WESTMINSTER MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER MANHUNT THAT SHUT DOWN I-70 FOR HOURS

UPDATE

Authorities arrested an armed and dangerous Westminster murder suspect after a shootout and manhunt that shut down I-70 in Eagle County for hours Tuesday.

The suspect was identified as Kenny Espinoza, 27, by the Eagle County Sheriff's Office said. He's wanted in a Jan. 10 murder at Wolff Run Park, Westminster police said.
The drama unfolded in the early hours of the day. Gunfire was exchanged following a high-speed chase. One person was injured in the confrontation at rural Dotsero. Espinosa fled on foot. There were five people in the auto, including young children. No deputies were hurt.
"What happened today really rocked our community," Sheriff James van Beek said at a news conference. Federal authorities weren't involved, van Beek said.
The interstate was closed at mile marker 140 in Gypsum westbound. Eastbound lanes were closed at mile marker 119 at the Glenwood Canyon Rest area. It reopened after 2 p.m. Authorities also lifted a shelter-in-place order. The sheriff's office said: "Preliminary information indicates that a deputy with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office located a vehicle that matched the description, driving westbound on 1-70 at a high rate of speed, and began pursuing it. After observing the vehicle exit at mile marker 119 and get back on I-70 eastbound, deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

"Since the suspect refused to stop, deputies deployed a spike strip successfully near mile marker 130 on I-70.

"Two parties then exited the vehicle, pointing a firearm at law enforcement, and shots were exchanged between the suspect(s) and law enforcement. One party was injured in the exchange and received medical care on scene before being transported to a hospital. The remaining people in the vehicle were then contacted by law enforcement." The Garfield County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent help to Eagle County.

[Photos: Eagle County Sheriff, Garfield County Sheriff's Office]