Man arrested for two driving rage shootings

LOVELAND, Colorado – A man wanted in connection with two road rage shootings in northern Colorado was arrested late Friday in Trindad, Loveland police said.

Justin Vanpelt, 45, was wanted by Loveland police after two road rage shootings occurred on July 21 near East Eisenhower Boulevard and Hahns Peak and on Interstate 25 near mile marker 235.

In both cases, police said, drivers reported that a man in another vehicle fired shots at their vehicles while they were driving. It is unclear whether one of the vehicles or the victims was hit.

Both reports described a vehicle and driver that police attempted to stop earlier in the day. The driver was later identified as Vanpelt.

On Saturday, detectives from the Loveland Police Department traveled to Trinidad to question Vanpelt and collect evidence related to the shootings, police said.

The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Vanpelt on Monday:

• Two cases of attempted murder
• Unauthorized firing of a firearm
• Vehicle escape
• Weapon possession by a previous offender
• Increased penalties for two cases of violent crime

The Trinidad Police also face additional charges against Vanpelt:

• Weapon possession by previous offenders
• Criminal imitation
• Prohibited use of a weapon
• False reports to the police

A passenger who police said was with Vanpelt at the time was not charged and is no longer a relevant suspect.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any other information is asked to call the Loveland Police Department tip line at 970-962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.