A Colorado man is being charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he broke into a sheriff’s station, stole a patrol vehicle and later was the first to respond to a domestic violence call.
Jeremiah James Taylor, 33, broke into a Park County Sheriff’s substation near Lake George, about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, early Monday morning, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Authorities said Taylor burglarized the station and later stole a marked patrol vehicle.
At 3:27 a.m., a radio call for “domestic violence in progress” was broadcasted over the police radio system in Teller County, which is just east of Park County. Taylor, in the patrol vehicle, heard the call and was the first to arrive at the home in Florissant, with the vehicle siren on.
Dispatchers told officers “a Park County sheriff was on scene, appeared intoxicated and Park County Sheriff’s vehicle was damaged,” according to an affidavit shared on Facebook.
When Teller County deputies arrived, they noticed the vehicle and told Taylor to turn off the vehicle and step out. Authorities said Taylor didn’t listen to the orders and sped off onto a nearby highway.
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About two hours later, the vehicle was spotted, and a pursuit ensued with both Park County and Teller County officers. Taylor reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, with officials saying he committed multiple traffic violations, including passing vehicles on double yellow lane dividers.
The vehicle later crashed and Taylor attempted to flee into the woods. Officers located Taylor and attempted to have him show his hands, but he pulled out a knife. Authorities said a taser was deployed on Taylor and one shot was fired by officers.
Taylor was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for self-inflicted knife wounds, officials said.
Taylor is facing four felony counts, including aggravated motor vehicle theft, second degree burglary, vehicular eluding and impersonating a peace officer, as well as other misdemeanor counts.
He had been on probation for menacing, theft and DUI, and authorities are investigating possible crimes he committed before entering the sheriff’s station. The First Judicial District Attorney’s Critical Incident Response Team is also investigating the officer who fired a shot.
“The Lake George substation is now secure and the investigation is underway. We are glad no one was injured and appreciate Teller County bringing this suspect in,” said Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw in a statement.
Jail records show Taylor has also been charged for criminal mischief.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.