Golden Police Officer Dies After Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 58; Colorado School of Mines Professor Arrested
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the community of Golden, Colorado, on Wednesday, as a suspected DUI incident claimed the life of a young police officer and left another injured. The collision involved Stephen Geer, a 43-year-old professor of mechanical engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, who was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. The incident unfolded on Colorado Highway 58, where two officers were investigating a prior accident when they were struck, resulting in the death of Officer Evan Dunn.
The deadly crash occurred at approximately 5 p.m. in snowy conditions, which contributed to the dangerous road environment. Officer Dunn, 33, and his field training officer, Bethany Grusing, were at the scene managing the aftermath of an earlier accident along a curve of the highway. Authorities say that Geer’s vehicle approached the crash site, where officers had already set up a police cruiser to alert oncoming traffic. However, Geer’s vehicle allegedly hit another vehicle, propelling it into the officers and trapping them beneath.
Officer Dunn, who had only recently graduated from the police academy in July, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Grusing, a member of the Golden Police Department since 2020, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. She is expected to survive but faces a long recovery process, both physically and emotionally.
At Geer’s court appearance on Thursday morning, Judge Thomas Vance informed him of the charges he may face, setting his bond at $250,000 and scheduling a preliminary hearing for November 14. Although Geer has no prior criminal record and is respected within the local academic community, the severity of the charges means he will remain in custody unless bond is posted. According to initial police statements, Geer admitted to having consumed one 16-ounce beer at a local brewery before the crash. His defense attorney, Lindsay Stone, argued that the incident could have been an unfortunate accident given the hazardous road conditions and the limited warning of the earlier crash. At the time of the court proceedings, blood alcohol test results were still pending.
Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey, visibly moved during a press briefing, expressed profound grief over the loss of Officer Dunn. Describing him as "an incredible human being," Chief Harvey emphasized Dunn's dedication and service to the country and the community. Prior to his role as a police officer, Dunn served in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and commander, a career marked by courage and integrity. Dunn is survived by his wife, Annalise, his parents, and two siblings. Annalise, in a statement, described her husband as a man of faith who was deeply connected to nature and dedicated to his family. She shared that the couple often spent their free time camping and traveling, drawing strength from each other and their shared love of the outdoors. Annalise thanked the community for the outpouring of support and requested privacy as she and their family navigate this devastating loss.
Officer Dunn’s career with the Golden Police Department began in a support role as a Code Enforcement Officer, where he served for a year before attending the police academy. Known for his quiet, observant nature and loyalty, Dunn quickly earned the respect of his peers. His dedication to law enforcement was evident, and his untimely death has left a void in the department. His field training officer, Officer Grusing, also impacted by the crash, remains hospitalized. “She has a broken heart as well,” Chief Harvey said, underscoring the emotional toll of the incident on those who worked closely with Dunn.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), which is conducting the investigation, cited “unsafe driving” on an already perilous day as a contributing factor to the tragedy. Snow and ice compounded the risks on the roads, and the earlier accident on the highway was reportedly in the process of being secured when Geer’s vehicle entered the scene. The CSP has noted that, regardless of the DUI allegations, the road conditions posed significant challenges and stressed the importance of heightened caution during winter weather.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily, even in routine situations. The community of Golden has rallied in mourning, with messages of support flooding in from residents and nearby agencies. Officer Dunn’s death is a tragic blow not only to his family and friends but to the city he served so faithfully. As the investigation unfolds, the memory of his service, strength, and kindness will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the Golden Police Department and beyond.
