Aurora Police Warn Of Dangers Of Drinking And Driving Ahead Of Holiday Weekend
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Aurora are showing just how dangerous driving while impaired can be after a dangerous situation last weekend in which a suspected drunk driver crashed into two police cruisers. Officers were conducting a traffic stop at 38th and Chambers when the crash happened.
Aurora Police Officer Kyle Stoeppel said he was making a routine traffic stop for a suspected drunk driver. He called for assistance and two additional officers responded.
Stoeppel then determined that the driver was no longer a DUI situation but there was a language barrier instead. When he went back to his police cruiser to call in a translator, he heard a loud crash.
Two police cruisers were smashed up and the 36-year-old driver who was allegedly responsible for the crash was rushed to the hospital. That person, Jonathan Stein, is now facing DUI and careless driving charges.
"I was lucky enough that I had a third car show up which is the car that got hit first. If that car wasn't there, me and my partner were talking about how that would've been us. It would have hit us or hit my car while I was reaching in to get my phone," Stoeppel said.
Stoeppel says while he is thankful he is safe, it could have been a much different situation.
"Just be responsible. If you plan to consume alcohol make sure that you have a ride arranged, so if you have people at your home, make sure they stay with you. Don't let them get behind the wheel and drive," said Aurora Officer Javen Harper.
Police say before the busy Memorial Day weekend, to plan ahead and be safe.
