Commerce City, CO, USA - December 7, 2023

In a courtroom development echoing the gravity of a tragedy that shook the community nearly six months ago, 24-year-old Benjamin Winters has entered a guilty plea to multiple charges linked to a devastating DUI crash. The incident, which unfolded amidst the chaos of an unrelated collision investigation, left four First Responders reeling from the impact.

The collision, described as both terrifying and horrific, saw two South Adams County Fire Department firefighters and two CCPD patrol officers struck by Winters as he careened through the scene. The aftermath of the crash left one officer and one firefighter still navigating the arduous road to recovery.

Today's plea comes as the culmination of a thorough investigation by the Colorado State Patrol, underscoring the severity of Winters' actions. In a move to shed light on the stark reality of the incident, authorities have chosen to release a portion of the body camera footage. However, due to its disturbing nature and to protect the privacy of the injured, the footage has been appropriately edited.

The timing of Winters' guilty plea, coinciding with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by those on the front lines of emergency response. Despite the somber undertones, there is solace in knowing that none of the individuals involved in this tragic event will be counted among the fallen.

[WARNING: Video contains sensitive content / blood]