A man arrested during a DUI dragnet just before a passenger in his car was killed after firing at officers has been released from jail on bond.
Julius Michael Poorman, 30, was pulled over just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of drunken driving and for having a cracked windshield.
But a breath analysis proved that he was not impaired, and he was released after a friend posted $95 for bond about 9:30 p.m. Friday, said his father, Marvin Poorman.
Julius Poorman still faces charges in connection with an outstanding warrant.
The elder Poorman said his son was sober and had agreed to drive Carlos Becerra home Thursday night because his friend was drunk.
Becerra, 25, was pronounced dead just before 2 a.m. Friday with multiple gunshots to the head, said Michelle Weiss-Samaras, Denver’s chief deputy coroner.
Authorities say Becerra shot a Colorado State Patrol trooper and an Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy during a confrontation after he was told to walk home following Poorman’s arrest.
Trooper Dennis Wilder, shot in the left foot, and Lt. Steve Curti of Arapahoe County, wounded in the left wrist, were listed in fair condition Saturday at Denver Health Medical Center, officials said.
Denver police Officer Ryan Cobernick suffered a broken nose during the scuffle at the time of the shootings.
Through his father, Julius Poorman declined to be interviewed Saturday.
Marvin Poorman said his son called him from his cellphone just after he had been arrested on a harassment warrant at 10:36 p.m. Thursday.
He said his son did not see the confrontation involving Becerra, a friend he had met a few months earlier.
Julius Poorman, who lives with his mother, was working as a roofer until recently and was unemployed when the shooting occurred, his father added.
Julius Poorman was convicted of drug possession in 2003 and driving while ability impaired in 1998, according to Denver court records.
He was originally charged with attempted murder in December 1995 for a stabbing at 385 Xavier St. but pleaded guilty to menacing.
His father said most of his troubles stem from drinking and using drugs. Friday night, the younger Poorman apologized for using bad judgment by being with Becerra, he said.
Marvin Poorman added that his son is a hard worker who just wants to get his life back in order.
“He’s talking about going into the military,” Marvin Poorman said. “He’d like to get some honor and respect back.”
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell can be reached at 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com.
