A road rage dispute in Lake County turned deadly Tuesday night, leaving a longtime resident dead and another man facing serious criminal charges. Authorities say the incident unfolded along U.S. Highway 24, just south of Leadville, and escalated from a confrontation into fatal gunfire.
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Robert Price Chase of Leadville. Investigators allege Chase shot and killed 40-year-old Landon Lavelle Mentink, also of Leadville, during the altercation. The deadly exchange occurred in the 13200 block of the highway after what officials describe as a traffic-related dispute.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following multiple reports of shots fired. When law enforcement officers arrived, they found Mentink suffering from critical injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later. Chase was taken into custody shortly after the incident and transported to the Lake County Detention Center. He now faces a charge of second-degree murder, with prosecutors noting that additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
Chase made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where a judge set his bond at $100,000. He is scheduled to return to court on October 16, when prosecutors are expected to provide further details about the case. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether Chase has obtained legal counsel. Meanwhile, investigators from the CBI and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review potential dash camera footage to reconstruct the moments leading to the fatal shooting.
The deadly encounter has left the small mountain community of Leadville in shock. Both the suspect and victim were known as longtime locals, a fact that has made the tragedy especially unsettling. Friends and neighbors of Mentink have begun posting tributes on social media, remembering him for his presence in the community and expressing disbelief that a roadway dispute could end in such devastating violence. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Authorities emphasize that while road rage incidents are not uncommon, they rarely escalate to this level of violence. Public safety officials are urging drivers to avoid confrontations, remain patient behind the wheel, and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened. As the investigation moves forward, Lake County continues to grapple with the consequences of a violent dispute that left one man dead and another facing a life-altering criminal trial.