(March 19, 2024) – A 17-year-old Aurora teenager was arrested early Monday morning following an armed carjacking and fatal traffic crash in Aurora.
The suspect was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and vehicular eluding causing death. The suspect is not being identified because he is a minor. Formal charges will be filed by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from an incident that began at about 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024, when a 24-year-old Aurora resident called 911 to report he was the victim of an armed carjacking. Several minutes later, an officer located the stolen vehicle speeding near the intersection of Dallas Street and East 25th Avenue.
The officer activated emergency lights and sirens, but the suspect did not stop. Given the violent nature of the offense, a pursuit was authorized. Two more officers joined the pursuit, which continued for approximately four blocks until the suspect hit a speed bump in the 1900 block of Dayton Street, lost control and struck several parked vehicles and one occupied vehicle.
The occupied vehicle was driven by a 24-year-old Aurora man. He was the only occupant of the vehicle. He died at the scene from injuries he sustained in the crash. The victim will be officially identified by the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
The suspect was taken into custody after the crash. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, treated and released overnight. He is being held at a juvenile detention facility in Adams County.
The Major Crime Homicide Unit is leading the carjacking and homicide investigation. The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is conducting a parallel and independent investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash, including accident reconstruction and whether law enforcement conduct complied with Colorado law. The Aurora Police Department also is conducting an administrative review of the incident to determine compliance with agency policies, procedures and training.
In line with agency policies, the three officers involved in the pursuit have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The investigations are active and ongoing. The information contained in this release is preliminary and subject to change as additional details about the incident are obtained during the investigation.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP24-52445