(Feb. 19, 2024) – The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night in central Aurora.
At about 8:40 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, officers responded to a report of a crash at the intersection of East Alameda Avenue and South Potomac Street. The investigation revealed an Infiniti sedan was eastbound on Alameda when it ran a red light and collided with a Ford Focus that was turning left on a green arrow to travel south on Potomac. The Infiniti lost control and traveled off the right side of the road, striking a signal pole on the southeast corner of the intersection.
The passenger in the Infiniti, a female, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will identify her. The man driving the Ford was uninjured.
The driver of the Infiniti, 19-year-old Damian Sanchez-Balderas of Denver, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. After being medically cleared, he was transported to the Aurora Jail and arrested for:
- Vehicular Homicide
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Drove Vehicle When Revoked as a Habitual Traffic Offender
The crash marks the 5th traffic-related death this year in Aurora.
The investigation is active and ongoing. If you witnessed this crash and did not speak to the police, or you have any additional information, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095