Crash results in charges against Sheriff's deputy

The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office announced that Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Pratt, age 45, has been charged with two counts of vehicular assault, a Class 5 Felony, based on the outcome of a crash investigation conducted by the Colorado State Patrol.

A press release said, “The state patrol investigated a vehicular collision that occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. on August 12, 2022, involving the deputy’s patrol vehicle and a civilian passenger vehicle. At the time of the collision, Deputy Pratt, who has been with the sheriff’s office since 2015, was responding [to an] emergency and driving with lights and sirens to the Boulder County Fairgrounds, located at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. Deputy Pratt was driving Longmont-bound on Highway 119, when he struck a vehicle headed eastbound on Niwot Road.”

Two people in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were transported to a hospital. Deputy Pratt, and his K9 partner that was also in his patrol vehicle at the time of the collision, were both medically evaluated at the scene and were discharged without injuries.

According to the press release, “The initial call for response to the Boulder County Fairgrounds was a request for back-up assistance after a fight broke out between dozens of people attending the Boulder County Fair. There was also a report of a stabbing, which fortunately was found, at a later time, to be unsubstantiated.”

The Colorado State Patrol and District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene of the collision to ensure an independent investigation. According to the District Attorney’s office, the charges were based on speed, the traffic signals at the intersection, and eyewitness observations.

Deputy Pratt is on administrative leave, without pay, pending the conclusion of the criminal case, and the Sheriff’s office is now conducting its own investigation. Pratt will appear in court on the felony summons on Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m.