[UPDATE] Dotsero Manhunt Ends After Nearly 11 Hours as Armed Suspect Is Captured

Updated Story:  Jan 13, 2026 @ 15:35] Authorities confirmed just before 3:00 p.m. Tuesday that the suspect at the center of the high-risk traffic stop and officer-involved shooting near Dotsero has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a tense manhunt that lasted nearly 11 hours.

According to law enforcement officials, deputies located and apprehended the suspect sometime after 2:00 p.m., following an extensive, multi-agency search that stretched across portions of Eagle and Garfield counties. The suspect had fled on foot earlier in the day after shots were exchanged with deputies along Interstate 70.

The manhunt prompted widespread road closures, including extended shutdowns of I-70 in both directions, as well as a shelter-in-place order for nearby communities while officers worked to track the suspect, who was believed to be armed and dangerous.

No additional injuries have been reported in connection with the suspect’s arrest. Authorities have not yet released details about where the suspect was located, the circumstances of the capture, or whether additional charges will be filed.

Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active, and more information is expected as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation continues its review of the officer-involved shooting.

[Original Story Published: Jan 13, 2026 @ 10:59] What was supposed to be a routine takedown of a dangerous homicide suspect early Tuesday morning along Interstate 70 near Dotsero exploded into a tense, hours-long standoff that shut down one of Colorado’s most critical mountain corridors and has authorities still searching for at least one armed fugitive.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, and special operations units, were swarming the area after a suspect opened fire on deputies following a failed traffic stop, according to official statements and local news reports.

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What We Know So Far

Around 4:00 a.m. on January 13, Vail Public Safety Communications received a be on the lookout alert for a homicide suspect believed to be fleeing through the Gypsum/Dotsero area. The suspect was reportedly armed and may have had hostages.

An Eagle County deputy spotted a vehicle matching the description westbound on I-70 and began pursuing it. After the driver exited at mile marker 119 and looped back onto eastbound I-70, deputies attempted a traffic stop.

When the suspect refused to pull over, deputies successfully deployed a spike strip near mile marker 130.

Two people exited the vehicle and reportedly pointed firearms at law enforcement. A shootout followed. One individual was hit and treated on scene before being transported to a hospital; authorities did not immediately clarify whether that person was the suspect or an associate.

Active Manhunt and Road Closures

At last reporting, the primary suspect fled on foot and remains at large and is considered dangerous. Local law enforcement is urging anyone in the vicinity who spots a person matching the suspect’s description to not approach and immediately call 911.

Because of the ongoing threat and search operations:

A shelter-in-place order has been issued for nearby communities.

I-70 has been shut down in both directions. Westbound traffic was closed at mile marker 133 and eastbound at mile marker 119 near the Glenwood Canyon rest area.

Officials have not yet provided an estimated time for reopening the interstate.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been called in to assist with the shooting investigation, and an afternoon media briefing was scheduled with Sheriff Van Beek and partner agencies to share more details.

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What This Means for Travelers and Residents

Interstate 70 is one of the main east-west arteries through the Rockies, and closures, especially during winter, can ripple across the region. Even outside of this incident, I-70 closures due to crashes or weather are common, and drivers are urged to use alternate routes like US-6 when advised by CDOT.

Local authorities are also reminding the public:

• Avoid the area until it’s declared safe.
• Do not stop for hitchhikers, especially around an active manhunt.

Follow all directions from law enforcement. Both for your safety and to avoid interfering with critical public safety operations.

This is a developing story. As soon as more verified details are released by authorities, we’ll update.