Northglenn Man Charged With Assault In Rocky Mountain National Park Crash That Injured Three

DENVER - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announces that Wade Thyfault, 24, of Northglenn, Colorado, was charged by complaint with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with a high-speed chase and car crash inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

According to the complaint, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, a Dodge Ram truck drove through the Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and did not stop. A Park Ranger attempted to engage with the vehicle, which continued to drive erratically through the park at high rates of speed. Near the junction of Mill's Drive and Highway 36 the Dodge Ram collided with a Toyota Corolla. Three people in the Toyota were injured, one critically. The driver of the Dodge Ram fled the scene on foot. Area law enforcement searched for the driver, who was found the next day after a homeowner in Estes Park reported a break-in at their residence.

The defendant made his initial appearance in Denver, Colorado on September 12, 2024, in front of Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the National Park Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Garreth Winstead.

Case Number: 24-mj-00171-MEH