Aurora Fire Chief's Car In Hit And Run, Felony Charges Expected
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- CBS4 has learned that a car belonging to Aurora Fire Chief Mike Garcia was involved in a hit and run Wednesday night. Felony charges will likely be filed against his wife.
Multiple sources said the vehicle, driven by Garcia's wife Adriene, struck another vehicle in the intersection of Yale and Peoria around 8 p.m. At least one child was hurt in the accident.
The vehicle registered to Garcia drove away from the scene but was found 22 minutes later. It was not a city vehicle.
Police said they received a report of a hit-and-run crash at E. Yale Ave. and S. Peoria St. about 10:23 p.m. A blue Hyundai was stopped for the red light preparing to continue east. A black Nissan Pathfinder was traveling eastbound and struck the Hyundai from the rear. The Pathfinder then left the scene southbound on Peoria.
Sources told CBS4 that Chief Garcia was the one who called 911 to alert them to what happened.
"This is a tragic situation. Our hearts go out to the family. Right now I am no Chief Garcia, I am Adriene's husband," Chief Garcia told CBS4.
The Hyundai was occupied by an adult male driver and two children. The children were unrestrained and were injured. They were transported to a local hospital. One of the children had non-life-threatening serious bodily injury.
About 10:44 p.m. police received a report from S. Chambers Road and E. Belleview Ave. That's where officers found the black Nissan and confirmed through physical evidence it was the vehicle involved in the earlier crash. The Nissan was driven by Adriene Garcia.
Police said they expect to file felony charges against Adriene Garcia for careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury.
Neither intoxication or excessive speed is suspected in the crash.
The driver of the other vehicle may face charges for failing to restrain his children.
