Thornton police: Driver wanted after ‘intentionally’ hitting, killing man

Editor’s note: This story has been updated after police clarified the model of the vehicle they were searching for.

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Thornton police say they have found the vehicle they were searching for after a hit-and run where they believe driver who they believe intentionally hit a man and left him for dead.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation had issued a Medina Alert for the suspected SUV, but as it has been found that has been canceled.

On Tuesday, officers from the Thornton Police Department were called to the 84th Avenue bridge above Interstate 25 at 1:30 a.m. on reports of a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The area is west of the Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

However, following an investigation, Thornton police said the incident wasn’t an accident and instead was an intentional act.

Police said an adult man was struck by a Ford Expedition. The driver then fled the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Originally, Thornton police said the vehicle was a Ford Explorer, but the photo shows it is an expedition.

The identity of the driver is unknown, but police said the suspected vehicle was a red and tan Ford Expedition with the Colorado license plate CQJ-N56. CBI said the car may have damage to the driver’s side tail light.

Thornton police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information on the suspected vehicle is asked to contact the department at 720-977-5069 or 911 if you spot the car.

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