Watch: Colo. Trooper Uses Patrol Vehicle to Stop Wrong-Way Driver

A Colorado State Patrol trooper used his cruiser to stop a wrong-way driver suspected of DUI on Interstate 76 near Fort Morgan, preventing the vehicle from colliding with oncoming traffic.

Sept. 3, 2026

2 min read

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A Colorado State Patrol trooper intentionally struck a wrong-way vehicle on Interstate 76 near Fort Morgan early Sunday to prevent a potentially deadly head-on collision with other motorists.
The trooper located the red Honda HR-V traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes and used his patrol vehicle to stop it.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, reckless driving and other charges, while the trooper was treated for minor injuries.

By Sara Waite

Source Journal-Advocate, Sterling, Colo.

A Sterling woman was arrested Sunday after driving the wrong way on Interstate 76 near Fort Morgan, according to a Colorado State Patrol press release.

The release states that reports came in around 2:20 a.m. Sunday about a red Honda HR-V driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-76 near Fort Morgan. Trooper Talamantes responded to the call and located the vehicle near mile marker 82.

"Trooper Talamantes activated his emergency lights and used his patrol vehicle to stop the Honda by colliding with it front-first to avoid it from colliding with any other vehicles traveling on the roadway," the release states.

After the collision, Talamantes placed the driver, identified as 36-year-old Claudia Z. Rodriguez, into custody on charges of driving while under the influence, reckless driving, open container and failure to provide valid insurance. She was taken to the hospital and later booked into the Morgan County Jail.

Talamantes was also evaluated at a nearby medical facility, the CPS said, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

The road was closed during the crash investigation but reopened at about 6:43 a.m., the release states.

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