GOLDEN, Colo. (Jan 21, 2026) – Today, Stephen Robert Geer, the driver responsible for the crash that killed Golden Police Officer Evan Dunn and injured three others, has been sentenced to 13 years in the Department of Corrections.
At the sentencing hearing, District Court Judge Russell Klein heard hours of testimony from victims and loved ones of Officer Dunn and the injured victims, as well as statements from friends and family of Stephen Geer.
Those closest to Officer Dunn spoke about his dedication to service and the impact of his loss on his family, fellow officers, and the Golden community. Officer Dunn served not only as a police officer, but also as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in service to his country.
Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey addressed the court, acknowledging Mr. Geer’s decision to plead guilty and accept responsibility. “In doing so, we have avoided an incredibly difficult trial, which would have only prolonged our pain and suffering,” Chief Harvey said.
While stating that he has personally forgiven Mr. Geer, Chief Harvey emphasized that the sentencing was about accountability for the defendant’s actions.
Chief Harvey also spoke about the moment he learned of Officer Dunn’s death, as well as the harrowing experience of the officers who responded at the scene. He described how they mustered all the strength they could find to try to lift the car off Evan with their bare hands.
“Imagine, for a moment, what those moments felt like for those officers,” Chief Harvey said. “Fear. Horror. Sheer panic.”
When they were unable to lift the vehicle, the officers crawled underneath it, lying on the cold, wet, slushy roadway. Their uniforms, Chief Harvey said, would forever be stained with the blood of their teammate. All they could do was hold Evan’s hands, telling him it would be okay and letting him know they were there.
Statement from District Attorney Alexis King following the Court’s Sentence:
“Today’s sentence brings accountability and certainty in a case defined by profound loss. No sentence, regardless of length, can undo the lifelong consequences of Mr. Geer’s decision to drive impaired. Officer Evan Dunn was a devoted public servant who went to work to help others and never came home. Mr. Geer’s actions also left survivors who were seriously injured and permanently changed. We thank the court for carefully considering the full scope of harm caused and for listening to the voices of those most directly impacted. Mr. Geer will serve a prison sentence, and that accountability matters. This loss will continue to be carried forward by Officer Dunn’s family, his fellow officers, those injured, and the Golden community he served with honor.”
Original Release:
GOLDEN, Colo. (Oct. 13, 2025) – The driver responsible for the crash that killed Golden Police Officer Evan Dunn and injured three others has pleaded guilty. Today, Stephen Robert Geer entered guilty pleas to the following charges:
Count 1: Vehicular Homicide – DUI (F3), C.R.S. 18-3-106(1)(b)(I) – Victim: Officer Evan Dunn
Count 2: Vehicular Assault – DUI (F4), C.R.S. 18-3-205(1)(b)(I) – Victims: All surviving parties
Geer was originally charged with five counts for the November 6, 2024, crash that killed Officer Dunn and seriously injured Golden Police Officer Grusing and two civilians.
As part of the plea agreement, the People agreed to dismiss one felony and two misdemeanors (counts 3, 4, and 5) with the condition that Geer stipulate to a Department of Corrections sentence of 4 to 18 years, thereby eliminating the possibility of probation even though he would have otherwise been probation-eligible if convicted at trial. This stipulation reflects the parties’ acknowledgment that a prison sentence is the only appropriate outcome in this case.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026, at 8:30 am.