At approximately 9:00 this morning, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with the Colorado State Patrol, Lands End Fire Protection District, Central Orchard Mesa Fire Department, and the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to a rollover crash on Highway 50 near mm 48. 

Two patients were transported to the hospital via ambulance. Witnesses reported a male, who appeared injured from the crash, ran from the scene. Deputies determined the vehicle the male ran from was stolen and had previously eluded deputies in a prior incident. 

A Community Notification was sent to residents in the area, informing them of the situation and asking people to shelter in place. With the help of the Grand Junction Police Department’s K-9 unit, Deputies combed the surrounding area and were ultimately able to locate the suspect. 

The suspect is identified as Zachary Critchfield, 20. Critchfield is facing the following charges:

• 1st Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft
• Two counts of 2nd Degree Trespassing 
• Leaving Scene Of Crash That Resulted In Serious Bodily Injury
• Vehicular Eluding
• Improper Passing On The Left
• Drove Without Headlights
• Obstruction
• Resisting Arrest

Critchfield was taken to the hospital as a precaution before being booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. 

Colorado State Patrol is investigating the crash, and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case involving the stolen car. 

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank community members in the area for their patience and assistance during this incident.