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A manhunt ensued after one driver involved in a two-car collision fled the scene about 5:30 p.m. June 17 outside of Phippsburg. The accident happened on Routt County Road 19, near its intersection with County Road 15.

About three hours after the collision, the suspect, Brian Scott Turner, was spotted a mile and half from the accident scene. He had been injured in the accident and was taken to the Yampa Valley Medical Center.

Routt County Undersheriff Dan Taylor said police were able to identify Turner because he had left his driver's license in the vehicle, a white Isuzu. The steering wheel of the Isuzu was bent from the impact of Turner hitting it during the collision. The exterior of the car was badly damaged.

Police also found a substantial amount of blood in the vehicle. Before finding the suspect, Taylor said he was concerned about finding him quickly, since he was evidently injured in the accident.

The search team consisted of members of the Routt County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado State Patrol, Routt County Search and Rescue and the Steamboat Springs Fire Department. Search dogs also were brought out to follow the suspect's trail.

Ultimately, Turner was seen walking near the intersection of county roads 132 and 15.

When police apprehended Turner, he was wearing only shorts and was soaking wet, apparently from running through several irrigation ditches. Taylor suspected Turner might have been hypothermic.

Turner had severe cuts on his face, between his nose and lip, and had chest contusions, police said. Taylor said Turner was uncooperative and suspected he had been drinking.

Turner had numerous warrants for his arrest, Taylor said. Some of them were related to possession of narcotics.

Taylor said Turner likely would be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. The final decision will be made by the Colorado State Patrol, which will be investigating the case.

Turner's vehicle hit Joe Bill Wilcoxson's black Chevy nearly head-on, Taylor said. Wilcoxson was not badly injured in the accident and refused an ambulance. Wilcoxson lives less than a mile from the accident site.

Police say they believe Turner lives in Yampa, though the address on his license is Glenwood Springs.

-- To reach Erin Ragan call 87-14232

or e-mail intern@steamboatpilot.com