A local man was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase from Cortez toward Towaoc Sunday.
Kenneth Bancroft, 18, is accused of nearly colliding with a vehicle while driving a sport utility vehicle under the influence of alcohol at speeds estimated at 90 mph.
According to police reports, a Montezuma County Sheriffs Deputy spotted a silver Suburban fail to stop at the intersection of Elm and Main Streets in the early hours of May 13.
According to the reporting deputy, the vehicle then surged to more than 80 mph on Main Street, with the deputy in pursuit with lights and sirens on. The chase then turned onto Broadway.
The suspect vehicle was weaving and passed approximately seven vehicles nearly sideswiping one, the deputy reported.
Other deputies deployed two sets of spike strips along the highway, with the suspect vehicle running over both sets. After a tire disintegrated, the Suburban crossed over into the oncoming lane and came to a stop.
Two occupants reportedly fled the vehicle on foot, and the driver, identified as Bancroft, was apprehended. According to the report, he admitted to drinking and he said he was trying to get back to Towaoc because he was tired and wanted to sleep.
The deputy reported that the Suburban smelled of an intoxicating beverage and there was multiple containers of beer inside.
Bancroft was arrested under suspicion of substantial risk vehicular eluding, DUI, and criminal mischief. The passenger was not immediately located.
