Crime

Stolen Puffer Car Involved in Fatal Crash

On a chilly morning like this one, a lot of us are tempted to start a car parked on the street and leave it running for a few minutes while we finish up inside. Here's a story demonstrating why that's a bad idea: A puffer car that was stolen yesterday wound up involved in a fatal crash moments later. Continue for the unfortunate details.

See also: Photos: Top Ten Cars Whose Drivers Can Be Jerks on Icy Roads

The incident got underway on the 3300 block of North Krameria Street, an area captured in the following interactive graphic. If you have problems seeing the image, click "View Larger Map."


View Larger Map

According to the Denver Police Department, officers were called to Krameria on a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The man who phoned revealed that he'd left his car parked, unlocked and unattended as he warmed it up -- and the next thing he knew, someone was driving it away.

The suspect fled eastbound on East 35th Avenue and seemed likely to make a clean getaway. But something happened near East 38th Avenue and North Quebec Street, a short distance away. Below, see another interactive graphic showing that intersection.


View Larger Map

The cops say the suspect crashed into another car in the vicinity. Both drivers were transported to an area hospital with serious bodily injuries, and the car-theft suspect was subsequently pronounced dead.

The DPD has been campaigning on social media against so-called puffer cars since the weather turned colder, using graphics like this one:

The release about the crash underscores this point. "Seriously friends," it concludes, "we want to again urge you to refrain from leaving your car running unattended. Puffing is a ticket-able offense, and is an open invitation to car thieves."

Including a thus-far-unidentified man whose seemingly easy score cost his life.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.
Michael Roberts has written for Westword since October 1990, serving stints as music editor and media columnist. He currently covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports and stories that defy categorization.
Contact: Michael Roberts

Latest Stories