Patrick Layden Arrested In Deadly Denver Highlands Neighborhood Crash
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver have arrested the driver involved in a deadly crash on West 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard on Saturday. Patrick Layden has been arrested in connection with the crash that killed Brad Brubaker and seriously injured his daughter.
Police say that Layden, 49, was driving a black Acura at a high rate of speed westbound on West 32nd Avenue when he crossed the double yellow lines, passed a vehicle prior to entering the intersection at Lowell Boulevard, drove into the intersection against the red light and struck a white Subaru in the intersection.
Ryan Fraser told CBS4's Rick Sallinger that he saw the black Acura as it sped west on 32nd Avenue towards Lowell.
"The offending car drove past me going about 80 mph and blew through this intersection and t boned a car that was passing on a green," Fraser said.
The probable cause statement from Denver police states that the force of the impact from the crash moved both vehicles to the west of the intersection where seven parked cars were struck as well.
Serena Shaw has a business in the area and told CBS4, "Cars are always buzzing in and people are always trying to be the last car through the light or past the light."
The driver of the Subaru, Brubaker, was pronounced dead at the scene and the other person in the vehicle, his daughter, was sent to the hospital with serious injuries. Police said that the child is expected to survive.
Police canvassed the neighborhood seeking information and offering contacts for counseling after such a shocking event. Some like Fraser, who is a pizza delivery driver, have suggestions for this rapidly growing trendy area of Denver's Highlands neighborhood.
"We need to update our streets. We've had the same roads and streets in this neighborhood for as long as I have been alive."
A memorial at the site is growing with poignant messages including, "That could have been any one of us in a car with our child," and simply, "We love you Highlands."
RELATED: Fund Set Up For Brad Brubaker's Family, Victim In Denver Highlands Crash
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the victim's family. The fundraiser says the victim was a father and beloved member of the community.
"He could usually be found outside helping his kids catch roly-polies or playing a game of tag, or lending a helping hand to his neighbors," the fundraiser about Brubaker stated.
Layden has a history of traffic violations, including driving under intoxication. He was released from jail where he was being held on investigation for vehicular homicide charges until his next court appearance.
