Denver police ask for public help in fatal hit-and-run, increase award to $5,000
Denver police are asking for the public’s help in finding the driver in a hit-and-run collision that killed 26-year-old Christopher Patton, police said Tuesday.
On Sept. 7, Patton was riding e-scooters with a group of friends downtown. Just after 1:30 a.m., a vehicle hit Patton and one other rider at high speed at Arapahoe Street and 14th Street, near the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
Patton was thrown to the sidewalk and pronounced dead at the scene. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner said Patton died from blunt force injuries.
The other victim sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive.
The driver fled the scene and has yet to be identified.
Police said they found the involved vehicle on Oct. 15 in Denver’s District 2, but the vehicle had been reported stolen before the collision.
Surveillance video shows the vehicle, a silver two-door Chevrolet Cobalt, in the parking lot of a convenience store less than 24 hours prior to the collision.
Four people, one female and three males, can be seen exiting and re-entering the vehicle.
Another video shows the car 15 minutes before the collision in a 15th Street alley between Stout Street and California Street. Three people are seen approaching the vehicle, opening the passenger door, pointing and then walking away.
Anyone who recognizes the individuals in the videos is asked to notify the Denver Police Department immediately.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the identification of the driver. The Crime Stoppers previously offered a $2,000 reward.
Police said there is also a video that shows the collision but they are not yet releasing it to the public. Police said the video shows the car driving towards Patton and his friend at high speed.
Patton would have turned 27 on Thursday.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous.







