Multiple vehicle accidents in the area of I-70B and 30 Road from a police vehicle chase that ended in that area. Incident started at Lombardy Lane and 33 Road in Clifton. Suspect vehicle reached speeds of 105 miles per hour west bound on E Road to 30 Road. Vehicle turned north onto 30 Road and caused an accident at I-70B and 30 Road, then continued on causing more accidents until is was disabled on I-70B. Suspect attempted to flee on foot and was caught by police and taken into custody.
Incident started with a male choking a female victim on Lombardy Lane in Clifton. Female victim was in the car with the male suspect during the pursuit.
Suspect photos included below.
From the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office:
GRAND JUNCTION, CO – On April 15, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a physical altercation between a male and a female in the 3200 Block of Lombardy Lane in Clifton, CO. The female got into the back seat of the vehicle and the male departed at a high rate of speed.
Deputies located the male driving on Front Street with the female still in the back of the car. Deputies pursued the vehicle south through Clifton along 32 ½ Road and eastbound along E Road. The vehicle entered the intersection of 30 Road and I-70B where the suspect struck a passing driver causing an accident and bringing the pursuit to an end.
The suspect has been identified as John McKeen Smith (44) of Clifton, Colorado. Smith was taken to the hospital for evaluation following the crash before being booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Assault in the Third Degree, Misdemeanor 1
- Domestic Violence
- Reckless Driving, Traffic Offense 2
- Vehicular Eluding, Felony 4
- Failed to Obey a Traffic Control Signal
- Failed to Remain at Scene After Accident Involving Injury, Misdemeanor 1
- Leaving Scene/Accident Involving Injury, Traffic Misdemeanor Offense 1
- Reckless Endangerment, Misdemeanor 2
- Driving Under Restraint Second Offense Alcohol Related, Traffic Misdemeanor Offense 2
- (Operated/Permitted Use of) Unregistered Vehicle
- Fugitive Other Jurisdiction Warrant
- Violation of Bail Bond Condition-Felony FTA, Felony 6
- Display/Possession of Altered/Fictitious Tab Title Sticker Plate
The driver of the passing vehicle sustained minor injuries and was evaluated by EMS on scene.
This case is still under investigation and updates will be provided as appropriate. We would like to thank our partners at the Grand Junction Police Department, the Colorado State Patrol, the Grand Junction Fire Department, and Clifton Fire Protection District for their help during this incident.
Photos by David Torres