.png)
Colorado State Patrol Stops Impaired Wrong-Way Driver on Highway 6, Averting Potential Crash
Description: Colorado State Patrol stopped an impaired wrong-way driver on Highway 6 in Denver/Jefferson County, preventing a potentially fatal crash and urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride. Read the Full Release from the Colorado State Patrol...
Colorado State Patrol Stops Impaired Wrong-Way Driver on Highway 6
Troopers urge motorists to make a plan for a sober ride
(Denver/Jefferson County, COLO) – On Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 2:11 a.m., Sergeant Christian Bollen with the Colorado State Patrol successfully stopped an impaired driver who was traveling the wrong direction on Highway 6, preventing what could have been a serious or fatal crash.
Sergeant Bollen was patrolling eastbound on Highway 6 near the Perry Street overpass in Denver County when he observed a red Toyota Tacoma traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of traffic. The vehicle was driving the wrong way in the left lane of three eastbound lanes of the divided highway, creating an immediate and life-threatening hazard to oncoming motorists.
Acting quickly, Sergeant Bollen turned around, activated his emergency lights and siren, and attempted to stop the vehicle before it could collide head-on with oncoming traffic. The driver failed to yield and continued traveling the wrong way. To prevent a crash, the sergeant performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), successfully stopping the vehicle.
The Toyota Tacoma came to a stop facing west on the right shoulder of eastbound Highway 6, with the driver’s side against a concrete jersey barrier. The patrol vehicle became temporarily disabled due to a transmission issue and was positioned in the roadway. The sergeant gave loud verbal commands for the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver appeared disoriented, stared blankly at the sergeant, and made repeated attempts to manipulate the door and controls. At one point, the driver attempted to place the vehicle into drive again.
Concerned for public safety, the sergeant approached the vehicle and opened the passenger door. He immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol, observed slurred speech, and confirmed the driver was the sole occupant. The sergeant assisted the driver out of the vehicle, placed him in handcuffs, and secured him in the patrol car.
Additional troopers arrived on scene and took custody of the driver. The vehicle's final resting location was determined to be within Jefferson County.
The driver, 59-year-old Peter Hart, was arrested on the following charges:
-
Failed to Yield Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicle
-
Drove Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs or Both
-
Drove Vehicle With Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08 or More
-
Drove Vehicle On Wrong Side of Divided Highway
This incident highlights the dangers associated with impaired and wrong-way driving, particularly during overnight hours when visibility and reaction time are limited. Wrong-way crashes are often severe or fatal because drivers have little opportunity to avoid impact.
The Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists that impaired driving is entirely preventable. If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home using a designated driver, rideshare service, or public transportation. One decision can save lives.
Arrests and charges are merely accusations until and unless a suspect is convicted of a crime. All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Watch the Video:
