Man Accused Of Hitting Officer With SUV Had Just Gone Through A Divorce
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Brighton are continuing to search for a man accused of driving into a police officer.
Police say Mark Duane Molstad, 52, struck the officer and three police cars with his vehicle before speeding away on Friday.
CBS4 learned Molstad's criminal background check shows he's been arrested for child abuse, domestic violence and a burglary within the last two weeks.
On Friday, the recently divorced Molstad was reportedly chasing his ex-wife in a Jeep Compass. Police say fearing for her safety she called them from her car. They met her at Highway 85 and Weld County Road 2, but their conversation would turn dangerous.
"As they approached her vehicle to speak to the woman, a vehicle, the white Jeep Compass, swung out from behind her car and struck the officer … he didn't see it coming," John Bradley with Brighton police said.
Police say Molstad sped off south after hitting the officer.
"They followed him southbound on Highway 85 to Highway 7," Bradley said.
Along the way police say he drove his Jeep into their cruisers and damaged his own vehicle.
"In this case where we had a known suspect and there was an increased danger to the public, absolutely our policy is not to further endanger the public," Bradley said.
Police later found Molstad's Jeep a mile from his home.
"At this point we'd like nothing more than to have Mr. Molstad peacefully surrender himself before anyone else is hurt," Bradley said.
Police are hoping the public can help them find Molstad and the truck he may be driving -- a black 1999 Ford F-350 pickup with the Colorado license plate 739-NTK.
Molstad is described as being 6 feet tall, 200 pounds with red hair and a beard.
Additional Information From Brighton Police
Anyone with any information about the location of either Mark Duane Molstad or the white Jeep Cherokee should not try to apprehend them but instead immediately call 911.