CLIFTON, Colo. — Two men are behind bars following separate reckless driving incidents that occurred just hours apart on Sunday night, including a high-speed motorcycle pursuit and a suspected DUI involving a brief foot chase.
First Incident: Clifton Arrest
On March 29, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office sergeant observed a truck traveling at a high rate of speed near Front Street and 2nd Street in Clifton. The vehicle was reportedly going so fast it began to tip while turning a corner.
The sergeant caught up to the truck shortly after it stopped on the 3200 block of E 1/2 Road. The driver, identified as Michael Johnson, 34, of Clifton, fled on foot but was apprehended a short distance away.
According to deputies, Johnson was physically and verbally aggressive during his arrest and transport. A search of his person and vehicle yielded multiple open and unopened containers of alcohol.
Second Incident: High-Speed Motorcycle Pursuit
Later that evening, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a deputy spotted a motorcycle traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph on F Road from 31 Road in Fruitvale. The rider turned off his lights in an attempt to elude law enforcement and continued to flee when a second deputy attempted a traffic stop.
With assistance from the Palisade Police Department, deputies saturated the area and located the motorcycle parked at a residence on the 900 block of Iowa Avenue in Palisade. They identified the driver as David Morris, 21, of Palisade, and took him into custody.
Both men were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.
Michael Johnson faces the following charges:
- DUI – Drove Under the Influence: Misdemeanor 1
- Reckless Driving: Traffic Misdemeanor 2
- Obstructing a Peace Officer: Misdemeanor 2
- Resisting Arrest: Misdemeanor 2
- Criminal Mischief ($300-$1000): Misdemeanor 2
David Morris faces the following charges:
- Vehicular Eluding: Felony 5
- Reckless Driving: Traffic Misdemeanor 2
- Drove on Suspended License: Traffic Misdemeanor 1
- No Insurance in Possession: Traffic Misdemeanor 1
- Vehicle Had No Plate Attached: Class B Traffic Infraction
Following the arrests, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety reminder, urging drivers to obey speed limits, pull over for patrol lights, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or substances.