On Monday, deputies arrested 51-year-old Steven Sandoval on suspicion of criminal impersonation, criminal mischief, attempt to influence a public servant and eluding, according to a news release from the Weld County Sheriff's Office. Sandoval was also booked on suspicion of misdemeanor traffic and drug crimes, as well as resisting arrest.
Sandoval had warrants out for his arrest for flight to avoid prosecution and failure to appear in court. While he was being booked into Weld County Jail, police say he also tried to introduce contraband, potentially another felony charge.
About 1:15 a.m Monday, deputies responded to report of a suspicious person at a storage lot located in the 9100 block of Weld County Road 2.
On the scene, responding deputies located a white 2000 Chevrolet pickup. Deputies contacted Sandoval, the driver of the truck. He told deputies he was his little brother, Anthony, but a deputy used his cellphone to confirm the suspect's identity through a mugshot and a list of his known tattoos.
The deputy placed his work cellphone in the truck bed as they attempted to talk Sandoval out of the vehicle. Sandoval quickly shifted his vehicle into drive and fled the scene, crashing through the security gate along the way.
Later, the deputy used the "Find My" app to locate his missing phone. The app showed the phone was on E-470 Tollway heading west towards Boulder. The location stopped moving about 2:47 a.m. in the 4800 block of Jay Road in Boulder.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office was contacted and responded to the address. Upon arrival, responding deputies identified Sandoval and took him into custody.
The Weld County deputy's cellphone was located in the bed of the truck. Sandoval was booked into Weld County Jail on a $23,000 bond.
The Weld District Attorney's Office has a deadline of 3:30 p.m. Thursday to file formal charges against Sandoval.
© 2021 the Greeley Tribune (Greeley, Colo.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
