Sterling, CO – January 15, 2025
On January 14th, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Sterling Police Department responded to a 911 call from a residence on the 200 block of E. Chestnut St. The caller, a female resident, reported that a male subject, later identified as 47-year-old Leon Hernandez of Sterling, had engaged in a violent series of actions, including attempting to set their residence on fire and using a large forklift to ram her vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers observed the male subject operating the forklift in a reckless manner, lifting and maneuvering a vehicle in an unstable and dangerous position. The subject then drove the forklift toward the officers, appearing to attempt to drop the vehicle onto the officers' patrol vehicle. Officers swiftly maneuvered their patrol vehicles to avoid being struck. Officers were able to avoid harm, and the subject was taken into custody without further incident.
While on scene, officers attempted to provide medical attention to the male subject, who appeared to have a slight injury to his mouth. However, he refused cooperation and displayed aggressive behavior toward emergency personnel. He was later transported to the Sterling Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. The female resident was unharmed.
Further investigation revealed the subject had been intoxicated and had engaged in threatening behavior, including attempting to damage property, attempting to light their residence on fire, and ramming the female’s vehicle with the forklift while she was inside the vehicle preventing her from leaving the
premises.
Following the arrest, the male subject was determined to be under the influence and was subsequently booked on multiple charges related to the incident.
Charges Include:
Attempted Second-Degree Murder, C.R.S. 18-3-103 (3)(b), Class 3 Felony
Attempted 1 st Degree Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-202(2)(b), Class 3 Felony
2 nd Degree Motor Vehicle Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-409(3)(f), Class 4 Felony
Attempted 1 st Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-3-202(1)(e), Class 5 Felony
Felony Menacing, C.R.S. 18-3-206(1), Class 5 Felony
Reckless Endangerment, C.R.S. 18-3-208, Misdemeanor
Drove Under the Influence, C.R.S. 42-4-1301(1)(a), Misdemeanor
The Sterling Police Department reminds the public the importance of reporting suspicious or dangerous behavior. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
The Sterling Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Sergeant Russ Baca at (970) 522-3512, ext. 4227.