Felony Theft Call Escalates into Hwy 50 High-Speed Chase Ending with Arrest in La Junta

Description: A felony theft investigation led to a dangerous Highway 50 pursuit ending in La Junta. Two suspects were arrested following a multi-agency response involving Bent County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol. Read the Full Incident Report from Bent County Sheriff’s Office...

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in La Junta After Felony Theft Alert, Two Arrested

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 1:52 PM, the Bent County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the Lamar Police Department regarding a 2003 Black Hummer SUV linked to a felony theft in Lamar.

The vehicle was located at Dairy Queen in Las Animas. When a Colorado State Patrol Trooper and a Bent County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to make contact, the driver fled the scene, nearly striking the Trooper.

A pursuit ensued westbound on Highway 50. The suspect demonstrated a manifest disregard for public safety, driving erratically and failing to maintain lanes. Despite the Colorado State Patrol successfully deploying tire deflation devices at two locations east of La Junta, the vehicle continued into the city of La Junta. The pursuit ended after the passenger tires disintegrated, causing the vehicle to exit the highway and jump the railroad tracks.

The driver Levi Richard Barela (DOB: 06/25/1991) and passenger Vanessa Mondragon (DOB: 07/25/1997) were taken into custody without further incident.

Levi Barela

Criminal Attempt of Murder of a Peace Officer

Vehicular Eluding & Reckless Endangerment

Felony Menacing

Throwing Missiles at Vehicles

Obstruction of a Peace Officer

Littering

Multiple Outstanding Warrants (Felony & Misdemeanor)

Vanessa Mondragon 

Unlawful Use of a Controlled Substance

Accessory to Crime

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Five (5) Outstanding Warrants (Felony & Misdemeanor)

The Bent County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Colorado State Patrol, Otero County Sheriff’s Office, La Junta Fire Department and Lamar Police Department for their assistance in safely ending this pursuit.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Watch the Videos:

Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies on Scene at a Crash on US Hwy 50 just past Conley Rd in La Junta

Hummer Launches over Railroad Tracks after Spike Strips Deployed in High Speed Chase in La Junta, CO

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