Lakewood, CO – Two individuals identified as a father and son are now in police custody after authorities determined their alleged street racing activities caused a devastating collision earlier this month. The crash, which occurred in Lakewood on the night of November 13, resulted in the deaths of two innocent people and left several others injured.
According to officials with the Lakewood Police Department, the two suspects — 65-year-old Gregory Mark Giles and 26-year-old Bryce Anneaus Giles — were believed to have been racing at high speeds through a busy intersection just moments before the fatal impact. Their actions, investigators say, directly contributed to the deadly chain-reaction crash.
Deadly Collision Near South Kipling Parkway
The incident took place near the intersection of South Kipling Parkway and West Mississippi Avenue, an area known for heavy evening traffic. Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to assess the damage and assist the victims, as per CBS News.
Five people were transported to nearby hospitals. Sadly, two of those victims did not survive their injuries. They were later identified as 26-year-old Demi Iglesias and 28-year-old Dalton Smith. Both were occupants of one of the vehicles struck during the high-speed collision. Police emphasized that neither of the victims had any involvement in the racing activity and were simply traveling through the intersection at the time.
Father and Son Turn Themselves In
After a thorough investigation, arrest warrants were issued for the two drivers involved in the racing incident. On Monday night, both Gregory Giles and Bryce Giles voluntarily surrendered themselves to authorities.
Detectives say evidence strongly indicates that the pair were racing each other moments before the tragic crash. Their coordinated surrender came after investigators reviewed traffic footage, witness statements, and vehicle data to piece together the events leading up to the collision.
Police described the case as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers posed by illegal street racing — especially in populated areas where bystanders and uninvolved drivers can become unintended victims of reckless behavior.
Serious Charges Filed Against Both Suspects
The father-son duo now face multiple severe charges, reflecting the deadly consequences of the crash. According to Lakewood police, the charges include:
- Suspicion of committing vehicular homicide
- Reckless driving
- Engaging in a speed contest (illegal street racing)
Officials expect prosecutors to pursue the case aggressively due to the loss of life and the number of vehicles impacted.
Vehicular homicide charges in Colorado carry significant potential penalties, ranging from lengthy prison sentences to lifetime driving restrictions, depending on the circumstances and court rulings. Both men remain under investigation as the district attorney prepares for formal proceedings.
Community Mourns as Investigation Continues
The deaths of Iglesias and Smith have left the Lakewood community devastated. Friends and family have begun sharing tributes online, describing the victims as vibrant, loving, and full of life. Many residents are now calling for stricter measures to curb street racing and protect drivers along major roadways.
Local authorities have renewed their warnings about the dangers of speed contests, urging drivers to understand that even a moment of reckless decision-making can lead to irreversible tragedy.
Police stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses through the legal system.
Do you think Colorado should enforce tougher penalties for street racing to prevent tragedies like this?
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