Motorcyclist Killed On U.S. 36 While Fleeing Police
BROOMFIELD, Colo. (CBS4) - A motorcyclist was killed early Monday morning after fleeing police and crashing on U.S. 36.
Police in Broomfield said at approximately 4:35 a.m. a Colorado State Patrol trooper observed a Yamaha sport motorcycle traveling northbound on Interstate 25 near 58th Avenue in Adams County. The trooper tried to catch up to the motorcycle to get a look at the license plate and determine the rate of speed.
"The Yamaha exited onto westbound U.S. 36 still traveling at a high rate of speed. The trooper caught up to the Yamaha just west of Federal Boulevard where he activated his emergency lights," police said in a statement.
The 31-year-old motorcyclist continued on at a high rate of speed and a short pursuit followed. The trooper decided to end the pursuit near Sheridan Boulevard for safety.
"The Yamaha attempted to pass between two vehicles and struck the passenger side of a vehicle which was in the left lane," police said. "The Yamaha continued westbound and approached slower moving traffic just past Church Ranch Boulevard while still traveling at a high rate of speed."
The motorcyclist then rear-ended a Honda Accord in the left lane. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and was struck by a westbound pickup truck. He was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. His name hasn't been released. Police are investigating to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor.
The crash played a factor in traffic for thousands of people as it closed down the westbound lanes of Highway 36 for nearly six hours. Traffic was backed up for miles. The highway has since reopened.
