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Deadly Hit & Run Suspect Driver Arrested, Charged

DENVER (CBS4)- The man police believe was behind the wheel of an SUV when he struck and killed a pedestrian near Coors Field and then drove away has been arrested and charged.

Adrian Escalante has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and vehicular homicide. Escalante, 28, was arrested outside of his home in Aurora on Saturday. Charges were filed on Tuesday.

Adrian Escalante
Adrian Escalante (credit: Denver DA)

The charges allege that about 2 a.m. on Aug. 26, Escalante struck and killed Steve Glade, 26, while he was crossing the street at the intersection of 20th and Blake Streets.

Steve Glade
Steve Glade (credit: CBS)

Escalante then sped away from the scene in the black Land Rover down 20th Street, which triggered a Denver metro area traffic alert in the search for him.

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators estimated Escalante's speed as 50-55 mph. The posted speed limit is 30 mph.

"Vehicular homicides are particularly senseless because in almost every single case, they can be prevented," said Ken Lane, spokesman for the Denver District Attorney's office.

A motorcyclist who witnessed the hit and run incident recorded video of the SUV driving away.

Investigators released surveillance photos showing three persons of interest inside a Lodo nightclub earlier that night.

The victim's brother's prayers were answered when an anonymous caller told police who the driver of the Land Rover was.

Escalante bonded out of jail Monday on a $25,000 bond.

Escalante is set to appear in court on Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. for a second advisement.

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