On February 22, 2025 at approximately 11:51 pm, Fort Collins Police were notified of a serious collision near the intersection of South Shields Street and West Laurel Street. It was reported that a vehicle had hit a tree. When police arrived on scene, they located a heavily damaged 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck that had collided with a tree on the southwest corner of the intersection.

The truck was occupied by one adult male who had life-threatening injuries. The male was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Due to the severity of the collision, the Fort Collins Police CRASH (Collision Reconstruction and Scene Handling) Team responded to take over the investigation.

The investigation so far has revealed that the pickup truck was heading southbound on Shields Street when it struck a tree and curb. The truck lost control and collided with another tree further to the south. Police believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

While investigators were processing the scene, a stationary FCPS patrol vehicle was struck by a different car, unrelated to the first incident. The patrol vehicle had emergency lights activated and was positioned to block lanes to protect the scene and investigators that were on foot. Officers contacted the driver of that car and conducted a DUI investigation. He was ultimately arrested for DUI. There were no injuries from that crash.

“Impaired driving of any kind poses a dangerous threat to everyone on our roadways. It is all driver’s responsibilities to make sure they are safe and sober when operating a vehicle,” said Lieutenant Kevin Cronin who oversees the Fort Collins Police CRASH Team.

South Shields Street was closed in between Birch Street and West Plum Street for approximately 4 1/2 hours while officers processed the scene. Anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Officer Philip Morris at (970) 221 6842.