Aurora, CO — A devastating crash in Aurora on Monday around 11:30 a.m. left two adults dead, after the driver of a stolen car lost control while fleeing from police. According to the Aurora Police Department (APD), both the driver and passenger died instantly after the vehicle collided with a pole near the busy intersection of East Alameda Avenue and South Peoria Street.
Authorities report that officers had been attempting to stop the speeding vehicle when the crash occurred. The car, a stolen vehicle out of Fort Collins, had been spotted earlier in the day, prompting officers to track it through the city before initiating a brief pursuit.
High-Speed Fleeing Leads to Violent Impact
Police say the driver was traveling at extremely high speeds and attempted a left turn onto Alameda Avenue during the chase — a maneuver that caused the vehicle to lose control and violently strike a light pole. Photos captured at the scene show the front end of the car crushed beyond recognition, with glass and debris scattered across the roadway.
Investigators noted that the driver had been seen weaving into oncoming lanes moments before the crash, demonstrating what APD officials described as “reckless and dangerous behavior” that put nearby motorists and pedestrians at risk.
Intersection Closed for Hours as Investigators Work
Following the collision, APD shut down the intersection for an extended period as crash investigators and the Crash Team analyzed the scene. The impact destroyed part of a fence belonging to a nearby home, though the residence itself was not damaged. No additional vehicles were struck, and no bystanders were injured.
The identities of the driver and passenger have not yet been released. Authorities only confirmed that both individuals were adults. Autopsies and next-of-kin notifications are pending, as per CBS News.
Car Stolen from Fort Collins; Pursuit Lasted Under One Minute
According to Aurora Police District 1 Cmdr. Justin Shipley, the vehicle had been reported stolen in Fort Collins over the weekend. Officers located the car near East Mississippi Avenue and South Peoria Street, where they attempted a traffic stop.
However, Shipley emphasized that the pursuit was extremely brief — less than a minute — before the crash brought it to a tragic end. As with all police pursuits that result in serious injury or death, APD will conduct an internal review of the incident, including an evaluation of pursuit protocols.
Authorities: Community Was Put at Serious Risk
Cmdr. Justin Shipley addressed reporters at the scene, stating that it was fortunate no other members of the public were hurt during the chase.
“They really endangered the community with their high speeds on Peoria Street,” Shipley said. “At one point, they crossed into oncoming traffic lanes before returning to the right side and attempting that final turn, which caused the collision.”
He added that the damage spoke to the force of the impact and the extreme speeds involved.
Investigation Ongoing
APD investigators will continue examining all aspects of the crash, including the origin of the stolen vehicle, the behavior of the driver prior to the pursuit, and any contributing factors that may have influenced the fatal outcome.
The department has not released further details but expects additional updates in the coming days.
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