The Chase

KCNC-TV helicopter pilot Mike Silva and cameraman Jim Stair fly over Denver to capture aerial footage for a news segment. The flight introduces the looming tension as a fugitive operates in the city from the ground.

Escaped convict Phillip Hutchinson, using the alias Mark Taylor, moves to Denver and begins a crime spree, including an armed robbery and a mugging of a courier delivering money. A witness spots his red Chevrolet K5 Blazer and reports it, but Hutchinson has his coworker Tom repaint the vehicle brown to avoid identification.

Hutchinson meets Roxanne through a coworker and begins a romantic relationship while hiding his criminal life. When Roxanne discovers clues to his secret life, he chases her out of his apartment, exposing the fragility of his double life.

Denver PD Detective Bob Wallis and Texan Detective Hammer begin tracing Hutchinson's activities. Wallis, whose wife is pregnant and whose son Dale is a police officer, starts contemplating retirement to spend more time with family and his upcoming grandchild.

A month later, Hutchinson robs the Rio Grande Operating Credit Union, planning to flee to Brazil. He orders Tammie to transfer the money into his suitcase, but she activates a silent alarm and he escapes before police can intervene.

Wallis and Hammer respond to the Union office, while Silva and Stair follow overhead to film the pursuit. The joint police-media effort tightens the net around Hutchinson as the chase unfolds.

As Hutchinson drives toward the pursuing officers, Wallis's seatbelt jams and he cannot exit the cruiser in time. Hutchinson strikes him with the Blazer, killing him instantly.

Hutchinson crashes the Blazer and flees on foot, attempting to carjack bystanders. Julian escapes, while Gloria Whipple drives away, narrowly avoiding gunfire.

Hutchinson encounters John Laurienti and his disabled daughter and forces Laurienti to drive him away in his green Chevrolet C/K. Laurienti survives the encounter and remains unharmed.

Silva, realizing the police do not know which vehicle Hutchinson is in, flies the helicopter and lands in front of Laurienti's truck, forcing it to stop and enabling police to close in.

Laurienti is pulled from the vehicle unharmed, and Hutchinson is shot dead by police after attempting to shoot Laurienti and the officers.

In the aftermath, Gloria Whipple ends her relationship with Julian and begins rebuilding her bond with her father, who supports her during the pregnancy. The shift signals a move toward stability after the ordeal.

Wallis's funeral is held as his son Dale delivers a heartfelt speech, illustrating the personal cost of his father's death and the impact on their family.

Tammie becomes self-confident and decides to head off to college, marking a hopeful new chapter after the traumatic events.

Laurienti survives the ordeal and KCNC-TV honors him with a new white truck as a gesture of gratitude for his involvement.