DENVER – A former Marine involved in police chases in three states across the country in a crime spree that started last week in Colorado remained at large Monday, authorities said.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that William Jason Roberts, 34, had been using his credit card at local convenience stores—apparently getting gas in a stolen pickup truck, according to WDBJ.
The sheriff’s office had been looking for Roberts since Friday, when Roberts was allegedly involved in a pursuit with deputies from nearby Alleghany County.
Investigators searched the area all weekend before stepping back some efforts Monday. The sheriff’s office is continuing the investigation.
Roberts’ multi-state crime spree started Aug. 1 in Aurora, when police say Roberts was involved in a domestic violence incident in the area of East Smith Road and North Tower Road before he eluded law enforcement and traveled to the Dillon/Silverthorne area.
In Silverthorne, police chased Roberts but lost him after he reportedly rammed into a Dillon Police Department car multiple times before driving away, initiating a multi-agency, K9 search in Frisco on Wednesday.
At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, police received a tip that Roberts was staying at a Quality Inn in Silverthorne. A standoff ensued and the Summit County SWAT Team was called in to assist.
When SWAT entered the room, Roberts was no longer there, according to Dillon Police.
Later that evening, at around 8 p.m., the Summit County Dispatch Center was notified that Roberts was pulled over for speeding by a North Newton Police officer in the state of Kansas. The city is located about 30 miles north of Wichita.
Dillon PD said Roberts sped away again and led North Newton police officers on a high-speed chase through two counties. Police used spike strips to try and stop him, but he got away.
Authorities believed Roberts was driving a white, 2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck with Kansas plates 940-CWB.
Dillon police said Roberts is reportedly a former MARSOC Marine, which they described as a “highly trained branch of the Special Forces.” Officers believe he is armed and dangerous.
Police also said Roberts suffers from PTSD and physical injuries he sustained during overseas tours.
Roberts is described as a white male, measuring 6-foot-1 and weighing around 240 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray tank top and black pants.
Roberts is wanted on vehicular assault charges, as well as for vehicular eluding, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, reckless endangerment and reckless driving.
Anyone who sees Roberts or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
