Elk smashes into deputy’s patrol car on Colorado highway

A Colorado deputy escaped injury Thursday night when a large elk smashed into the side of the officer’s moving vehicle on Highway 85.

“DCSO deputies face all kinds of dangers,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tweeted Saturday. “The deputy was not injured and had to crawl out of the passenger side. Sadly, the elk did not survive.”

The Sheriff’s Office shared both of the accompanying images showing extensive damage to the patrol car.

One of the comments beneath the post was from an Aurora-based bail-bonds company: “Thank you for your bravery and dedication, Douglas County Deputy! It’s incredible to see the risks that you and your fellow deputies face every day to keep us safe. I’m so glad to hear that you are okay after the elk collision.”

Colorado’s elk population, at roughly 280,000 animals, is the largest in the world, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution when driving at night.