Teens to be honored for chasing suspect in fatal Denver hit-and-run

(CBS DENVER) ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. - Two teenagers are being honored - and rewarded - for their efforts to catch the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run crash.

The accident was in June 2010. A law firm is rewarding 19-year-old Steven Sanchez, and his friend Jason, with $10,000 this Wednesday. The teens aren't running from the attention, reports CBS Denver.

"I'd consider myself a hero," Sanchez said.

Sanchez and his friend Jason were at the right place at the right time. They chased the hit-and-run suspect accused of killing 59-year-old John Brand on a Denver street.

"Either you let it go or you do something about it, and what we did, we did something about it," Sanchez said.

The two teens are receiving the $10,000 Law Tigers reward for their efforts. They were nominated by the victim's girlfriend, Debbie Pyatok, who survived the crash.

"They didn't turn their back to it. I know a lot of people saw the incident and they were the only two that went after the drivers," Pyatok told CBS Denver.

Pyatok and Brand, her fiance, were on their motorcycle when they were hit by 26-year-old Effrain Villegas, who was accused of driving drunk.

At the crash site a memorial and a sign have been placed in memory of Brand.

"I would hope that anytime someone sees a sign on the road, anybody's name, not just John's, to think about it and maybe say a prayer for whoever they were involved with and loved," said Shawnah McDermott, Brand's sister.

While they never intended to win any money, the two teens hope others will follow their example if they're in a similar situation.

"It's just the love in my heart. I'm a really kind-hearted person and I just want someone to do the same," Sanchez said.

The teens plan to put the money to good use paying off debt, taking care of their families, and saving the rest.