Pursuit on Colorado's I-70 causes crash, closure at Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel

A pursuit caused a crash and closure of the eastbound lanes of I-70 on Tuesday morning. The closure at the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel happened after a crash involving a semi and suspect vehicle near Bakerville. 

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the initial investigation reveals that the driver of a Mitsubishi Endeavour was contacted by the Idaho Springs Police Department, in Idaho Springs, for a possible theft "Be On The Lookout." Officers said the driver took off in the Endeavour and police lost sight of the vehicle. 

That's when investigators say the driver got onto I-70 going westbound in the eastbound lanes. The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office responded to help Idaho Springs police when the vehicle nearly struck a deputy's vehicle. Clear Creek County deputies began to pursue the vehicle at a high rate of speed, which continued traveling the wrong way on I-70. 

During that pursuit, the Endeavour sideswiped a Toyota Camry, causing the Camry to crash into a Kenworth Semi that was hauling a trailer. In the crash, investigators say the fuel tank on the semi ruptured, causing diesel fuel to leak. The crash happened about 3:15 a.m.

Clear Creek County deputies were able to stop the vehicle after it traveled for about 20 miles, and took the driver into custody. 

The driver of the Endeavour was taken to the hospital as a precaution. No other injuries were reported. 

The closure was in place for hours from Exit 218: Herman Gulch to Exit 221: Bakerville, four miles west of the Silver Plume area.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, all lanes reopened by 7:40 a.m.