Folsom Field in Colorado damaged by man driving crashed pickup truck

A man was arrested after he was involved in several hit-and-run accidents that included nearly hitting a person and eventually driving through a gate into the University of Colorado football stadium, damaging the turf, officials said.

The Colorado Buffaloes, coached by former NFL player Deion Sanders, will not have a home game until they host Baylor on Sept. 21. The field will be ready, university officials said.

Witnesses reported that a blue pickup truck struck at least two vehicles and drove off at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, also hitting trees and signs. The driver nearly hit one of the witnesses who tried to stop him, Boulder police said. The driver drove off, striking at least one more vehicle.

Officers attempted to stop the driver, but he escaped. A few minutes later, he was spotted again near the football stadium, but university police were unable to stop him. He rammed a gate and drove onto Folsom Field, where he surrendered to police after a brief negotiation.

One of his rear tires was broken and the wheel had dug into the grass at the 40-yard line, as can be seen online.

The university is assessing the damage to the field and two entrance gates to the stadium, but it will not impact the Buffaloes' next home game, said Steve Hurlbert of the Colorado athletic department.

A 48-year-old man was taken to jail on several charges, including attempted assault with a vehicle, reckless endangerment, three counts of hit-and-run after causing damage and criminal damage to property involving damage of $100,000 to $150,000, police said.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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