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 Geerโs 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 Geerโs 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 โan incredible human beingโ 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. โShe has a broken heart as well,โ said Chief Harvey.
Crime
Jared Llamado Identified as Suspect in Fatal I-495 Road Rage Stabbing
Troopers kill alleged I-495 road-rage stabber who left 1 dead, 3 hurt
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. โ Virginia State Police have identified the suspect in Sundayโs fatal road rage stabbing along Interstate 495 as 32-year-old Jared Llamado of McLean, Virginia.
According to authorities, troopers responded at approximately 1:17 p.m. to reports of a road rage incident on the southbound lanes of I-495 near Exit 52.
Upon arrival, officers discovered four individuals suffering from stab wounds.
One of the victims, 39-year-old Michelle Adams, later died from her injuries.
A dog at the scene was also fatally stabbed.
Three additional victims were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries.
Investigators state that the stabbings occurred following a vehicle crash on the highway.
When troopers encountered Llamado, he was still armed with a knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
Police said he confronted officers and failed to comply with commands, prompting a trooper to discharge his firearm in self-defense. Llamado was pronounced dead at the scene.
The involved trooper was not injured during the encounter.
Video circulated online appears to show a female bystander attempting to intervene during the attack on Adams.
Authorities believe that individual may have also been stabbed while trying to stop the assault, though officials have not publicly confirmed specific victim identities beyond Adams.
The Virginia State Police emphasized that the incident is not believed to be terrorism-related.
The motive remains under investigation.
The violence caused significant traffic disruptions, with all southbound lanes of I-495โs Outer Loop between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike temporarily closed for several hours. The roadway has since reopened.
The investigation remains ongoing.