On Nov. 8, 2007, at approximately 11:45 p.m. a Jefferson County Sheriff?s deputy observed a suspicious pickup in a construction area near Evergreen Parkway and I-70.  A computer check of the license plate indicated that the pickup was stolen during an armed robbery in Topeka, Kansas, and that the occupants were considered armed and dangerous.

As deputies were preparing for a felony contact of the driver, a shot was fired from the cab of the pickup.  The driver then fled from the construction area and headed toward I-70.  Another deputy, approaching the initial location, began pursuing the pickup.  The pursuit started eastbound on I-70 before the suspect exited at the Lookout Mountain exit.  The suspect then crossed over I-70 and started going westbound, back towards Evergreen.

The pursuit reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. An Idaho Springs police officer was able to deploy spike strips across one lane of I-70 as the pursuit approached mile marker 240.  The pickup made contact with the spike strips and began slowing as the passenger side tires deflated.  The suspect exited at mile maker 238 where one of the pursuing deputies was able to complete a successful pursuit intervention (PIT) maneuver, causing the pickup to spin.  The other pursuing deputy rammed his patrol vehicle head-on into the pickup.  This was done to prevent the suspect from escaping and for public safety.  A handgun was recovered from inside the pickup.

The suspect and deputy involved in the head-on collision were transported to St. Anthony?s Central Hospital.  The deputy sustained a lower back injury and the suspect was treated for minor cuts and scrapes.  Both parties were released a short time later.

Jacob Anthony Avila, dob 101585, is being held at the Jefferson County Jail for Criminal Attempt Murder of a Peace Officer.  Additional charges are likely to be added.