(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) said a deputy was almost hit by an alleged impaired driver during a traffic stop on Monday, April 29.

According to EPSO, on Monday Deputy Joshua Offutt was conducting a traffic stop with a semi-truck near Highway 24 and Garrett Road. After finishing with the traffic stop, Deputy Offutt saw a white Ford pickup truck, weaving into the lane towards him.

EPSO said Deputy Offutt had to quickly evade the oncoming truck by pinning himself against the stopped semi-truck, the white pickup truck hit the Deputy’s vehicle causing moderate damage. EPSO credits the placement of the Deputy’s vehicle as a likely factor that prevented him from being hit and seriously injured or worse.

The truck pulled over a short distance away, and when Deputy Offutt approached the driver of the pickup truck he saw signs indicating the driver of the truck was potentially under the influence of either alcohol or another unknown substance.

Colorado State Patrol (CSP) was dispatched to the crash scene and CSP determined the driver of the pickup truck was allegedly impaired.

“I am grateful for Deputy Offutt’s safety, the fact he walked away unharmed is a miracle. Thank you to our partners at Colorado State Patrol for quickly responding to the incident and assisting Deputy Offutt,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal.

EPSO wants to remind the public that in 2020, Governor Polis signed into law legislation titled, “Move Over or Slow Down for Official Vehicle” creating the presumption of safe speeds when overtaking an emergency vehicle, tow vehicle, or public utility vehicle that is parked on the side of the road.

Safe speeds are:

25 miles per hour if the speed limit is less than 45 miles per hour

At least 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit if the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or more.