A Sunday afternoon bike ride in Littleton ended in a nightmare for a 15-year-old, who was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle whose driver took off instead of sticking around.
Troopers with the Colorado State Patrol responded around 3:45 p.m., and witnesses told investigators the driver briefly stopped, checked on the teen, then left without providing a name, license or any other identifying information. The bicyclist was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries and remains under medical care, according to investigators. The Colorado State Patrol has opened an investigation into the crash.
State Patrol: crash near South Pierce and West Portland
In a press release, the Colorado State Patrol said troopers were called to the area of South Pierce Court and West Portland Avenue at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday. The driver of the involved vehicle stopped only briefly to check on the juvenile before leaving, according to the Denver Gazette. The agency identified itself as the lead investigating body and said troopers will be following up on any tips that come in.
Witnesses describe SUV and occupants
Witnesses told investigators the vehicle that hit the teen was a late-model, large, dark-colored SUV. They also provided a description of the people inside. According to reporting from KDVR, witnesses said the driver was a Hispanic woman with dark, wavy hair, possibly in her 40s, wearing a purple shirt. A Hispanic teenage passenger with dark hair was also seen in the SUV. Troopers say the SUV stopped at the scene only briefly before leaving.
How to contact investigators
The Colorado State Patrol is asking anyone who was in the area at the time or who has information about the crash or the SUV to contact the CSP Denver Dispatch Center at 303-239-4501 and reference case number 1A261135, according to the Kiowa County Press. Callers should be ready to provide their name and contact information so investigators can follow up.
Wider context: bike safety in Colorado
This case lands against a backdrop of ongoing concern over the safety of people who walk and bike on Colorado roads. Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation shows there were 13 bicycle deaths and 108 pedestrian deaths through November 30, 2024, highlighting a persistent safety problem for vulnerable road users, according to CDOT.
Legal implications
Under Colorado law, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury are required to stop, provide reasonable aid and exchange identifying information. Leaving the scene when someone has suffered serious bodily injury can be charged as a felony under C.R.S. §42-4-1601. The statute and legal summaries note that penalties can include prison time and license suspension, and any potential charges in this case would be determined by prosecutors as the investigation develops, per the Colorado Revised Statutes and legal resources like Shouse Law Group.
