DENVER – The driver accused of stealing a John Deere tractor, leading police on a slow-speed chase through a busy section of downtown Denver Friday evening has been identified.
Thomas Busch, 37, is being held for investigation of theft of a motor vehicle, according to Denver Police Department spokesman Tyrone Campbell. More charges are possible.
A mugshot of the suspect was not immediately available.
John Deere tractor stolen from the area of City Park ends up in LoDo
Reports that a tractor had been stolen and had crashed through fences in the area of City Park came in to Denver Police just before 8:30 p.m., Campbell said during a press conference in the area of 15th and Market Streets — the intersection where an officer rammed a cop car to stop the suspect from fleeing law enforcement.
Police said multiple vehicles were struck and several buildings sustained property damage as officers slowly chased the stolen tractor for about 30 minutes.
When that tractor made it to the LoDo neighborhood, officers decided they had to stop the vehicle to protect the public. At least one police vehicle rammed the tractor in order to disable it near Coors Field, Campbell said.
Police then pulled the man from the tractor and used a Taser on him, as well as K-9 dogs to arrest him. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Two officers were also taken to the hospital for treatment. Campbell said they’re expected to be okay.
On Saturday, Denver7 learned the tractor belongs to Denver Water. It's unclear at this point how Busch was able to get a hold of a city-owned tractor and what led to him allegedly stealing it in the first place.
Suspect has lengthy rap sheet
The alleged tractor theft is only the latest in a list of dozens of others charges in Busch's criminal history, dating back to 1999.
Court records obtained by Denver7 show Busch has been arrested for burglary, domestic violence, robbery, assault; and several traffic offenses including vehicle theft, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, careless driving, driving under the influence, among others.