The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a one-car crash that occurred Sunday evening on Road 29.

The crash happened in the 14000 block about 9:45 p.m. on Roatcap Hill. Trooper Josh Lewis said a 2003 Toyota sedan was involved and was blocking the roadway. The State Patrol did not have further information as of Monday.

“It is still an open case,” Lewis said.

Journal reporter Kala Parkinson was a witness to the crash.

She was driving northbound on Road 29 and moved to the side of the road to avoid the southbound Toyoya, which she said had crossed into her lane as it traveled southbound down Roatcap Hill.

From her rearview mirror, Parkinson said she saw the car “richochet off” the side of the canyon, strike a utility pole and continue driving for a little ways. She stopped and called 911. Montezuma County Sheriff’s deputies and the Colorado State Patrol responded.

Parts of the car were strewn across the highway, Parkinson said. A bystander found the car abandoned on nearby Road P. The driver reportedly fled the scene on foot. It was not known if there were passengers, or injuries. The vehicle was towed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Dennis Leroy lives nearby and went to the scene of the crash to check if anyone needed help. He followed the spilled fluids and discovered the abandoned car on nearby County Road P, then informed law enforcement.

Leroy said Roatcap Hill is a dangerous section of Road 29, and drivers often take it too fast.

Better signage and more guardrail with reflectors are needed to make it safer, he said.