A Front Range homicide suspect is now in custody, more than 10 hours after a predawn car chase and shootout with authorities.
Eagle County Sheriff James van Beek confirmed the suspect, Kenny Espinoza, 30, was arrested around 2:10 p.m.
I-70 between Gypsum and Glenwood Springs reopened soon after. A shelter-in-place order is lifted and homeowners near Dotsero can leave for the first time since 4 a.m.
At a 1 p.m. news conference Van Beek confirmed one person was shot by deputies and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were harmed. The sheriff also confirmed five people were found inside of the Espinoza’s vehicle, including juveniles. Their relationship to the suspect remained unclear. An earlier report from the sheriff’s office said he might have taken hostages.
The incident began around 4 a.m. today, when authorities said a Front Range homicide suspect fled west on I-70. The man, later identified as Espinoza, was “armed and possibly accompanied by hostages,” Eagle County Sheriff’s Office said.
9 News confirms he is wanted for a slaying in Westminster, where a man’s body was found Jan. 10 after reports of early-morning gunshots at a park.
Early today an Eagle County Sheriff’s deputy spotted a vehicle matching the perpetrator’s description on westbound I-70 between Gypsum and Glenwood Canyon. The deputy pursued the vehicle for several miles at high speed before it veered onto eastbound I-70 at the canyon. Deputies used tire spikes to halt the vehicle, which came to rest outside of Dotsero, a town of about 1,300 people just off the interstate.
Two people emerged from the vehicle. At least one of them, believed to be Espinoza, was armed. He exchanged gunfire with authorities before fleeing the scene.
Eagle County sheriff’s deputies are still searching for Espinoza with help from Garfield County sheriff and other law enforcement.
Colorado State Patrol is managing traffic. Colorado Bureau of Investigation is looking into the deputy-involved shooting.
Preview image via Eagle County Sheriff’s Office of Kenny Espinoza, 30, who evaded police Jan. 13 2026.