Police: Driver Of Dumped SUV May Be Champion Boxer

DENVER (CBS4)- Police believe the driver of an SUV that was intentionally pushed into Sloan's Lake could be one of the world's best boxers.

The green Cadillac Escalade was found in the lake at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Officers towed the vehicle out of the partially-frozen lake located near 17th and Sheridan.

Detectives aren't sure what the driver's motivation was for submerging the SUV in the lake. But they do believe that Mike Alvarado was driving it. Alvarado, a Colorado resident, is an internationally ranked boxer in the welterweight division. He fights under the alias "Mile High Mike."

Witnesses saw a male driver and unknown female prepare to ditch the vehicle.

"Well, the guy got out of the car and let the girl out of the car, and then the guy got back in the car and the driver opened the door and rolled out shortly as the car was going into the lake, shortly before the car went into the lake," said witness Maggie Baker.

They also told police the SUV was damaged. Police are investigating whether the customized Escalade may have been involved in a non-injury hit and run.

Police said the SUV is not registered to Alvarado but that it likely belongs to him.

Alvarado's trainer Henry Delgado told CBS4 the car belongs to Alvarado's sister and was stolen. Delgado said Alvarado was not involved in the incident and planned to train at his gym as scheduled.

Police have not said whether there have been any reports of the vehicle being stolen.

Alvarado declined to comment for this story.