Carjacker Shot During Second Early-Morning Attempt After Apparently Wanting An Upgraded Ride

DENVER, COLORADO – A man carjacked one driver and was shot by the driver in his second attempt on December 24^th. Police say the crime spree began around 6:30 a.m. with a carjacking at Speer Boulevard and Colfax Avenue.

Alex Valdes, who witnessed the carjacking, called 911 after noticing that none of the other witnesses were doing anything but driving away, telling dispatchers, “I just witnessed a carjacking [and] I see nobody reacting. It takes no energy to call 911.”

A short time and distance away, the suspect attempted to carjack a second driver near Buchtel Boulevard and Downing Street. That driver, however, shot and wounded the suspect. He fled the scene in the vehicle stolen in the first incident, and was located by DPD officers in the 2100 block of S. Ash Street around 8:00 a.m. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries and the investigation is continuing.

We often think of crimes being more prevalent in the evening and nighttime hours, but they can occur anywhere.  Criminals have become bolder and could care less if there are witnesses, as demonstrated by this incident.  Apparently the first vehicle that he stole didn’t suit him and he was looking for a free upgrade, but the driver of his second selection denied his request.

If you are a concealed carrier, it is important that you have access to your handgun when seated in your car. This requires some thought and planning, as holster choices, clothing, seat belts and several other factors are in play.  It’s also a good idea to maintain situational awareness of any threats, which may be difficult to do with windows up, the radio and heating or air conditioning fan running, and paying attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, weather and road conditions, and traffic control devices.