BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — A Colorado State Patrol cadet was killed and a trooper was critically injured during a crash investigation when another pursued vehicle part of a chase hit them on Highway 66 on Saturday morning.
After further investigation the man arrested as a suspect in this car chase and wreck, Christopher Lee Gebers, was found to have a lengthy criminal record.
Details of the accident
Officials attempted to stop a 2002 Honda Civic driven by a 27-year-old man, said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis.
The driver was later identified as Christopher Lee Gebers and was arrested, according to Longmont Police Cmdr. Jeffrey Satur.
Gebers allegedly barreled through an accident scene and slammed into two Colorado State Patrol employees who tried stopping him.
The officers who were struck, were outside the vehicle trying to use stop sticks.
CSP: Cadet was killed and another trooper critically injured when trying to stop suspect. pic.twitter.com/vo1xzxcXXD
— Drew Smith (@drewsmithvideo) May 23, 2015
The injured trooper Clinton Rushing, age 37, was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and continues to recover in the hospital.
The cadet who died on the scene was a 21-year-old in training, Taylor Thyfault.
RELATED: Tow truck driver credits fallen CSP cadet with saving his life
Suspect driver has previous criminal history
According to investigators, Christopher Gebers has been in trouble with the law before for drug possession and weapons charges.
Christopher Lee Gebers has been arrested on 10 charges for this incident alone, according to Cmdr. Satur.
Those charges were first degree murder/extreme indifference, criminal attempt first degree murder/extreme indifference, first degree assault on a peace officer, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. Gebers’ other charges include: eluding a police officer, driving a vehicle while license was cancelled or denied, and illegal use of blue lights.
He sustained minor injuries in the crash was treated and released from the hospital.
Gebers was taken into the custody of Boulder County Jail.
Salute to fallen State Patrol cadet
Taylor Thyfault was supposed to join the Pagosa Springs State Patrol division after graduation.
“Regardless of whether he has a badge on his chest or not it’s certainly a devastating loss,” said Trooper Josh Lewis.
Details surrounding Gebers’ run in are a bit blurry, but officers will be quick to point out Rushing and Thyfault did all they could do to try and stop him.
“This is essentially a line of duty death. Whether he [Thyfault] was an active police officer, he was doing his best to serve Colorado,” Trooper Lewis added.
Many honored the cadet remembering him on social media.
Loss in the CSP Family. http://t.co/gVZD8JiQRE
— CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) May 23, 2015
The temperature dropped. The skies opened. The rains fell. And a hero was escorted home. pic.twitter.com/EUXZGn3iYw
— CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) May 23, 2015
Flying the flags from the CSP Academy at the Capitol for Cadet Trooper Taylor Thyfault. #All Honor to His Name. pic.twitter.com/q7CvLTAlJp
— CSP ESU (@CSP_ESU) May 23, 2015
Trooper Rushing is still alive, recovering, and thankful for all the well wishes and support.
— CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) May 23, 2015
SHINE A LIGHT in memory of Colorado State Patrol Cadet Taylor Thyfault #LODD https://t.co/kmPnZiEo8R pic.twitter.com/uq6cxsFH6A
— 53 Hours ©™ (@53Hours) May 23, 2015
Our hearts are heavy and our badges are shrouded for Cadet Trooper Thyfault. You will be missed brother.
— CSP Golden (@CSP_Golden) May 23, 2015
Grieving over the loss of Cadet Trooper Taylor Thyfault. Taylor was going to be assigned to Pagosa Springs after graduation. RIP brother!
— CSP Durango (@CSP_Durango) May 23, 2015
RIP Cadet Trooper Thyfault. pic.twitter.com/fokQcmq00k
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) May 23, 2015
@CSP_News our thoughts are with you and fallen Cadet Thyfault's family. And to a full recovery for Trooper Rushing!
— Westminster Police (@WestminsterPD) May 23, 2015
Prayers and condolences to the family of Cadet Trooper Thyfault. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery for Trooper Rushing.
— CSP Sterling (@CSP_Sterling) May 23, 2015
The men and women of the LCSO mourn for the loss of Colorado State Patrol Cadet and the injuring of the Trooper… http://t.co/EbCRIgMR8H
— Sheriff Justin Smith (@Sheriff_Smith) May 23, 2015
#ThinBlueLine: Please keep the Colorado State Patrol in your thoughts today. A CSP Cadet (academy recruit) was… http://t.co/yNN0DgwxvY
— Aurora Police Dept. 🚔👮🏼♀️👮🏾♂️ (@AuroraPD) May 23, 2015
Our thoughts are with Colorado State Patrol as we mourn the loss of one of their Cadets.
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) May 23, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Colorado State Patrol today.
— Lincoln Sheriff (@LincolnCountySO) May 23, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colorado State Patrol today as they mourn the loss of one of their cadets… http://t.co/sIVTJmyvJL
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) May 23, 2015
Our prayers and condolences go out to Cadet Trooper Thyfaults family and fellow cadets. Prayers for a full recovery for Trooper Rushing.
— CSP Castle Rock (@CSP_CastleRock) May 23, 2015
Our family has tragically lost Cadet Trooper Thyfault today. We mourn w/ his family. Plz keep them & us in ur prayers pic.twitter.com/uMVCp15RPs
— CSP Colorado Springs (@CSP_CSprings) May 23, 2015
To our brothers and sisters in blue throughout the state, our thoughts and prayers are with you. S47 pic.twitter.com/IZCU30sg5s
— CSP Pueblo (@CSP_Pueblo) May 23, 2015