LOVELAND, Colo. — A man is on the run after two road rage shootings were reported in northern Colorado on Sunday, Loveland Police said.
Just after noon on Sunday, a Loveland officer spotted a Toyota Sequoia parked at a business in the 100 block of South Taft Avenue that did not have a front license plate.
A man and woman were in the vehicle. The officer saw the driver leave the lot and attempted a traffic stop on West 1st Street. Initially, the driver stopped but drove away after the officer got out and began walking toward the vehicle, Loveland Police said.
After driving away, police said the driver stopped at a red light and as the officer approached, the driver went through the red light and nearly hit another vehicle.
Due to the driver's erratic behavior, the officer decided not to pursue the driver.
About 20 minutes later, a 911 caller reported that she was driving near East Eisenhower Boulevard and Hahns Peak Drive when a man in another vehicle shot at her vehicle. Her description of the vehicle matched the description from the officer's earlier encounter.
Shortly after that shooting was reported, Weld County Dispatch Center received a report from a driver that someone had shot at their vehicle while they were on Interstate 25 near mile marker 235. The vehicle matched the description of the one involved in the prior two incidents.
The Dacono Police Department is investigating that report.
Through interviews with the driver and passenger in the first incident, police identified the man driving the vehicle and a woman who was a passenger.
On Tuesday a no-bond arrest warrant was issued for 45-year-old Justin Vanpelt. He's wanted on the following charges:
- Two counts of attempted second-degree murder
- One count of vehicular eluding
- One count of possession of weapons by a previous offender
- One count Illegal discharge of a firearm
Vanpelt is not in custody and is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should call 911.
The woman who was with him is currently not facing charges.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or has additional information should call the Loveland Police tip line at 970-962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
