Westminster Police Department
For Immediate Release
Direct: (303) 658-4422
Dispatch: (303) 658-4360
Prepared by: Investigator Kate Kazell
Case Number: 2017-11364
Subject: Arrests Made in Pedestrian Hit and Run
Date – July 7, 2017
On July 5, Westminster Police were notified of a pedestrian lying in the roadway near 74th Avenue and Sheridan Blvd. It was determined that the male had been hit by a vehicle that left the scene of the accident. He was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The victim is 24-year-old Aaron Ramirez, who was visiting Colorado from Visalia, California. Aaron is currently in the hospital with his family on life support awaiting organ and tissue donation. Aaron’s tragic death will save precious lives, as his heart, lungs, and liver will be donated.
Victim, Aaron Ramirez
On July 6, Westminster Police identified and arrested the driver in the accident, Corina Lorraine Kurtz (DOB 11/25/89). We have reason to believe that Kurtz was at a Fourth of July party in the evening before the accident happened. We are seeking information from anyone who was at that party or can offer insight into the events leading up to the accident. Police also believe Kurtz and/or Sanchez returned to the accident scene while police were still investigating. If anyone has information on the accident, or the events leading up to or following it, please contact Westminster Police at (303)658-4360.
Corina Lorraine Kurtz was charged with the following crimes:
18-8-601(1)(a) Tampering with Physical Evidence – Destroy/Conceal/Alter
42-2-138(1)(a) Drove Vehicle While License Under Restraint – Revoked
42-4-1602(1) Failed to Remain at Scene, Give Info/Aid, Hit and Run
42-4-1601(1)(2)(c) Failed to Remain at Scene of Accident with Death, Hit and Run
42-4-1606(1) Failed to Notify Police of an Accident, Hit and Run
Police also identified and arrested Nichalous Sanchez (DOB 2/9/87) for his involvement in the incident after the accident. He was charged with:
18-8-105(5) Accessory to Crime – Class 3/4/5 Felony
Corina Lorraine Kurtz, DOB 11/25/1989
Nichalous Richard Sanchez, DOB 2/9/1987)
If you have any questions regarding this press release please contact Investigator Kate Kazell.
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Westminster Police Department
For Immediate Release
Direct: (303) 658-4488
Dispatch: (303) 658-4360
Prepared by: Sergeant Trevor Materasso
Case Number: 2017-11364
Subject: Pedestrian Hit on Sheridan Blvd
Date – July 5, 2017
The Westminster Police Department needs the media and public’s help to uncover what happened to a 24-year old male on Sheridan Boulevard near 74th Avenue. At 1:00 am, police received a phone call from a motorist about a male walking north on Sheridan Boulevard. The motorist initially thought she was near 80th Avenue. At 1:02 am officer/s were in the area of 80th Avenue checking. It was later determined the motorist was closer to 72nd Avenue, not 80th Avenue.
Dispatch received additional calls at 1:04 am that a male was lying in the roadway near 74th Avenue with significant injuries. Westminster Fire personnel transported the male to a local trauma center with life threatening injuries. Doctors indicate the extent of the injuries are extreme with head trauma, multiple fractures, as well as other concerns.
The description from the first caller matches that of the person found in the roadway and police believe it is the same person.
Detectives conducted a canvas of the area and located the male’s personal belongings near 64th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor for the victim walking in the roadway. Police learned he was in the area of 64th Avenue at about midnight trying to find a hotel room.
The male was found lying near the middle of the roadway, so the suspect could have been traveling north or south on Sheridan Boulevard. Police are asking anyone who may have been in this area of Sheridan Boulevard from about 12:45 am to 1:15 am to call police with any information that may help in the investigation.
The victim’s identity is not being released at this time based on notifications to family members. If you notice new damage to a neighbor’s vehicle, suspicious behavior, or other circumstances which may help you are asked to call Detective Steve Sanders at 303-658-4029.
If you need additional information about this press release please contact Sergeant Trevor Materasso at 303-658-4360 (this number is for Dispatch who can page me directly for a more prompt response than voicemail).
Chronology:
July 4th at 11:45 pm – Victim talks to friend stating he was at 64th and Sheridan
July 5th at 1:00 am – First caller sees male walking northbound at 72nd Avenue
July 5th at 1:02 am – Police checking 80th Avenue for where male was initially reported to be at
July 5th at 1:04 am – Multiple callers about the male lying in the roadway with serious injuries near 74th Avenue
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