EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — A manhunt is underway for a potentially armed homicide suspect near Dotsero Tuesday morning, according to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.
Just after 4 a.m. Tuesday, Vail Public Safety Communications received an alert to be on the lookout for a homicide suspect out of the Denver area who was believed to be traveling near Gysum.
The suspect reportedly was armed and possibly accompanied by hostages, according to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.
An Eagle County Sheriff's Office deputy found a vehicle matching the description associated with the suspect, driving westbound on I-70 at a high rate of speed. The deputy began following. When the driver exited the highway to get back on headed eastbound, the sheriff's deputies tried to make a traffic stop.
The suspect refused, so deputies successfully used a spike strip to get the vehicle to stop.
Two people got out of the vehicle, pointing a gun at the sheriff's deputies. The Eagle County Sheriff's Office did not provide specifics, but said shots were fired and one person was injured. They were treated on scene and then taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Law enforcement continues to search for the man pictured below. He ran away from law enforcement and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should not approach and immediately call 911.
Do not stop for hitchhikers and keep a safe distance from this area, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office advised. Deputies with the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol and the Special Operations Unit are all searching for him. The Eagle County Sheriff's Office also requested the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) assistance.
I-70 westbound is closed at mile marker 140 in Gypsum. I-70 eastbound is closed at mile marker 119 at the Glenwood Canyon rest area. Drivers should expect delays, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the area as a safety precuation, according to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.
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