A Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) deputy was charged and placed on administrative leave Monday after he was pulled over for allegedly speeding in a DSD transport van, which was carrying three inmates, along I-25 last week.
Shortly after noon on Jan. 16, 2020, CSP received a report of two vehicles headed northbound on I-25 near Monument at high rates of speed. The reporting caller said it appeared that the two vehicles — a red truck and silver van — were possibly racing as they weaved in and out of traffic, according to CSP.
CSP aircraft pilots were able to locate the vehicles and noted that the drivers were speeding and driving aggressively around other cars, according to CSP. The pilots guided the troopers on the ground to the speeding drivers.
A silver Ford van was stopped a little north of Castle Rock. Troopers discovered the vehicle was an inmate transport van for the DSD. In addition to two deputies, the van was also carrying three inmates. The driver was identified as Deputy James Grimes.
Troopers allowed Grimes and the other deputy to continue to transport the inmates.
On Monday, Grimes was charged with:
- Reckless driving
- Three counts of reckless endangerment
- Speeding 40 mph or more over a posted speed limit in a construction zone
The other vehicle stopped on Thursday afternoon was a 1999 red Chevrolet pickup. CSP troopers stopped it near Castle Rock. CSP said the driver, 27-year-old Daniel Franklin, appeared to be under the influence and was placed into custody.
He was arrested and charged with:
- Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol
- Driving a vehicle with a BAC .08 or more
- Driving under restraint (for a previous alcohol offense)
- Speeding 40 mph or more over the posted speed limit in a construction zone
- Reckless driving
- Failing to present evidence of insurance upon request
The DSD issued the following statement on Monday: "Both deputies were immediately reassigned and the driver then placed on administrative leave. Due to the ongoing criminal process and subsequent internal investigation, we are not able to provide additional information at this time."
DSD said there is no dash camera footage of the incident.
