AURORA, Colo. — A 17-year-old boy was killed after the car he was driving was slammed into by the driver of an SUV who is suspected of running a red light at a high rate of speed, Aurora Police said Monday morning.
The accident happened about 12:15 a.m. at East Colfax Avenue and Dayton Street, closing Colfax for 5 1/2 hours. Aurora Police later identified the teen as Juan Carlos Dominguez-Palomino of Aurora.
Dozens of people, including family and friends of the young man, gathered to remember him late Monday night at the scene of the crash.
Police say Dominguez-Palomino was going east on Colfax in a blue Chevrolet Camaro when he was hit by the Ford Expedition that was traveling north on Dayton. He died at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was injured and taken to the hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive. It’s not known how long he will be hospitalized.
Police say it appears speed and alcohol might have been a factor. The driver of the SUV could face vehicular homicide charges, police say, and he won’t be identified until he is released from the hospital.
Colfax Avenue was closed between Florence and Dallas streets as police investigated, but it reopened at about 5:30 a.m.