Crime
Colorado School of Mines mechanical engineering professor Stephen Geer arrested in DUI crash that killed Golden police officer
A tragic incident unfolded in Golden, Colorado, when a 43-year-old mechanical engineering professor at the Colorado School of Mines, Stephen Geer, was arrested following a suspected DUI crash that resulted in the death of a Golden police officer Evan Dunn and injured another.
Authorities are investigating Geer for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
On Thursday morning, Jefferson County Court Judge Thomas Vance informed Geer of the potential charges against him, setting his bond at $250,000 and scheduling a hearing for November 14.
Geer, who has no prior criminal history and is well-established in the community, will remain in custody unless he posts bond.
The crash took place shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday in snowy conditions along Colorado Highway 58 near Washington Avenue.
A 33-year-old Golden Police Department officer, whose identity has not been publicly released, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another officer suffered serious injuries.
Both officers had been outside their vehicle investigating an earlier crash when Geer’s vehicle allegedly struck another vehicle along a curve, propelling the officers under the initial crashed vehicle and trapping them beneath it.
According to Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), officers had positioned a police cruiser before the crash site, and two additional officers were on foot managing the scene when Geer’s vehicle entered the crash zone, impacting the officers.
The CSP noted that Geer’s driving was “unsafe on an already dangerous day” and cited poor road conditions.
Geer reportedly told police he had consumed one 16-ounce beer at a local brewery prior to the collision.
His defense attorney, Lindsay Stone, argued that the crash could have been an unfortunate accident, given that the earlier crash had only just occurred and lacked clear warning signs.
No blood alcohol test results were available at the time of the Thursday hearing.
Golden Police Chief Harvey paid tribute to the officer who lost his life, describing him as “an incredible human being” with a distinguished military background, including a career as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and commander. The fallen officer is survived by his wife, sister, and parents. The other injured officer remains in the hospital.
Officer Dunn is survived by his wife, Annalise, and their beloved dog, Remy, as well as his parents and two siblings. Annalise shared that Evan was, first and foremost, a man of faith, loyal, steady, quiet, and observant. The couple shared a deep love for the outdoors, often camping and traveling together in their free time. She is deeply appreciative of the overwhelming support from the community but asks for privacy in the coming days as she grieves.
Officer Dunn joined the Golden Police Department as a Code Enforcement Officer, where he served for a year before entering the police academy. He graduated in July and was partnered with Officer Bethany Grusing, his field training officer, who was also injured in the crash. Officer Grusing, a member of the Golden Police Department since 2020, sustained serious injuries. “She has a broken heart as well,” said Chief Harvey.
Crime
One Shot, Another Stabbed During Morning Funeral at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. — A violent incident unfolded Friday morning during a funeral service at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church, located at 2003 Main Street, leaving multiple individuals injured, according to Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
Police received several 911 calls reporting shots fired inside the church around 10:27 a.m.
When officers arrived, they found evidence of a disturbance involving both a shooting and a stabbing, Channel2 NOW has learned.
Initial reports indicate that a female victim who had been shot left the scene before police arrived and went to Saint Francis Hospital for treatment.
Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Additionally, one or two more individuals, reportedly suffering from minor facial injuries, also self-transported to Saint Francis Hospital.
Later in the morning, around 10:45 a.m., a male victim arrived at the hospital with a stab wound to the leg, which authorities confirmed was related to the same church incident.
According to Lt. Boisvert, four shell casings were recovered inside the church, and one casing was located just outside.
Police believe the violence occurred during a funeral service in progress at the time, but the motive and details surrounding the altercation remain under investigation.
Officers and detectives have since secured the scene and are working to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests or released information on potential suspects.
The Hartford Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward by calling their Major Crimes Division at (860) 757-4000 or submitting anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.