A late-night home invasion in north Thornton that spiraled into a police chase and left one man dead has now led to charges for three suspects, Thornton police said Tuesday. The case began with a shots-fired call, ended with officers spinning out a fleeing car near West 56th Avenue and Federal Boulevard, and remains an active investigation as prosecutors sift through the evidence.
Charges Announced This Week
Prosecutors with the 17th Judicial District have charged three people — Richard Hernandez, Leo Bonavich, and Vincent Rios- in connection with the Jan. 14 incident, according to The Denver Post. Hernandez is accused of first-degree burglary, vehicular eluding, and a crime of violence. Bonavich has been charged with first-degree burglary and a crime of violence. Rios faces a charge of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance. Court dates and bond details were not immediately available, the outlet reported.
How Police Say It Unfolded
Thornton officers responded shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 14 to reports of gunfire in the 9600 block of Huron Street. At the scene, they found a 35-year-old man who had been shot and was taken to a hospital, according to a news release from the Thornton Police Department.
Officers said they saw a vehicle leaving the area and pursued it, eventually using a precision immobilization technique to stop the car near West 56th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. Inside, police found four occupants. One person was later determined to have died from gunshot wounds, and three were taken into custody, details that were also noted by the Denver Gazette and in early-morning Huron Street coverage, as per Hoodline.
What the Charges Mean and Next Steps
According to The Denver Post, the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office made the charging decisions and will continue to move the case through Adams County court. Prosecutors have said they will keep reviewing evidence to determine whether additional counts are warranted. The defendants remain presumed innocent as the case proceeds.
How Neighbors Can Help
The Thornton Police Department is asking anyone with information, video, or tips to call its tip line at 720-977-5069, according to the department's news release and local reporting. Police publicly thanked a community member whose description of the fleeing vehicle helped lead to the suspects' capture and urged anyone else with relevant details to come forward.
