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The Delta County Sheriff's Office and the Delta Police Department assisted the Colorado State Patrol in arresting a man driving a vehicle stolen out of Mesa County last Friday night. The Colorado State Patrol requested assistance shortly after 11 p.m.

Ryan Thompson, the driver of the vehicle, was initially observed by the trooper in the 1500 block of Howard Street. He ignored the trooper's lights and made several turns before heading north on Highway 50 at speeds estimated between 25 and 40 miles an hour.

Delta Police Chief Robert Thomas reports the Delta officers followed one to two blocks behind the trooper, in accordance with DPD policy. Their primary role was to prevent other drivers from entering the pursuit area, he said.

The state trooper conducted a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver three times and was finally successful on the third attempt. When the vehicle stalled, the occupants took off running. DPD Officers Trevor Hawkins and Everett Neil jumped several fences in pursuit of the suspect before taking him into custody near 1575 Road. Thompson was also wanted on a felony warrant involving eluding, obstruction and reckless driving charges in Mesa County.

According to Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee, both a DPD and CSP vehicle were damaged to some extent.

Chief Thomas says the damage to the city patrol car was minor. At some point during the pursuit, the suspect turned his vehicle around and headed in the direction of the DPD patrol car. The officer behind the wheel stopped to allow him to pass, but as he did so he scraped the side of the patrol car.

A call to the CSP regarding the damage to the trooper's car was not returned prior to press time Tuesday.

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