Teen Jogger Dies After Hit & Run, Police Search For Drivers
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- A teenage jogger died from his injuries less than 12 hours after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lakewood on Saturday night.
The jogger has been identified as 15-year-old Gerard (Gerry) Julien. He was struck about 9:55 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of S. Kipling Pkwy. and W. Asbury Ave.
Julien was in Lakewood visiting his father for the summer. His father lives in the area where he was struck.
Julien died of his injuries Sunday morning. His death caused other joggers to be on alert.
"I haven't been comfortable running the streets anyway because it is such a heavy traffic area," said jogger Alison Cotter.
Witnesses told the Colorado State Patrol that two cars were racing at the time of the crash.
"We've heard cars late at night lately street racing in our area. We haven't seen it," Cotter said
The first vehicle, described as a red or orange Chrysler PT Cruiser, has been located and the driver identified after a tip was called in by a family member of the driver. The second vehicle involved is a black sedan.
It is believed Julien was struck by the PT Cruiser. State troopers believe that vehicle has sustained damage to the front grill, hood, windshield and damage to the roof of the vehicle.
Neither vehicle stopped at the scene. The State Patrol is still investigating the crash and no charges had been filed as of Sunday afternoon.
Julien was rushed to St. Anthony's Central Hospital with serious injuries. He died Sunday.
"It's been tough in identifying who that jogger is because when you go out to exercise in the morning you rarely carry a wallet with full identification on you," said Colorado State Patrol spokeswoman Heather Cobler.
"It gives me goose bumps," Cotter said. "It makes me really sad because I run all the time around this area, but never that late at night."
Anyone with any information about the hit-and-run crash or anyone who can help identify the vehicles that sped away are asked to contact the Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4501.
"I think the thing the victim deserves is a proper investigation and for these people to be brought to justice," Cobler said.
