A Colorado man attempted to flee from a DUI arrest for a second time. But this time it didn’t work out so well.
Officers with the Aurora Police Department spotted a vehicle drifting in and out of lanes and failing to drive straight on Sept. 20. Aurora police say that they ran the license plate of the car and learned the driver was wanted for eluding officers in another jurisdiction and had gotten away from officers following a separate DUI incident.
This time, officers had a different plan. Aurora police say they obtained preemptive approval for a grapple, which is designed to disable fleeing vehicles and is always a real treat to see.
Footage released by the Aurora Police Department shows a patrol vehicle closing in on the car before the grapple is released and catches the left rear tire, disabling the car. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Elixon Sosaa-Cruz, then got out and attempted to run on foot from officers.
Tries To Run
Body camera footage shows an officer chasing Sosa-Cruz on foot and warning him to stop, saying, “You better stop! I’m gonna tase you!”
Officers eventually got Sosa-Cruz to the ground and took him into custody without further incident. The vehicle, however, contained much more than what initially appeared to be a suspected DUI.
More Than a DUI
A search of the vehicle turned up more than 80 grams of suspected fentanyl, a loaded handgun, more than $400 in cash, several cellphones, a digital scale, and a ledger.
Officers also found additional suspected fentanyl-containing pills and powder, along with numerous small baggies, according to Aurora police.
Sosa-Cruz was arrested on probable cause for driving under the influence, unsafe lane change, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and obstruction. He remains in jail without bond, according to the Aurora Police Department.
He Had Gotten Away Before
According to Aurora police, Sosa-Cruz was wanted for eluding officers in another jurisdiction and had recently gotten away from Aurora officers following another suspected DUI. It’s not clear exactly how he was able to get away during the first chase.
This time, the Grappler ended the drive before Sosa-Cruz could get very far on four wheels, and officers stopped him after a much shorter trip on foot.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and are seeking additional information about Sosa-Cruz. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.
Sosa-Cruz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.