A 17-year-old boy in Aurora, Colorado, has been arrested after allegedly driving erratically through a high school parking lot, hitting another vehicle, and engaging in an hours-long standoff with the police.
As reported by Denver7, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 12. Local police told the outlet that the unnamed minor had allegedly stolen his mother’s vehicle and driven recklessly through the parking lot at Cherokee Trail High School.
The boy is accused of hitting another vehicle whose driver was dropping off their child at the school. This, alongside other reported reckless behavior behind the wheel, caused Cherokee Trail and Fox Ridge Middle School to go on secure status, implementing a controlled release of students. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
On Wednesday, May 13, police officers were called to an E. Easter Drive apartment complex over a “wanted party potentially in crisis,” the Aurora Police Department announced on X. It was later confirmed that the “wanted party” was, in fact, the same boy who allegedly caused chaos at the aforementioned high school.
Hours-Long Standoff, Arrest
KDVR reported that it was the boy’s mother who had contacted the police. Described as a runaway, the 17-year-old had returned home and was throwing stuff around the home and out the window.
Aurora police officers attempted to make contact with the minor upon arriving at his residence. He, however, refused to open the door, and, according to Aurora Police Deputy Chief Michael Gaskill, began throwing what officers believed to be “Molotov cocktails” at them.
Hours later, the teenager came out without incident and was arrested. He is now facing multiple charges, Gaskill said, including unlawful display of a weapon on school grounds, criminal mischief, items related to hit-and-run, and reckless driving. The police deputy chief added that he was evaluated on scene by crisis intervention team officers, and he was to be transported to the Aurora Detention Center.
Frightened Students React to Teen’s Behavior
9NEWS spoke with two Cherokee Trail High School senior students who witnessed the teenager’s alleged actions at the school parking lot. Student Salina Gill described the event as “insane” and a “shock,” while fellow senior Acacia Wood said she and her friends were almost hit by the minor.
“He was speeding through the CT parking lots. I was there at like 8:30 in the morning,” Wood added. “And he’s like just looping around, drifting on the corners, being very loud and honking.” Gill said, “I thought an accident was going to happen.”
Gill added that the 17-year-old had allegedly slashed the tire of the parent mentioned above, who is an off-duty sheriff’s deputy. This would explain the unlawful display of a weapon on school grounds charge. If prosecuted as an adult, he could face up to 18 months in state prison. Otherwise, he could face probation or a 2-year detention.
“Hopefully, he gets the help that he needs because this is just not a normal thing,” Gill concluded. “We’re just grateful that no one got hurt.”