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Driver Strikes Police Chief's Car, Then Gets In Another Wreck

By Jamie Leary

DENVER (CBS4) - A driver who was involved in a serious crash early Friday morning struck the vehicle of the Denver police chief moments before in a less serious crash.

Denver Police Chief Robert White is okay after being checked out at the hospital as a precaution.

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Denver Police Chief Robert White (credit: CBS)

The driver sideswiped White's car while White was heading to the gym and then took off. Moments later that hit-and-run suspect, driving a silver Subaru, collided with a pick-up truck at the intersection of East 16th Avenue and Yosemite Street.

crash involving chief robert white
(credit: CBS)

White, who had followed the driver, got out after seeing the serious crash and tried to help the people involved.

"After Chief White got struck, he continued north for a little bit, made a U-turn, came back around to try to get some identifying information off this vehicle. As he proceeds eastbound on 16th, he sees the crash -- he witnesses the crash," Lt. Robert Rock said.

The force of the crash caused the suspect's vehicle to roll; he was ejected and critically injured.

crash
(credit: CBS)

Both the suspect and the driver of the pickup were rush to the hospital. The driver of the pickup is in serious condition, the suspect is critical and undergoing surgery.

Investigators say the suspect is to blame. "The suspect is at fault in both crashes because we're looking at a stop sign and he should've come to a stop. As you see, all of the momentum in this crash continues Eastbound and its way Eastbound. That takes a lot of speed to have a car after a crash continue that far in that direction." Rock said.

16TH AND YOSEMITE CRASH 5PKG_frame_366
(credit: CBS)

Neighbors say this is a problem area, one said he sees crashes at least once a month. His fence happens to be damaged from a crash just last week where a utility truck ran into it.

Police said they are working with the district attorney's office to determine what charges the driver might face.

Denver Public Works told CBS4 that a traffic engineer will travel to 16th & Yosemite to see if there's any safety improvements that can be made in the area like upgrading stop signs, pavement markings, etc.

Jamie Leary joined the CBS4 team in 2015 and currently works as a reporter for CBS4 News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. She couldn't imagine a better place to live and work and will stop at nothing to find the next great story. Jamie loves learning about and hearing from her fellow community members, so connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @JamieALeary.

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