Thread: CO: Police make arrest in deadly hit-and-run that killed val

Police make arrest in deadly hit-and-run that killed valet, driver still at large
written by: Jeffrey Wolf Eric Kahnert Jace Larson

9WANTS TO KNOW
DENVER - Police say they have arrested a suspect in the deadly hit-and-run that killed a 21-year-old valet on Saturday night, but they are still looking for the driver in the case. 9Wants to Know has also learned the man in custody has previously been deported from the U.S.

Denver Police say they have arrested 28-year-old Eliu Montes-Garcia in connection with the case, but did not give specifics of how he was involved.

Police told 9Wants to Know they are still looking for the driver of the pickup that hit and killed José Medina.

9Wants to Know has confirmed Aurora Police helped Denver Police in making Montes-Garcia's arrest on Tuesday night.

9Wants to Know has also learned that Montes-Garcia has an extensive criminal record, which includes charges for distributing drugs and many traffic offenses. He went to prison in October 2007 for attempted possession of a controlled substance in Alamosa County. In January 2008, he was turned over to U.S. immigration authorities. He was deported to Mexico by the U.S. on March 27, 2008. It is not clear when he returned to the U.S., but Montes-Garcia has had a hold placed on him by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). That means if he is released from jail, he will be taken into custody by the federal government.

Medina was hit and killed as he was working in front of the Rockstar Lounge near East 9th Avenue and Lincoln Street on Saturday around midnight. Witnesses say he was hit by a white pickup truck and his body was thrown about 100 feet by the impact.

On Tuesday around 8:30 p.m., police found a pickup matching the description of the suspect's vehicle in a residential area in Commerce City. Police are still processing the white pickup looking for evidence.

The family of the young valet thanked the public Wednesday afternoon after learning that a tip led police to the vehicle.

"The family couldn't be more grateful, whoever that individual is, the family wants to throw an arm around them and say, 'Thank you very much,'" Gabriel Schwartz, the family's attorney, said.

Police confirm the vehicle is a white GMC extended cab pickup with the same plate number they were looking for. The pickup does have damage on the right side.

Police aren't releasing the address of the home where they found the pickup.

Earlier on Tuesday, Schwartz said police questioned at least two people who were in the area of where the pickup was found.

Medina's funeral will be private, but the family is holding a public ceremony at the Washington Park Chapel this Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If anyone has information regarding this case, contact Denver Police Traffic Investigations Bureau at 720-337-1000 or call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can send a text to CRIMES (274637) with the title DMCS, and enter your message. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash award up to $2,000.

The Medina family is also taking donations to help pay for funeral expenses.

Donations can be made at the 13 metro area locations of the Colorado State Bank and Trust with the following information:

The Law Offices of Sandomire & Schwartz
For the Benefit of Jose Medina
Account No. 8093874893

Donations can also be mailed to 3610 E. 1st Ave. Denver, CO 80206 with the same information.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx? ... &catid=339

Related:

CO: Woman pulled from plane, arrested in fatal hit-and-run
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-226215.html


3 more arrested in investigation into valet hit-run death
http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1176632.html

100'? I saw a kid get hit by a car going 40 mph, and the kid flew 20'. Wow!