Longmont Police Arrest Driver After Fatal Collision
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Longmont have arrested a driver they say drove away from officers when they tried to pull him over and then sped through a red light and caused a fatal collision.
Authorities said Thursday that Pablo Bustillos, 35, is suspected of driving under the influence of narcotics. He was reportedly driving erratically before an officer tried to pull him over at approximately near 10th and Collyer Street.
Bustillos failed to stop and when the police cruiser began pursuing his car he sped up, according to Longmont police. After that the officer "called off the stop and the officer deactivated his emergency lights and siren."
A few minutes later another officer spotted the car speeding about seven blocks away. Moments later the car allegedly blew through a red light at Main Street and 17th and hit a car carrying three people.
Dale Johnson, 21, was in the car and died after the crash. Two female occupants of the car -- aged 23 and 24 -- were seriously hurt.
Johnson had just dropped off his fiancee, Morgan Buchalla, before the crash. She is still in shock.
"I feel like he's still here but not around. It's not real to me or to anybody," said Buchalla.
A dog that was in Bustillos' car also was treated for injuries, police said.
Bustillos was arrested and is being held at the Boulder County Jail. He has an "significant driving and criminal history" and was wanted for a parole violation, according to Longmont police.
"Has Pablo been in trouble before? Yes, Pablo has been in trouble before. That's why he went on a high speed chase," said Bustillos' friend Kelly Bustamante. "We want to send our heartfelt sympathies out to the family members that lost their family. He will never be replaced but form our family to theirs we are truly sorry."
Investigators closed 17th Ave and Main Street at 10 a.m. Thursday to investigate the scene of the crash for a second time. The closure was in place until approximately 3:30 p.m.
