Deputy hit 17 days ago, finally out of ICU

A deputy hit and seriously injured in a crash is finally out of the Intensive Care Unit.

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office deputy Bill Foreman was following an ambulance through a green light to a homicide scene when he was hit by a pickup truck on Iliff at South Valentia Street around 6 a.m. on Feb. 10.

The impact spun the deputy's car and it landed on a nearby sidewalk. Foreman had to be cut out of his car.

After 17 days in the hospital, officials finally have good news.

"In the last few days he has become more alert and is able to engage in short conversations," the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said. "We are hopeful for continued positive steps such as these."

A fund has been set up by the Arapahoe Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #31 to help Foreman's family with their household financial obligations.

A blood drive in Deputy Foreman's name has taken in 197 units. To donate on behalf of Deputy Bill Foreman, Jr., mention site code B016 when you donate at any Bonfils community donor center. To make an appointment, please visit https://donors.bonfils.org or call the Bonfils Appointment Center at 303-363-2300.

The pickup truck driver accused of hitting the deputy, Felipe Castanda Alacala, was not injured. He was cited for careless driving causing injury and failure to yield right of way, the Colorado State Patrol said.