A Boulder County Sheriff’s Office sergeant is being credited with preventing a potential tragedy after intercepting a wrong-way driver who was speeding at over 100 miles per hour on U.S. Highway 36.
The incident happened around 5:10 a.m. on May 25, when Sgt. Sharon McKim noticed a vehicle heading eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway. According to dashboard camera footage, the driver was initially clocked at 75 mph but later reached speeds as high as 110 mph while traveling against traffic. McKim, separated from the suspect by a concrete median, followed closely while communicating with dispatch in an effort to get additional units involved.
As the suspect barreled down the wrong side of the highway, several vehicles were forced to veer out of the way to avoid collisions. Authorities say the outcome could have been catastrophic if not for McKim’s quick decision-making and coordination with other units.
Eventually, the wrong-way driver exited the highway as it transitioned into 28th Street in Boulder. The suspect came to a stop near the intersection of 28th and Colorado Avenue, pulling over to the correct side of the road.
The driver was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, possession of drugs, and numerous traffic violations. Investigators later confirmed that the suspect was also in possession of illegal substances at the time of the arrest.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office praised McKim’s actions in a statement, calling her response “heroic” and crediting her with saving lives that morning. Officials also reminded the public that if they encounter a vehicle going the wrong direction, they should pull over safely and call 911 immediately.
