Aurora police stress traffic safety after two fatal weekend crashes
Aurora Police Department officials reminded drivers on Tuesday to be safe on the road after two fatal crashes that occurred over the weekend, one that killed a 12-year-old boy on his scooter.
The first of the two crashes occurred just after 10 a.m. Saturday at the corner of East Iliff Avenue and South Wheel Park Circle.
A 12-year-old boy riding his scooter was killed in the crash after an alleged distracted teen driver struck him.
At a Tuesday press conference, APD Lt. Chris Amsler, commanding officer of APD’s Traffic Section, said that the boy was crossing in the controlled crosswalk with a green light when he was struck.
Bystanders at the scene rendered first aid and CPR until first responders arrived, and that the boy was later taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.
The driver, a 19-year-old man, is cooperating with authorities according to Lt. Amsler. He gave no updates about potential charges for the driver.
The second crash occurred around 2:49 a.m. Sunday when a speeding driver ran a red light and caused a three-vehicle crash.
An Audi sedan speeding northbound went through the red light at Airport Boulevard, before striking a Hyundai sedan traveling westbound on Alameda Avenue.
Those two vehicles then hit a third car, which was stopped to make a lefthand turn to go eastbound on Alameda, Lt. Amsler said.
Two occupants of the Hyundai, a 37-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl, died from impact at the scene.
Police said that the driver of the at-fault vehicle was also seriously injured and was taken to a local hospital where he is still being treated. No updates about potential charges was provided.
“Traffic safety is a high priority for the Aurora Police Department,” said Lt. Amsler.
Lt. Amsler emphasized the police department’s monthly large-scale operations to target traffic safety issues.
He spoke about how APD works to proactively enforce traffic in areas with a high volume of crashes, and that seatbelt, pedestrian safety and DUI enforcement is a large focus for police.
“Making our roads safe is not just the responsibility of the police department, it’s also the responsibility of those who get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle,” Lt. Amsler said, “It’s important for folks to remember that driving is a privilege and not a right.”
Lt. Amsler stressed that drivers obey traffic laws and don’t drive while distracted or intoxicated.
Both crash investigations are still active, as investigators complete reconstructions of both of the incidents, said Lt. Amsler.
Once completed, the cases will be presented to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for possible charges.
Denver Gazette reporter Noah Festenstein contributed to this report.