Jeep Seized In Investigation Likely Not Involved In Fatal Hit & Run

DENVER (CBS4) - A Jeep Grand Cherokee seized Sunday night from an Aurora home was likely not involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident last Thursday that left a University of Denver student dead.

Masoud Bahramisharif, 24, was killed at the intersection of Evans and University. He was walking with his bicycle across East Evans Avenue when he was hit by an SUV that was speeding east on Evans Avenue. The car did not stop after hitting the Iranian student, who was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police describe the vehicle as a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured between 2000 and 2005 with front end damage.

Acting on a tip, police seized a similar car Sunday night from a home in Aurora near Chambers and Quincy. It was taken to the Denver Police Department's District 3 substation for analysis. But sources familiar with the probe say the vehicle was likely not involved in the fatal accident.

Police spoke to the car owner who told them he was not involved. Police contacts told CBS4 that investigators did not find anything linking the seized SUV to the hit-and-run.

"Time is of the essence," said Denver Police Detective John White, acknowledging the driver involved may have already changed license plates and taken steps to alter the vehicle's appearance and cover up the crime. He said DPD is asking the public to continue to provide tips on the accident.

- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com