Semi-trailer driver arrested and charged in fatal crash on Highway 285 near Conifer in Colorado foothills

A tractor-trailer driver has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal crash Tuesday on Colorado Highway 285 that kept the busy road closed for more than 12 hours.

Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, faces charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, reckless driving and unqualified operation of a commercial vehicle – no CDL or commercial driver's license.

THE deadly accident happened Tuesday afternoon. Investigators said the truck was heading south when it left the side of the road and rolled onto its side near Conifer. This truck, owned by Monique Trucking, spilled 47,000 pounds of steel pipe onto five other vehicles near Conifer Tuesday afternoon.

According to the arrest affidavit, Cruz-Mendoza had an “eligible” commercial license outside of Mexico, but no record for a U.S. driver’s license. His driving history also shows two convictions in 2022 for speeding and driving without equipment, as required by Pennsylvania law. The brakes on the 5th axle of the semi were also “well” below minimum requirements.

The arrest affidavit shows that during a conversation with investigators, Cruz-Mendoza claimed he had been driving a commercial vehicle for the past seven years while living in the United States.

Witnesses told investigators the tractor-trailer was traveling at a speed of 60 to 80 mph before the crash in an area where the speed limit is 45 mph, according to the arrest affidavit.

Cruz-Mendoza was traveling from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Farmington, New Mexico. Monique Trucking is based in Indio, California.

Colorado State Patrol identified the deceased as 64-year-old Scott Miller. Another person involved in the accident was seriously injured.

Cruz-Mendoza is scheduled to appear in Jefferson County Court on June 18 for a hearing.