wednesday evening.

Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey said three of his officers were called to investigate a crash on Highway 58 near Washington Avenue around 5 p.m. Officers were outside their vehicles when two were struck by a suspected drunken driver, according to Harvey.

The two officers were trapped under the vehicle. One of the officers was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The second officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hear from the police chief in the video player below:

Golden's police chief provides an update after an officer was killed in a crash on Highway 58

Harvey said the officer's wife asked that his name not be released. The police chief only identified the fallen officer as a 33-year-old man.

“He is an amazing person. “He had a long, distinguished career in the military, where he flew Black Hawk helicopters and served as a commander,” Harvey said. “He will leave behind a wonderful wife, sister and parents… Internally, he will be survived by 71 members of his Golden Family.”

Harvey said the driver who hit the officers was taken into custody.

Highway 58 is closed for nearly four miles between CO 93 (Golden) and Interstate 70 (Fairmount).

The Colorado State Patrol Vehicle Crimes Unit is investigating the incident. Motorists are asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state took to social media to express their condolences to the Golden Police Department. In a statement, the Colorado chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said: “MADD Colorado sends our heartfelt condolences to the Golden Police Department as they mourn the loss of an officer and support another officer injured by an alleged impaired driver. “. These officers investigated a crash and worked to make our roads safer. We honor you and your loved ones.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, this is the first line-of-duty death in Colorado of 2024.