Clifton, CO – A reported road rage incident in Mesa County Wednesday evening led to the arrest of a Clifton man now facing a long list of felony, misdemeanor, and traffic charges, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched around 7 p.m. Wednesday to an in-progress road rage complaint near the intersection of 31½ Road and Patterson Road in Clifton. The victim reported ongoing harassment and was instructed by dispatchers with the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center to drive to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office substation in Clifton for safety.
Deputies located the suspect vehicle at the Peach Tree Plaza shopping center, where they attempted a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver refused multiple commands to stop his vehicle, prompting deputies to block it in. When the suspect continued to refuse to exit the vehicle, deputies used less-lethal force to remove him.
Investigators said the suspect remained combative with patrol deputies and Mesa County Detention Facility officers after arriving at the jail.
The driver was identified as Matthew Pixler, 39, who was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. According to authorities, Pixler faces several charges, including second-degree assault, vehicular eluding, vehicular assault while under the influence of alcohol, criminal mischief, and criminal attempt. He is also accused of driving under the influence, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, and cruelty to animals.
Additional traffic-related charges include driving without a valid driver’s license, no insurance, an open container in a motor vehicle, failure to wear a seat belt, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A current booking photo was not available at the time of the release. Officials said a previous photo of Pixler from October 2025 was provided instead. The case remains under investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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