TOLEDO — Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Chief Allison Armstrong provided an update Sunday on her condition after being seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash Friday while traveling to a national firefighter memorial in Colorado.
Armstrong describes crash, injuries
Armstrong said in a social media post Sunday that the day following the crash was “terribly rough,” with increased swelling and pain. She wrote that her vehicle was on cruise control at 65 mph when another car struck the rear left side of her SUV. She estimated the striking vehicle was traveling at least 80 mph.
The impact pushed Armstrong’s SUV forward, turned it into a concrete barrier wall and then caused the vehicle to spin. She credited safety devices and other motorists with preventing a worse outcome.
“Thank god for air bags. Thank god for seatbelts. Thank god my vehicle didn't flip. Thank god everyone behind me was able to stop or move into another lane without also striking me,” Armstrong wrote.
Armstrong listed multiple injuries she sustained, including a fractured sternum, fractured back, whiplash, numerous contusions and swelling along the seatbelt line. She also thanked friends, family and first responders in Aurora, Colorado, for their assistance.
Investigation and arrest in Aurora
An Aurora Police Department spokesperson confirmed details of the crash. According to the department, officers responded at approximately 9:23 p.m. on Sept. 18 to a hit-and-run on northbound Interstate 225 at Mississippi Avenue.
Investigators reviewed dashcam footage from a witness that showed a silver Audi driving erratically before the collision. Police located an Audi with front-end damage and, after their investigation, arrested Christopher Archuleta-Martinez, 21, of Centennial, Colorado, on suspicion of driving under the influence.
What this means for Toledo
Armstrong is the chief of Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, and her injuries temporarily remove a senior leader from the department’s day-to-day operations. The department has not released details about interim command or administrative adjustments while she recovers. Armstrong’s public message emphasized gratitude for those who assisted and for messages of support.
- Armstrong was en route to the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs.
- Crash occurred on northbound Interstate 225 at Mississippi Avenue in Aurora, Colorado.
- A 21-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after dashcam footage aided investigators.
Officials have not released a detailed timeline for Armstrong’s recovery, and no further medical specifics were provided beyond the list of injuries she described. Aurora police corroborated Armstrong’s account of the crash on Sunday evening, according to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department spokesperson.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of crash | Approximately 9:23 p.m., Sept. 18 |
| Location | Northbound I-225 at Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, Colorado |
| Toledo official involved | Chief Allison Armstrong, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department |
| Arrest | Christopher Archuleta-Martinez, 21, Centennial, Colorado — suspected DUI |
For Toledo residents, the incident underscores how members of the local public safety leadership can be affected even while traveling for professional events. The city and department will likely provide updates about Armstrong’s condition and any temporary staffing changes as they become available.
Armstrong concluded her message with thanks to those who reached out and to bystanders and first responders who offered immediate aid. The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department and Aurora Police Department continue to coordinate on the factual record of the crash as the legal process proceeds.
