An off-duty Denver police officer was in critical condition Saturday after being hit Friday night while riding his motorcycle near West Evans Avenue and South Bryant Street.
The name of the officer isn’t being released. Officials say he is a 12-year decorated veteran who in 2004 was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Valor for his heroic actions.
He was transported to Denver Medical Health Center.
The officer was heading west on Evans about 11 p.m. when a gray Dodge pickup heading east crossed in front of him, turning onto Bryant Street. The officer’s motorcycle slammed into the pickup, which fled the scene.
Two other off-duty officers saw the crash. One remained with the injured officer while the other chased the suspect.
A short time later, the suspect returned to the crash scene. Joseph Jerome Santillanes, 41, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault, drunken driving, hit and run and other charges.
