Rocky Mountain National Park Closed As Police Hunt For Suspect

A 23-year-old man is being sought after allegedly speeding through the gate of Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday afternoon, then driving recklessly along Trail Ridge Road at a high rate of speed, bobbing and weaving through traffic just trying to catch a glimpse of the sights. If you've ever driven Trail Ridge Road, you know it's not an area to take lightly when it comes to safety while driving.

Park rangers were alerted to his actions and tried to pull him over, but he fled, causing rangers to back off their pursuit out of safety concerns because of the nature of the roadways. Estes Park Police and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office took over the search and encountered the suspect later, near the Beaver Meadows entrance to the park, where they attempted to stop him with a speed stick.

He then collided with another vehicle, causing injuries to its three occupants — one of them critical — before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot into the park near homes along High Drive in Estes Park.

At this point, rangers closed the eastern portion of Rocky Mountain National Park and the search for the man and investigation is ongoing.

He is described as a 23-year-old white male, 5 foot 9 inches tall and bald, last seen wearing blue jeans and no shirt or shoes. He was reported to have a head injury from the impact of the collision before fleeing on foot. He is also believed to be the suspect of a felony burglary investigation out of Grand County and is still at large.

Police have issued a shelter-in-place for portions of Estes Park as a result.

Estes Park Police and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office say that if you encounter this individual, he is suspected to be dangerous, and you should not approach him. Instead, you should immediately call 911 and report the sighting.

This story is still developing.