Double amputee who scaled Pikes Peak arrested for DUI, assault

A troubled past leads into the present for Mandy Horvath, the double-amputee who summitted Pikes Peak after climbing the Manitou Incline — she was arrested Tuesday for alleged DUI and assault.

According to an arrest affidavit, Horvath was seen leaving a bar on N. Union Blvd. early Tuesday morning. A man who was following Horvath saw her drive into a curb, so he called a nearby police officer.

The affidavit says police smelled alcohol on Horvath’s breath and said that her speech was impaired. When a medic with American Medical Response arrived at the scene, Horvath slapped him in the face, according to the affidavit.

Since February of 2018, she’s been arrested for driving under the influence three times, most recently this week.

Colorado court records state that Horvath was charged with assault on a peace officer Tuesday, which is a felony. Her mugshot was released Friday. The Colorado Springs Police Department said she was arrested for second-degree assault.

Horvath gained notoriety after climbing up more than 2,700 steps at the Manitou Incline and then summiting Pikes Peak a month and a half later.

“One person’s struggle is their struggle. At the same time, we all have those. Nothing is impossible, there is always help,” she said after climbing the Peak.

Horvath is due in court for her first appearance on August 27.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story said Horvath had assaulted an officer, based on the charge “Assault on a Peace Officer.” The story was updated when additional information was made available clarifying that the victim was a medic.