Authorities arrested four juveniles after a wild chase that topped 100 mph and began when one of them allegedly shot at a Highlands Ranch resident Tuesday.
Douglas County deputies responded to a call reporting that four vehicle windows had been smashed at 1:21 a.m. in the 2400 block of Terrace Drive, according to a sheriff’s department release. Three minutes later another caller reported that some males, who were driving a Honda Civic, attempted to get into vehicles and cottages at the VI at Highlands Ranch, a luxury retirement complex.
About 30 minutes later, a resident in the 3200 block of Astrobrook Court caught someone inside his vehicle and grabbed him.
Another suspect, seated in a Honda, shouted “we have a gun,” according to the release.
According to the release, “A few moments later a shot rang out. The male told the resident, ‘My friends are going to kill you.’ The male was released and fled in the suspect’s vehicle.”
A bullet casing was later found at Astrobrook Court.
A short time later, Lone Tree Police Department officers located the vehicle traveling south on Interstate 25.
Colorado State Patrol joined the chase.
Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped up to over 100 mph.
Castle Rock Police Department officers attempted to use stop sticks, but the suspects passed the area before they could be deployed.
The Honda left I-25 at Plum Creek Parkway, and while making a turn the driver hit the curb, which disabled the vehicle.
All four jumped from the vehicle. Two suspects were immediately taken into custody. The other two fled and were apprehended after a police K-9 unit tracked them down.
A firearm was found during a search of the area where they fled.
The Sheriff’s Department release warns residents to call 911, rather than try to apprehend law breakers on their own. “We don’t want our residents to put themselves in harms way. This incident demonstrated the dangers of confronting criminals.”
This case is still under investigation.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671, tmcghee@denverpost.com or @dpmcghee
