Investigators Say Driver Accused In Hit-And-Run Tried To Swim Away
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- State troopers said a woman accused in a deadly hit-and-run crash tried to get away from police by swimming across a lake.
The crash happened at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of 63rd Street and Nelson Road in unincorporated Boulder County. Colorado State Patrol Troopers said a Ford pickup truck traveling eastbound collided with a Nissan coupe traveling westbound. The driver of the Nissan, Gabriel Nielson, 33, was killed. His two passengers, a woman and a small child, were seriously injured.
Cherish Francis and a 2-year-old child were rushed to Denver Health Medical Center. Francis is Nielson's sister. She was listed in fair condition on Monday morning.
Police said the driver of the pickup, Lisa Norton, 32, from Longmont, ran away from the crash scene, then she tried to swim across a nearby lake.
Troopers said boaters pulled Norton out of the water and turned her over to Longmont police. She was taken to Longmont United Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
Court records obtained by the Longmont Times-Call show that 32-year-old Lisa Norton pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was sentenced to 12 months of probation just two days before Saturday's accident.
Immediately prior to this crash, troopers said the pick-up had been involved in a non-injury crash on Nelson Road, and had not stopped before causing this tragic crash.
Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor in this crash.
Additional Resources
A fund has been set up for the children of Gabriel Nielsen, a man who was killed by a suspected drunk driver. Donations can go to the First National Bank c/o "Gabriel Nielsen Family Fund" at 1155 Canyon, Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80302.
