A driver accused of racing on Interstate 25 had a 7-month-old baby and a 5-year-old child in the car, according to the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
A deputy reported seeing a red Ford Mustang and another vehicle going over 100 mph in the northbound lanes on April 9. The cars were spotted near the southern border of Weld County near mile marker 232.
The deputy who stopped the Mustang said the 5-year-old child was not in a car seat or wearing a seatbelt and the infant was in a forward-facing car seat.
The driver, Jarrod Andrews, 26, was arrested and charged with two counts of child abuse, four counts of reckless endangerment and multiple traffic violations, including failure to use child restraints and speeding 25-39 mph over the speed limit.
"It's a very scary situation, at those speeds who knows what could've happened if there was an accident," said Cpl. Matt Turner with the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
Just last week, the Colorado State Patrol investigated a report of street racing on I-25 near the Castle Rock area. Denver7 has learned that State Patrol will crack down on street racers this weekend, with stepped up enforcement beginning Friday night.
CSP will use overtime dollars to put extra cars on the highways where they have received complains like I-25. Troopers will also chase down leads and gather information on local racing groups.
A spokesperson for the Weld County Sheriff's Office said Andrews is out on bond. The department would also like to use this opportunity to remind parents of proper procedures when it comes to making sure children are safe in the car.
"Please remember that all children under the ages of one year old or under 20 lbs. must be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint system in the rear of the vehicle. All children under the age of 8 years old must be in a proper child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle," the Weld County Sheriff’s Office said.
A check of Andrews' record showed at least three prior speeding violations.
---------
Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.
