--- title: "Speeder Leads Officers on Dangerous Chase Across Rocky Mountain National Park" date: "2024-09-09" modified: "2024-09-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/speeder-leads-officers-on-dangerous-chase-across-rocky-mountain-national-park" categories: - "News" --- # Speeder Leads Officers on Dangerous Chase Across Rocky Mountain National Park ![]() *Rocky Mountain National Park* Rangers at [Rocky Mountain National Park]() were forced to back out of a [high-speed pursuit]() on Trail Ridge Road on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, 23-year-old Wayde Thyfault, was driving far too quickly for police to chase him safely. Make a wrong move at high speed on many parts of the 48-mile highway and you likely aren't going to live to tell the tale. Thankfully, Thyfault was caught and arrested Monday afternoon, but unfortunately not before hurting other people and hiding out in the park for the night. It all started when the rangers were notified about someone driving too quickly and weaving in and out of traffic on the famously treacherous road. Thyfault fled when the Rangers tried to pull him over. After they backed out of the chase, local law enforcement put down spike sticks to slow Thyfault down but it didn't exactly work. Sadly, Thyfault kept driving quickly, even with potentially blown tires, lost control, and hit another vehicle with three people inside. All three were sent to the hospital and one suffered critical injuries, according to the Rocky Mountain National Park. ![North America, USA, Colorado, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Scenic Views Along Trail Ridge Road. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)]() *Trail Ridge Road is the only road that runs all the way across RMNP. *Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images* Education Images* That crash forced Thyfault to leave the car and go about the rest of his escape on foot and with a head injury. Since he ran in the direction of homes, local police told residents to shelter in place. Thankfully, local police caught him Monday morning, missing his shirt and shoes. He's probably lucky to be alive, considering he spent several hours in a national park at night, among some potentially dangerous animals, with a head injury and missing some clothing. According to RMNP, Thyfault is a suspect in a felony burglary case. Hopefully, the people injured in the crash with Thyfault will all make full recoveries but it's unclear of their condition at this time. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()