Western Colorado Police Arrest Suspects in Fatal Pedestrian Crash Case

Two Grand Junction drivers accused of street racing were arrested Wednesday after a months-long investigation into a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian crossing legally in a marked crosswalk on N. 7th Street and Patterson Road.

Jacob Morton, 21, and Kari Frederick, 54, face charges tied to the December 11 crash, when Morton allegedly struck and killed a man at the intersection of N. 7th Street and Patterson Road while the two drivers were racing westbound on Patterson Road.

Officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 8:45 p.m. Preliminary investigation found that a vehicle traveling westbound struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics from the Grand Junction Fire Department, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"The pedestrian was crossing within the crosswalk when he was struck by a westbound vehicle," according to a GJPD press release.

Morton faces two counts of vehicular homicide, one under a DUID charge and one for reckless driving, as well as engaging in a speeding contest and reckless driving. Frederick faces charges of engaging in a speeding contest and reckless driving. Both were arrested without incident and booked at the Mesa County Detention Facility.

The 33-year age gap between the two suspects drew sharp attention as the case unfolded. Morton was 20 at the time of the crash; Frederick was 53. The allegation that the two were racing together at night on a commercial corridor raises questions investigators are expected to address in court filings in the weeks ahead.

The Grand Junction Police Department confirmed it has made two arrests in connection with the fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash that occurred in December. Further charging details and court dates are expected to be released as the case moves forward.