Man charged with attempted murder, bias-motivated crime in vehicle rampage that injured 6
Photo courtesy of the Denver District Attorney's Office
Tyler Hazell has been charged with 15 counts, including attempted murder and bias-motivated crime, for allegedly intentionally driving into several vehicles and a pedestrian in Denver earlier this year.
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann announced the charges Wednesday. Six victims, including two Denver police officers, were involved in the series of hit-and-runs.
Hazell, 23, is charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, menacing, criminal mischief and two counts of bias-motivated crime.
McCann said the bias-motivated charge is because prosecutors believe Hazell targeted the pedestrian victim based on his perceived sexual orientation.
According to the arrest affidavit, the incident began at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 30 when Hazell got into a fight with staff at the Burger King at 1010 W. Colfax Ave. Police were called, but Hazell fled the scene before officers arrived.
‘Race me or die’: Driver goes on rampage in Denver, ramming into multiple cars, a pedestrian
After leaving Burger King, Hazell drove east on West Colfax Avenue and stopped at North Delaware Street. He then reversed, driving the wrong direction down Colfax for two blocks until he pulled up next to a black Honda Civic, according to the affidavit.
Hazell told the two women inside of the Honda “race me or die,” the affidavit said.
The women made a U-turn but Hazell followed them, ramming into the back of their car. The women continued to drive away as Hazel chased them, ramming into the passenger side of the car several times, according to the affidavit.
Hazell eventually left, driving to East 14th Avenue and North Broadway. He then intentionally drove onto the sidewalk and tried to run down two men who were walking, the affidavit said.
The men scattered and Hazell chased one, hitting him and fracturing his pelvis and legs. Police said the pedestrian was seriously injured but survived.
2 drivers, including a juvenile, in custody after fatal hit-and-run of biker in Denver
Hazell then drove the wrong way down West 14th Avenue toward the 1400 block of North Delaware Street, stopping on the way to high-five a homeless man and take a photo, the affidavit said.
Once he reached North Delaware Street, Hazell rammed into the side of a Denver police vehicle with an officer and prisoner inside. Both passengers suffered minor injuries, police said.
Hazell drove 75 more feet before ramming into another Denver police car. The officer inside also suffered minor injuries.
After fleeing from the disabled patrol cars, Hazell returned to the original Burger King and rammed into a parked truck. Officers responding to the initial disturbance followed Hazell into multiple jurisdictions.
Hazell’s car finally broke down from its damage in the 7800 block of Quebec Way, where he was arrested.
Hazell is scheduled to appear in Denver District Court on Thursday at 8:30 a.m.




