Brighton Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on May 13 at approximately 4:45 a.m. The initial investigation reveals that an individual driving a BMW sedan was traveling southbound on Highway 85 passing East 144th Avenue at excessive speeds when they crashed directly into the back of a Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles caught fire, and the driver of the suspect vehicle fled on foot. When officers arrived they determined that the other driver was deceased and there were no additional passengers.

The highway was shut down in both directions. Officers received assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office K9 team to track down the suspect, who was quickly located just over one mile from the crash location when a citizen called to report seeing a suspicious person. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Christian Pasillas, pictured here. He was transported to an area hospital and then processed and booked into Adams County jail on multiple charges including vehicular homicide and failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving death. Under Colorado laws, the arrest and filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office. The Brighton Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) has determined that speed and alcohol are contributing factors in this crash. This investigation remains ongoing and is still in the very early stages. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has further information and has not spoken with officers is requested to call our Tip Line at 303-655-8740.