On 01/05/23 at approximately 2:10am, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department received a call that a truck was on fire and was actively driving in the area of North Avenue and 12th Street. Officers with the GJPD and deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office made several attempts to stop the driver, who continued to be non-compliant and flee from law enforcement. Officers continued to pursue the truck which ultimately crashed into a fence in the area of 10th Street and Teller Avenue. The driver was taken into custody by Grand Junction Police Officers. The Grand Junction Fire Department extinguished the fire in the truck and the fires along the roadway, caused by the truck as it fled law enforcement.
Dawson Fitch, age 24, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Vehicular Eluding
- Assault- 2nd Degree- on a Police Officer/Firefighter
- DUI- Drove Vehicle Under the Influence
- Reckless Endangerment
- Reckless Driving
- Prohibited Use of a Weapon
- Obstructing a Peace Officer, Firefighter or Emergency Medical Personnel
- 2nd Degree Criminal Tampering
- Criminal Mischief
- Hit and Run Failed to Remain on Scene of Accident
- Resisting Arrest
Mr. Fitch was taken to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked in on all charges. This was an isolated incident and there is no continued threat to the community.