A Colorado State Patrol trooper sustained minor injuries after a vehicle slammed into his cruiser along Interstate 70 near Watkins. Two occupants of the initially stopped vehicle were also injured, and charges have been filed against both drivers involved. The highway near milepost 295 was closed briefly as investigators examined the scene.
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CSP trooper struck by vehicle during traffic stop on I-70 near Watkins
Key Takeaways:
- Trooper Orozco-Diaz initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle improperly driving in the left lane
- A Jeep Grand Cherokee rear-ended the trooper’s cruiser at a high rate of speed
- Three individuals, including the trooper, were treated and released with minor injuries
- Both drivers now face charges, including suspected DUI for one
- The roadway was closed for roughly five hours during the investigation
The Late-Night Traffic Stop
Just after midnight on July 4, 2026, Trooper Orozco-Diaz of the Colorado State Patrol initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 70 near Watkins, Colorado. According to official reports, the trooper attempted to pull over a blue Saturn Outlook traveling in the left lane without passing, posing a potential traffic hazard.
Collision on I-70
Records show that as the trooper and the Saturn Outlook were slowing down on the shoulder near milepost 295, a grey Jeep Grand Cherokee barreled into the rear of the patrol cruiser at a high rate of speed. The force of the collision rammed the cruiser into the Saturn Outlook, inflicting damage on both vehicles.
Injuries and Immediate Response
Trooper Orozco-Diaz, along with a 44-year-old woman and a teenage girl from Aurora who were passengers in the initially stopped vehicle, were transported to a nearby hospital. All three were treated for minor injuries and later released. The Colorado State Patrol confirmed that the trooper is recovering at his residence, noting his injuries were not life-threatening.
Legal Consequences for the Drivers
The driver of the Saturn Outlook was charged with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving without a license, violating restrictions on an instruction permit, and lacking proof of insurance. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old female driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was taken into custody and then released with a summons to appear in court, facing allegations of driving under the influence and other related charges.
Road Closure and Investigation
In the aftermath of the collision, investigators shut down the affected stretch of I-70 to collect evidence and ensure public safety. The interstate reopened around 5:50 a.m. Once initial findings were documented, the Colorado State Patrol maintained control of the ongoing investigation, ensuring that all parties involved received appropriate medical care and legal follow-up.
