A routine speeding stop in Colorado escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a crash and an overnight-style manhunt involving deputies and aerial teams. The district attorney later said the chain of events should have been prevented.
Zakary Dean Hirschfield, 24, of Centennial, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to felony eluding of a peace officer. The case stemmed from a January chase in Douglas County, authorities said.
Newly released video from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office shows Hirschfield fleeing the traffic stop, weaving through nighttime traffic and eventually being captured by deputies.
Zakary Dean Hirschfield pulls away from a traffic stop in Castle Pines, Colorado. Authorities said he drove toward a deputy, forcing the deputy to jump out of the way. (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
District Attorney George Brauchler said Hirschfield’s criminal history should have led to his incarceration before the pursuit began.
“This case highlights the ripple effects of decisions made by other law enforcement agencies who had opportunities to lock this guy up before this dangerous episode,” Brauchler said.
The incident started in Castle Pines, where a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy stopped Hirschfield for speeding. As the deputy stood near the vehicle, Hirschfield accelerated in his direction, forcing him to leap aside to avoid being struck, officials said.
The traffic-stop footage shows the deputy next to the vehicle moments before it suddenly surges forward. The officer quickly clears the path as Hirschfield speeds away along the residential roadway.
Over the radio, the deputy reported that the driver had tried to hit him. Authorities said Hirschfield’s female passenger could be heard screaming while the vehicle fled.
The chase continued through Highlands Ranch and Littleton, where Hirschfield allegedly topped 100 mph, crossed medians and drove into oncoming traffic before colliding with another vehicle.
Pursuit footage shows deputies following through roads crowded with evening motorists as emergency lights flashed and officers moved around other vehicles.
The passenger later told investigators that she repeatedly pleaded with Hirschfield to stop. After the crash, he left her behind with the damaged vehicle and ran, authorities said.
Thermal drone video captures the search for Zakary Dean Hirschfield after he fled a crashed vehicle in Littleton, Colorado. (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
The search quickly expanded, with dozens of deputies, specialized teams, drones and a K9 tracking Hirschfield through a Littleton neighborhood.
Thermal imaging from a drone shows a person moving through trees and brush as the aircraft tracks the suspected escape route from above.
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Deputies take Zakary Dean Hirschfield into custody after finding him hiding beneath a porch in his underwear following a Colorado chase, authorities said. (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
Roughly an hour after the traffic stop, deputies located Hirschfield hiding beneath a porch and wearing only his underwear, authorities said. Body-camera footage shows officers shining flashlights beneath the raised structure before pulling the shirtless suspect out and placing him in handcuffs.
“Put your hands behind your back, behind your back,” a deputy says as officers secure Hirschfield on the ground.
Investigators searching the vehicle found cocaine along with drug paraphernalia, authorities said.
“Don’t run from our deputies. We will catch you and hold you accountable,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said. “This defendant learned that the hard way and is now headed to prison. Putting our deputies and the public at risk will not be tolerated in Douglas County.”
The chase followed a series of earlier court decisions that Brauchler pointed to in criticizing Hirschfield’s repeated releases.
Zakary Dean Hirschfield, 24, received a five-year prison term after pleading guilty to felony eluding following a January chase through Douglas County. (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
In November 2024, an Arapahoe County judge gave Hirschfield probation and community service after a plea agreement resulting in a conviction for attempted distribution of fentanyl, according to prosecutors.
His probation was revoked less than three months later, but he was placed back on probation in June 2025.
Another motion to revoke his probation was filed Aug. 19, 2025, the same day he was released without having to post cash bail in Jefferson County on a new felony robbery charge, prosecutors said.
Five months later, he led deputies on the high-speed chase.
“This defendant put countless lives at risk that evening,” Deputy District Attorney Zach Idris said. “Thanks to the efforts of the Sheriff’s Office, Hirschfield will now spend several years in the Department of Corrections, where he will have plenty of time to think about his reckless actions that put him there.”
Brauchler closed with a blunt warning.
“Commit your crimes somewhere more forgiving, or heck, maybe don’t commit them at all.”