CORRECTION: The train conductors name was incorrectly spelled. The correct name is Jeremiah Hartzell.
UPDATE: The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section with the assistance of the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has completed its investigation into the cause of the R-Line Light Rail Train derailment that occurred on January 28th, 2019 at the intersection of South Sable Boulevard and East Exposition Avenue.
The Aurora Police Department presented the charges against Jeremiah Hartzel, 33 years of age, of one count of 1st Degree Assault, three counts of 2nd Degree Assault and five counts of 3rd Degree Assault for review by the Office of the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District. The District Attorney will decide the charges that will be accepted. We ask any further questions about this case be directed to the District Attorney’s Office.
The passenger transported to the hospital has requested the Aurora Police Department convey to the media their continued wishes to maintain their privacy and are not interested in any media contact.
No further information is available for release at this time.
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095
Information from previous post
On January 28th, 2019, at 7:15 AM, an Aurora Police Officer arrived at the intersection of South Sable Blvd and East Exposition Avenue where an RTD R-Line Light Rail Train had just derailed. The train had been south on Sable Blvd and making the turn to west on Exposition Ave when it jumped the track. One person was ejected from the train and sustained a serious injury. The Aurora Police Officer quickly applied first aid until Aurora Fire Rescue arrived. That person was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. A few other passengers on the train reported minor injuries and were also transported to a local hospital.
The Aurora Police Traffic Unit is investigating this incident with the cooperation of RTD. Speed and weather conditions, due to the heavy snowfall, are factors being considered.
The intersection of Sable and Exposition is still closed at this time and may be for a couple more hours.
Sgt. Chris Carleton
Aurora Police Traffic Investigations