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Police: Driver who fatally crashed into mother of 2 was street racing

racing photo

Last weekend’s fatal car crash in Lower Downtown Denver that killed a mother of two was the result of illegal street racing, the Denver Police Department said.

Police said on April 3 before 10 p.m., a white SUV and a black pickup truck were racing at high speeds. During the race, the SUV ran a red light and T-boned a driver at 18th Street and Lawrence Street.

The victim, 40-year-old Jessica Allen, was pronounced dead at the scene. Allen’s mother told Denver7 that she was delivering food when her car was hit outside of Urban Putt.

According to a probable cause statement, witnesses said the SUV was going between 60 and 80 mph.

John Dahmer, the driver of the SUV, was arrested and is being held for investigation of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and DUI.

Mother of 2 killed in Denver car crash identified; driver facing vehicular homicide charge

“It beyond saddens me that because of the dangerous decision to drag race, Jessica Allen is no longer with us,” Denver police Chief Paul Pazen said. “I hope that the next time someone considers racing that they think of Jessica and how this careless act changed the lives of her loved ones and our community.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover Allen’s funeral expenses and help support her family. Allen is survived by her two daughters, husband, parents and five siblings.

“My baby, I will miss you forever,” Allen’s mother Sue Wainwright wrote on Facebook.

Police are asking drivers not to participate in street racing, calling it a safety concern for drivers and bystanders.

During the crash, two others were also injured: The passenger in Dahmer’s SUV and a pedestrian who was struck by debris.

They were both hospitalized with serious injuries and their conditions are unknown.

Driver arrested in fatal downtown Denver crash identified

Police have been monitoring street racing events for several months, dedicating recourses such as helicopters to disrupting the events.

Drag racing can result in a 12-point traffic violation, fines of up to $999 and vehicle impoundment.

Residents can report street racing and planned racing events at ReportStreetRacing.com or by calling 720-913-2000.

According to public records, Dahmer, a 40-year-old Lakewood resident, has a history of traffic crime.

In 2017, he was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, driving without a license and driving without insurance. That year, he pleaded guilty to eluding the Parker Police Department.

Dahmer is being held in the Denver City Jail awaiting trial.

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