CSP Aircraft Tracks Stolen SUV During 100+ MPH I-70 Eluding Incident; Two Arrested

Description: Aurora Police and Colorado State Patrol aircraft coordinated to track a stolen Cadillac Escalade after a dangerous eluding incident that ended with two arrests in Denver...

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Joint News Release: Aurora Police Department and Colorado State Patrol

Coordinated APD and CSP Aircraft Unit Leads to Arrest Following Dangerous Eluding Incident

AURORA, Colo. — A coordinated response between the Aurora Police Department and Colorado State Patrol led to the safe arrest of two people after a stolen vehicle was driven at high speeds and into oncoming traffic.

At approximately 7:31 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2026, Aurora Police Central District officers received an automated license plate reader alert for a Cadillac Escalade reported stolen from Denver. Officers located the vehicle a short time later and attempted to stop it near East Colfax Avenue.

The driver avoided stop sticks, made a U-turn through a grassy median, and drove northbound in the southbound lanes, creating a serious danger to other motorists. The Cadillac later entered westbound Interstate 70 and reached speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Because of the driver's increasingly dangerous actions, Aurora Police terminated the ground pursuit. Colorado State Patrol's aircraft responded and maintained visual contact with the Cadillac from above, allowing ground units to disengage while the vehicle continued to be monitored.

CSP aircraft followed the Cadillac to the area of West 48th Avenue and Pecos Street in Denver. The aircraft crew observed the driver and a passenger leave the vehicle and begin walking through a nearby parking lot. Colorado State Patrol trooper responded to the area and safely detained both occupants.

Aurora Police officers arrived and identified the driver as 28-year-old Thomas Martinez. Martinez was arrested on suspicion of second-degree motor vehicle theft and vehicular eluding. Officers also took the passenger into custody on multiple outstanding warrants.

All criminal charges are allegations. Those accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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