Grand Junction, CO – The Grand Junction Police Department has made an arrest in the fatal hit and run which occurred shortly before midnight on September 13, 2026.
On September 14, 2026, at approximately 12:10 a.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department received a report of a possible hit and run crash near Westland Avenue and D Road. Officers arrived on scene to find an unconscious female lying on the sidewalk, with a scooter in the bicycle lane near the curb. The female was transported to the hospital by the Grand Junction Fire Department where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased on the evening of September 14, 2026.
There were no witnesses to this hit and run crash; however, through investigation, Crash Investigators with the Grand Junction Police Department determined the female had been riding a scooter in the bike lane shortly before the crash and developed a lead on the suspect vehicle. Crash Investigators located the vehicle and observed damage to the vehicle that was consistent with the crash. Crash Investigators continued to work the case and collect additional evidence resulting in probable cause to charge the suspect, identified as 37-year-old William Harrison.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Harrison, and the Grand Junction Police Department took Harrison into custody on October 1, 2026, without incident.
William Harrison was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked on the following charges:
Vehicular Homicide – Operated a Motor Vehicle in a Reckless Manner Which was the Proximate Cause of Death to Another Person (F4)
Vehicular Homicide – While Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Such Conduct was the Proximate Cause of a Death to Another Person (F3)
Drove Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol (M)
Driver Failed to (Remain at the Scene/Give Information and/or Aid) After Accident Involving Death (F3)
Failed to Notify Police of Accident (M2)
Driver Failed to Provide Information After Accident Involving Death (MT2)
The Grand Junction Police Department would like to thank the community members who made this report to law enforcement and reminds residents to look out for each other on the roadways. We recognize the fear an individual may experience when involved in a crash like this but urges drivers to remain on scene and provide medical aid until first responders arrive on scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time. Under Colorado law, an arrest and the filing of criminal charges are formal accusations that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone who witnessed this crash or has additional information related to this crash is asked to contact the Grand Junction Police Department at 970-242-6707, reference GJPD case number 26-55655.
Read the initial media release here.