On May 21, 2017, at about 11:40 P.M. Steamboat Springs Police Officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the alley behind 737 Lincoln Ave. Officers came into contact with a male laying in the alley who exhibited signs and symptoms of intoxication and impairment. It was believed at the time that the male was involved in the disturbance and the incident was possibly associated to an alleged theft of a purse.
Due to the male’s intoxication level, and obvious injuries, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) was asked to respond. As SSFR was talking with the male subject, he fled from the officers and paramedics. Steamboat Springs Police officers attempted to apprehend the male and pursued him on foot. In an attempt to evade the officers the male jumped into the Yampa River. A Steamboat Springs Police officer attempted to rescue the male from the river and requested the male cooperate and exit the river due to the dangerous conditions. The male pushed away from the officer and moved himself back out into the river.
A multi-agency effort was immediately launched. Several agencies assisted in the search including SSFR, Routt County Search and Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado State Patrol and other available city and state personnel. The search was conducted along the riverbank as well in the river. The male was seen submerged in the river moving down stream. Rescuers were not able to recover him and lost sight of him. At about 2:20 A.M. rescuers discontinued the search for the male.
Steamboat Springs detectives continue to investigate the circumstances around the original disturbance.
Routt County Search and Rescue and SSFR, with the assistance of Classic Air, continue to search for the missing male. If someone sees something suspicious in the river please call Routt County Communications immediately at (970) 879-1110.
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Contact:
Cory Christensen, Chief, 970-879-4344 or cchristensen@steamboatsprings.net