Editor's note: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Colorado State Patrol released the identity of the suspected DUI driver.
GOLDEN, Colo. — A Golden police officer was killed — a second seriously injured — after they were struck by a suspected DUI driver while investigating a crash on Highway 58 Wednesday evening.
Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey said three of his officers were called out to investigate a crash on Highway 58 near Washington Avenue around 5 p.m. The officers were outside of their vehicles when two were struck by a suspected DUI driver, according to Harvey.
The two officers were trapped underneath the vehicle. One of the officers was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The second officer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hear from the police chief in the video player below:
Harvey said the officer's wife asked that his name not be released. The police chief only identified the fallen officer as a 33-year-old man.
"He's an amazing human being. He has had a long, stellar career in the military, where he flew Black Hawk helicopters and served as a commander," Harvey said. "He will be survived by a wonderful wife, a sister and parents... Internally, he's going to be survived by 71 members of his Golden family."
Harvey said the driver who struck the officers was taken into custody.
Highway 58 shut down for nearly four miles between CO 93 (Golden) and Interstate 70 (Fairmount) Wednesday night. Drivers were asked to avoid the area until further notice. It reopened by the Thursday morning commute.
The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state took to social media to extend their condolences to the Golden Police Department. In a statement, the Colorado chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said, "MADD Colorado sends our most heartfelt sympathy to the Golden Police Department as they mourn the loss of one officer and support another officer who was injured as a result of a suspected impaired driver. These officers were investigating a crash working to make our roadways safer. We honor you, and your loved ones."
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, this is the first line of duty death in Colorado in 2024.
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