A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a woman, forcing her into a car and leading law enforcement on a chase across La Plata County on New Year’s Day.
Douglas James Palmer, 41, faces possible charges of kidnapping, domestic violence and felony eluding, according to law enforcement.
The incident began Wednesday afternoon in the Forest Lakes subdivision north of Bayfield, said Chris Burke, spokesman for the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, in an email to The Durango Herald.
After allegedly kidnapping the woman, Palmer drove to Bayfield Liquor store and went inside. The woman was able to flag down another man to alert him she was in danger. The man then called 911, Burke said.
Law enforcement spotted the vehicle, a 2017 gray Chevy Trax that belonged to the woman, traveling north on County Road 501 as it headed toward Vallecito Reservoir.
“The driver made several attempts to avoid being stopped by turning in different directions,” Burke said.
Palmer managed to leave the Vallecito area and head southwest toward Durango, via County Road 501 and Florida Road (County Road 240).
His speed ranged from 90 to 120 mph in various locations along county roads 501 and 240, Burke said.
“Law enforcement kept a visual on the suspect vehicle knowing the victim was inside the car, and deployed spike strips along Florida Road,” Burke said.
Palmer kept driving on at least one deflated tire until coming to a final stop at 15th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, he said. The stop occurred at 4:48 p.m.
Palmer is suspected of getting out of the vehicle and charging law enforcement, who deployed Tasers.
“The male fell to the ground and paramedics were called to the scene,” Burke said.
Palmer was taken to Mercy Hospital by ambulance and was later flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where he remained as of Thursday afternoon.
Burke did not immediately know the nature of Palmer’s medical condition, such as whether he was injured during the arrest, suffered an adverse reaction as a result of being shocked with a Taser or had some preexisting condition.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, participating agencies included Colorado State Patrol, Bayfield Police Department, Durango Police Department and Durango Fire Protection District.
The woman, who was in the car for the duration of the chase, had been assaulted earlier in the day by Palmer, Burke said.
“She was treated at the scene and she was released at the scene – after deputies changed the tire for her,” he said.
shane@durangoherald.com
