(CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo.) — The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a man after he allegedly drove a UTV intentionally into the Arkansas River.
At around 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, CCSO’s dispatch received a call concerning a side-by-side UTV that was stuck in the river with two people inside. Using swift water rescue techniques, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rescued the duo from the river, and the UTV had to be pulled out with a tow truck. According to CCSO, recreational boaters also assisted with the rescue.
An investigation later showed that driving into the river was an intentional act and that alcohol was a contributing factor. The driver of the UTV, 49-year-old Jason Joseph Beltz, from Colorado Springs, was arrested and taken to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
“This is a clear example of how mixing alcohol and driving a motor vehicle is a dangerous combination,” said CCSO Sheriff Andy Rohrich. “Both of the occupants are very fortunate to have walked away without any injuries. The river began to sweep the UTV downstream before hanging up on a rock, so this could have certainly had a grimmer outcome. Although the river can serve recreational interests, it can be very dangerous if it isn’t respected. This should also serve as a reminder to others that you don’t have to be driving down a paved road while drinking to get a DUI. Drinking and driving a motor vehicle of any kind is illegal regardless of where you are, even on private property, and it will be met with life-altering ramifications when you are caught.”
Beltz was being held on a $1,000 bond for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The passenger was not charged, and no one was injured.
