Suspect Arrested In Deadly July 4 Hit & Run Crash
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The Douglas County Sheriff says deputies arrested a suspect driver wanted in a July 4 hit-and-run crash that killed a Parker cyclist. Preston James Dorris, 36, was arrested in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and was returned to Colorado yesterday.
The crash happened about 6:15 a.m. on July 4 near Pine Drive and Lincoln in Douglas County.
Deputies found the car involved in the crash last week, abandoned at the Victorian Village Townhomes in Parker.
Edward "Chuck" Vogel was riding his bike at about 6:30 a.m. when he was hit at Pine and Centennial drive, south of Lincoln Avenue.
He later died from the injuries suffered in the crash.
Sheriff Tony Spurlock said riding his bicycle was a passion Vogel shared with his son.
District Attorney George Brauchler spoke about the need for people to be aware of bicyclists -- and to stay at the scene if there is a crash.
"Bikes are everywhere. When someone is involved in accident with someone on a bike, whatever fear sets in, you cannot make it better by fleeing. That's my public service announcement. You must stay and own up to the conduct and be there. That is humanity. That is who we are as Coloradans," Brauchler said.
"This particular case reflects allegations that someone fled the scene and chose themselves over the person they injured and ultimately killed," Brauchler added.
Brauchler said that even if the suspect is convicted of a hit-and-run involving a death, they could not serve any prison time.
"In the State of Colorado we have incredibly weak laws when it comes to killing people on the road by driving and what you do afterwards," Brauchler said. "This a charge that while potentially carries a four to 12 year Department of Corrections sentence, it is a probation eligible charge. It is possible for someone, in this state, to drive drunk or high and run over three or four people with their car, killing them, and walk out of court on probation. That's the law in the State of Colorado."
