Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — A 26-year-old Edwards man faces numerous charges for leading authorities on a high-speed chase between Hayden and Steamboat Springs early Wednesday morning.

An alleged intoxicated Guillermo Maldonado Munoz allegedly forced numerous cars off the road during the 20-minute chase that occurred in a five-mile strip of U.S. 40.

"In a short area, he put a lot of people in jeopardy," said Trooper Brett Hilling, who initially attempted to stop the man at about 8 a.m.

Hilling attempted to stop Munoz, who was traveling in a 1999 black Ford truck, because the man had allegedly been involved in a domestic dispute with his ex-wife in Craig.

Hilling was out on a traffic stop at about 7:30 a.m. when he was notified to be on the lookout for Munoz in the truck.

Hilling saw the eastbound truck go by him at about milepost 124, which is 15 miles east of Hayden. The trooper immediately started pursuing the truck but was unable to catch up to the vehicle, he said.

Hilling met up with Routt County Undersheriff Dan Taylor at about milepost 125.

The two officers, who parked on the side of the road, saw the eastbound truck coming toward them and tried to stop it.

"The truck accelerated and moved into the opposing lane," Hilling said.

"He forced several cars off the road."

Hilling and Taylor reached speeds of 130 mph as they tried to catch up with the truck.

"He was pulling away from us," Hilling said. "We couldn't catch him."

During the pursuit, Munoz allegedly would swerve into the opposite lane as he managed curves in the road.

"As he took the turns, he forced other vehicles off the road," Hilling said.

As Munoz approached Steamboat Springs, the man allegedly turned around on U.S. 40 at about milepost 126 and headed westbound.

Munoz then allegedly pulled off onto a side road and watched authorities drive by, Hilling said.

Munoz then allegedly got back onto U.S. 40 and continued eastbound toward Steamboat Springs.

The man surrendered to two Steamboat Springs police officers who were waiting for the vehicle at milepost 129, Steamboat Springs Assistant Police Chief Art Fiebing said.

"He pulled right over for us," Fiebing said.

Munoz faces charges of eluding, a felony, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and driving under the influence.

According to breathalyzer results, Munoz allegedly had a blood-alcohol content of 0.133, Hilling said.

Munoz was booked into the Routt County Jail. Craig authorities are also investigating the alleged incident that took place there.

Munoz and his ex-wife, Consuello Munoz-Tarango, allegedly got into an argument outside an apartment in the 1100 block of West Sixth Street. The argument was reported to Craig police at about 7:30 a.m.