December 13, 2022
Kent Keller, PIO
Greeley Police Department
(970) 351-5387, Desk
[email protected]
GREELEY, Colo. – On Friday, December 2, 2022, at about 1:00 a.m., a Greeley Police officer attempted to stop a stolen Kia Sportage. When it became apparent the vehicle was attempting to flee, the officer deployed a StarChase GPS tracking dart and discontinued the pursuit. The driver of the stolen vehicle was later identified as Donald Turley, 34.
At approximately 11:18 a.m., multiple Greeley Police detectives went to a property in unincorporated Weld County to recover the GPS dart and investigate the status of the stolen vehicle. While speaking with another person on scene, detectives observed Turley moving towards a different Kia on the property. Detectives immediately recognized Turley and knew he was a wanted fugitive with several outstanding warrants to include:
• Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, a Felony
• Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, a Felony
• Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft & Possession of Dangerous Drugs, a Felony
• Driving Under Restraint, a Misdemeanor
• Theft, a Misdemeanor
• Theft, a Misdemeanor
Detectives attempted to talk with Turley upon seeing him, but he quickly jumped into the driver’s seat of the second Kia, which was also later found to be stolen. Detectives advised Turley he was under arrest and gave him commands to exit the vehicle. Turley instead put the vehicle in reverse while two detectives were at the driver side door attempting to remove him. Turley then accelerated backwards, and the still-open driver door struck both detectives.
One detective was knocked away from the vehicle after being hit in the shoulder. The other detective was pushed backwards, approximately 20 to 25 feet, by the vehicle and knocked to the ground before being briefly dragged and nearly run over by the vehicle’s tires.
The other detectives drew their weapons and ordered Turley to stop; which allowed for the down detective to move to safety. Turley then voluntarily exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Weld County Jail where he was booked on his outstanding arrest warrants. In addition to the warrants, Turley was also charged with:
• 2nd Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, a Class 4 Felony
• 2nd Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, a Class 4 Felony
• Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, a class 5 Felony
• Reckless Endangerment, a Class 2 Misdemeanor
• Resisting Arrest, a Class 2 Misdemeanor
Both detectives sustained minor injuries and were evaluated on-scene. The detectives, members of the North BATTLE (Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement), specialize in motor vehicle theft investigations and preventions. North BATTLE is funded by CATPA (Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority) is comprised of members from multiple northern Colorado law enforcement agencies.
The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until, or unless, proven guilty. No additional information will be released today.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Jerry Burroughs at 970-350-9549.