This article is related to this previous incident: Vehicle Rollover Accident, N 1st St & North Ave
From the Grand Junction Police Department:
On January 31, 2025, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of N 1st Street and North Avenue.
Through an initial investigation, officers determined a white van traveling eastbound on North Avenue at a high rate of speed collided with the rear of a passenger vehicle stopped at a red light. The impact caused significant damage to the passenger vehicle, resulting in both drivers sustaining serious injuries and being transported to the hospital. Street racing was not a factor in this crash.
The driver of the van, identified as Ragnar Nickolas Kristl (age 37), suffered serious injuries and was released by the hospital after receiving medical treatment. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Kristl, and the Grand Junction Police Department took Kristl into custody on Friday, February 21, 2025, without incident.
Ragnar Nickolas Kristl was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Vehicular Assault – Driving in a Reckless Manner Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
- Vehicular Assault – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
- Reckless Driving
- Careless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
The driver of the passenger vehicle remains hospitalized. This case remains under investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Video by Julian R.
Photos by David Torres