A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of statutory rape Friday following a short pursuit by Weld County Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to a the sheriff’s office.

About 4:40 a.m. Friday, deputies responded to a report of a sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl at a home near U.S. 34 and Weld County Road 47.5, between Greeley and Kersey.

Police later identified the suspect as Emilson Lopez-Mejia, 31, who is related to the victim. He was arrested on charges of statutory rape, a felony, as well as resisting arrest and obstructing a police officer, which are misdemeanors.

Lopez-Mejia fled the scene before deputies arrived.

The sheriff’s office worked with other law enforcement units through the day to find Lopez-Mejia. The sheriff’s office did not say where he was found.

Deputie

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