DENVER (KDVR) — The driver who drove impaired on the night of Nov. 6, 2024, before crashing and killing Golden Police Department Officer Evan Dunn, has entered a guilty plea under a plea agreement.
Stephen Geer, 44, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide – DUI, which was linked to Dunn’s death, and vehicular assault – DUI, which was connected to all surviving parties.
Geer was accused of causing a chain reaction crash on Highway 58 last year that led to the officer’s death. Prosecutors say Dunn, 33, was pinned under one of the vehicles involved in the crash. The prosecutor’s office said that the plea agreement was made with the stipulation that Geer will be sentenced to between 4 to 18 years in prison, eliminating the chance for probation if convicted at trial.
“This stipulation reflects the parties’ acknowledgment that a prison sentence is the only appropriate outcome in this case,” the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office stated in a release.
Dunn’s partner officer was also injured at the scene, as were two other people. Prosecutors said they have all made recoveries since the crash.
Geer was originally charged with one count of vehicular homicide – DUI, two counts of vehicular assault – DUI, third-degree assault – reckless, and driving under the influence. Law enforcement also said that Geer refused a blood or breath test during his arrest, but did complete a roadside test.
Geer’s attorney told FOX31 in November 2024 that his client had crashed due to black ice on the roadway and that Geer had only drunk one 16-oz beer at a brewery after work before driving.
The crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of Highway 58, at about 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, during rainy and icy weather. The Colorado State Patrol reported that Golden police officers were working on another crash in the area. Dunn and his partner officer, Bethany Grusing, were managing the crash site when the car driven by Geer crashed into the back of one of the previously crashed cars, which hit a third car, and then hit both officers and two people who had been involved in the earlier crash.
Joe Harvey, chief of the Golden Police Department, spoke about Dunn during a press conference shortly after the deadly crash.
“He’s an amazing human being; he has had a long, stellar career in the military, where he flew Blackhawk helicopters and served as a commander,” Harvey said.
Dunn is survived by his wife, sister and parents. In the department, he is survived by 71 members of his Golden family who said they love and care for him deeply.
Geer is scheduled to be sentenced in this matter on Jan. 21, 2026.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
