Editor’s note: the vehicle was found Tuesday afternoon, deactivating the search, according to a social media post by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Matthew Lopez, 34, was arrested by Thornton police on suspicion of homicide.  

Thornton police are searching for a vehicle tied to an alleged homicide that occurred early Tuesday morning.

Investigators asked the public to help identify a red and tan Ford Explorer with Colorado license plate #CQJ-N56 following a fatal crash that occurred early Tuesday morning, according to a social media post from the Thornton Police Department. 

Officers were dispatched to the 84th Avenue Bridge, right above Interstate 25, around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday regarding a pedestrian crash. After investigating, police found that the incident seemed to be intentional, with the Ford Explorer striking a man and fleeing the scene. 

The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. His identity will be released by the Adam’s County Coroner’s Office following an autopsy and family notifications.