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Teen Possibly Attempting 'Suicide By Cop' Leads Deputies On High-Speed Chase

MORGAN COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Deputies in Morgan County have arrested a teen accused of leading them on a high-speed chase and attempting to run down a state trooper.

According to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Christopher M. Chacanaca was taken into custody and faces numerous felony and traffic charges for the pursuit which began in the Hillrose area just after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

A deputy in Log Lane Village reported that he was in pursuit of a red car on Highway 6 north of Interstate 76.

"The vehicle was reportedly driving in excess of 100 miles per hour and driving into oncoming traffic," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

The car entered I-76 the chase continued westbound "at speeds still in excess of 100 mph."

"Colorado State Patrol Master Trooper John Takahashi was able to successfully deploy stop-sticks near mile marker 86. As Trooper Takahashi deployed the stop-sticks, the driver of the car attempted to run down the trooper, however he was not injured."

CO_ MORGAN COUNTY CHASE map
(credit: CBS)

The suspect's car slowed due to a flat tire and deputies were able to perform a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle near Barlow Road on I-76.

"The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was forcibly removed from his vehicle and arrested without further incident. Neither the suspect nor any officers sustained any injuries and there was minor damage to two sheriff's vehicles."

Chacanaca, from Pueblo, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and vehicular eluding

"Reports indicate Chacanaca was possibly attempting to commit 'suicide by cop.' "

Some other vehicles were involved in an accident behind the pursuit but nobody was seriously injured.

A grass fire caused by the suspect driving on a rim was quickly put out by the Fort Morgan Fire Department.

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