Run For Cover: Colorado Dad Allegedly Attempts To Mow Down Students With His Truck At High School Track Meet

A father's reckless behavior at a high school track meet in Colorado resulted in his arrest after allegedly attempting to use his car to run down students before driving to another parking lot and allegedly trying to run over another person, according to authorities.

On April 20, deputies received information regarding a man in a red Chevrolet pickup truck “trying to run over students” during a high school track meet in Walsenburg, according to the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were on their way when they learned the suspect, identified as Jose Luis Mendez, moved to the John Mall High School parking lot.

Officers were working to clear the parking lot when Sheriff Bruce Newman and Sgt. Roman Hijar located Mendez and arrested him.

Deputies searched the area for witnesses or victims and officials said they found a man who alleged Mendez “became verbally aggressive and then attempted to run the victim over but was unsuccessful during an argument.”

According to authorities, firearms were not used during the alleged altercation.

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The John Mall High School track coach, John Toplyn, posted on Facebook saying the incident “did not involve any students, staff or volunteers” and it was a fight between Mendez and another adult.

School officials were given the “green light” by officers to continue the track meet, but it was suspended because “many of the student volunteers running the meet were pulled out by their parents.”

Mendez was booked on “several charges,” including outstanding warrants from other counties, officials said. However, the exact charges were not given.