Memorial For Fallen Cadet Continues To Grow
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4)- The memorial for the young State Patrol cadet who was killed when he was struck by a car continues to grow.
Cadet Taylor Thyfault was working an accident on Highway 66 in Longmont Saturday when he and Trooper Clinton Rushing were hit by a speeding car involved in police chase that started nearby.
Thyfault, 21, was killed and Rushing was seriously injured while trying to put spikes in the road to stop the car being chased.
Thyfault, of Westminster, had just warned a tow truck driver to get out of the way when he was struck.
The crash happened in front of Whizzy Harper's home.
"A young kid, you know, just sort of beginning his life and I think some idiot did something super stupid," said Harper.
Police arrested Chris Gebers, 27, of Federal Heights. They say he took off from a traffic stop. He claimed his accelerator had been stuck, but Gebers had lost his license and wasn't even supposed to be driving.
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"I'd say it's a little bit of BS or horse you-know-what," said Harper.
Troopers become emotional when talking about Thyfault, saying he'll be missed.
"As a cadet, was one of our squad leaders for this class, so he was very well liked and very well received, so certainly he's going to be a great loss for our family," said Trooper Josh Lewis.
Gebers is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on tentative charges that include first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license.
Gebers remains in custody without bond at the Boulder County Jail.
Additional Resources
A GoFundMe fund has been set up to support Rushing in his recovery, and Thyfault 's family.