A Colorado repeat offender received a five-year prison sentence after leading deputies on a high-speed chase and hiding under a porch in only his underwear. Zakary Dean Hirschfield, 24, of Centennial, pleaded guilty to felony eluding a peace officer following the dangerous pursuit through Douglas County.

Authorities said the chase began when a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy stopped Hirschfield for speeding in Castle Pines. Hirschfield suddenly accelerated, driving his SUV toward the deputy and forcing him to jump out of the way. He then sped through Highlands Ranch and Littleton, reaching speeds over 100 mph, merging into oncoming traffic, crossing medians, and eventually crashing into another vehicle. Hirschfield’s passenger repeatedly begged him to stop, but he refused, abandoning her after the crash and fleeing on foot.

Deputies launched an extensive nighttime manhunt using drones, K9 units, and aerial resources. About an hour after the initial stop, officers found Hirschfield hiding beneath a porch wearing only his underwear, as shown in body camera video released by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

“Don’t run from our deputies. We will catch you and hold you accountable. This defendant learned that the hard way and is now headed to prison. Putting our deputies and the public at risk will not be tolerated in Douglas County," Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said.

The case raised concerns about Hirschfield’s prior record and release history. District Attorney George Brauchler noted that Hirschfield had previously been sentenced to probation in Arapahoe County for attempted fentanyl distribution, but his probation was revoked and later reinstated. On the same day as a new felony robbery charge in Jefferson County in August 2025, he was released without having to post cash bail.

With his guilty plea, Hirschfield will now serve five years in the state Department of Corrections. Officials hope the sentence serves as a warning to others considering fleeing law enforcement in Douglas County.

Dr. John Cooper