MESA COUNTY, CO — A 59-year-old man was arrested Sunday morning after leading a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputy on a vehicle pursuit on Highway 50 that ended with a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) and a foot chase.
On June 21, at approximately 9:45 a.m., a patrol deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Orchard Mesa. The driver failed to yield, entering Highway 50 and driving erratically at high speeds while disregarding traffic signs. The pursuit traveled westbound before turning eastbound on the highway.
The deputy successfully executed a TVI maneuver, disabling the vehicle on the north side of Highway 50 between 31 Road and 32 Road. According to authorities, the driver ignored commands to exit the vehicle and fled on foot. The deputy pursued the suspect, taking him into custody without further incident.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle yielded multiple containers of suspected methamphetamine, a compound bow, a realistic-looking BB gun, burglary tools, and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect, identified as Michael Lenahan, 59, had active warrants for failure to appear in court on previous drug-related charges and resisting arrest, which carried a $20,000 cash-only bond. Lenahan was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on his outstanding warrants, as well as the following new charges:
- Controlled Substance – Distribution (Class 2 Felony)
- Vehicular Eluding (Class 5 Felony)
- Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor)
- Obstructing a Peace Officer (Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Burglary Tools (Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Petty Offense)
- Multiple Traffic Infractions (Including Speeding, Failure to Stop at Sign, and Failure to Drive in Designated Lane)
This article is related to a previous incident: Vehicle Pursuit, Hwy 50 & 31 Rd