Leadville Teen Killed After High Speed Chase

6 Law Enforcement Agencies and 3 Counties Involved in Pursuit

LEADVILLE, CO - A bizarre high speed chase that tragically ended with a fatality has left a mountain town bewildered, with many questions regarding a young man's motive still unanswered.

The incident began when 18 year-old James Vanderbeek attracted the attention of a Leadville police officer who attempted to pull Vanderbeek over. After the young driver accelerated to dangerous speeds, the officer abandoned the chase because the driver (Vanderbeek) was only wanted for minor traffic infractions and instead decided to compose an arrest warrant for the young man.

However, Vanderbeek was not through attracting police attention. He apparently then drove to the Leadville Police Department, where he began honking his horn repeatedly. This attracted attention and by the time the deputy had returned to the department, he was informed by a dispatcher that there was a white vehicle in the parking lot honking it's horn. 

As deputies approached, Vandeerbeek sped away once again. He stopped on 17th street in Leadville, where he exited his vehicle and threw what appeared to be a pipe bomb grenade. Officers fired shots in Vanderbeek's direction, but he was not struck at that time.

The chase then continued, reaching speeds of 100 mph, through Lake, Chaffee, and Saguache counties. Shots were fired at police repeatedly throughout the chase. Police were finally able to stop Vanderbeek's car with an advanced traffic maneuver, after which the suspect exited his vehicle and again began shooting at police. 

An officer with the Buena Vista Police Department fired one round in response, killing James Vanderbeek. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have yet to release a motive.

If you are injured by a reckless driver, or hurt in any car accident in the Denver area, please call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger today at (303)-279-0221 for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!