Search for suspect in hit-and-run that left a Weld County Sheriff’s deputy dead
WELD COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado State Patrol is searching for a man involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a Weld County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) deputy dead.
According to Colorado State Patrol, troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Weld County Road 37 and AA Street Sunday at 5:31 p.m.
CSP said a 2006 Ford was traveling westbound on AA St. and a 2021 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling southbound on CR 37. The Ford proceeded from the stop sign at the intersection, colliding with the motorcycle.
According to CSP, the crash caused the motorcycle to catch on fire. The motorcyclist died at the scene.
Monday, the WCSO identified the motorcyclist as 23-year-old Dep. Alexis Hein-Nutz. She was hired by the department in 2018 and worked at the Weld County Jail as a detentions deputy.
According to the sheriff's office, she was one week away from celebrating her 24th birthday.
In a press release, the WCSO said:
Alexis was a hard worker, a caring deputy and a positive force for our agency. I share in my deputies grief through this painful event together.
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams
Investigators are now searching for the driver of the Ford, Octavio Gonzales-Garcia. According to CSP, it's believed that Gonzalez-Garcia fled the scene on foot after the crash.
In the press release asking for the community's help finding him, Sheriff Reams said, "Alexis was riding her motorcycle to work when the crash occurred. Gonzalez-Garcia made no attempt to provide Alexis aid despite her obvious injuries. Instead, he ran away like a coward and hid in a nearby cornfield."
The WCSO said despite efforts from deputies, a drone pilot, K9 handlers, and assistance from CSP, Eaton Fire, the Greeley Police Department, and a helicopter sent from the Denver Police Department, Gonzalez-Garcia has not been caught.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information to reach out to law enforcement. Gonzalez-Garcia is described as being in his 40s, 5'7", heavier build, with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.
According to the WCSO, there's "evidence collected last night shows Gonzalez-Garcia was intoxicated at the time of the crash."
CSP said he's known to live in the Greeley area.
To share information, contact investigators at: 303-239-4501, reference case # 3A221639. People can remain anonymous.
The sheriff's office is accepting donations to help the deputy's family with the funeral costs through the department's 501c3. The public can make tax-deductible donations to the Weld County Sheriff's Office Possee and note Dep. Alexis Hein-Nutz in the memo.
Checks can be sent to the Weld County Sheriff's Office Headquarters at 1950 O St. Greeley, CO 80631.
