**Update: Nov.4, 2021**

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 27-year-old Nicholas Villarini for his alleged actions on October 26, 2021. Read the charges here.

*Original Post: Oct. 26, 2021**

On October 26, 2021 at 11:20 a.m., a Brighton Police Department Officer was dispatched to the area of Gaviota/Goldfinch Streets on a report of a suspicious vehicle. When the officer arrived, he learned the vehicle was an active steal.  When a second officer arrived in the area, the suspect vehicle rammed the officer’s vehicle.  The first officer activated his overhead lights in order to make a traffic stop on the car.  The car accelerated away from the scene.  In an attempt to stop the car, the officer continued to follow the car. 

At Bridge and Mt. Bierstadt streets, the stolen car ran a stop sign and struck another car.  A female passenger in the victim's car was ejected.  The female was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. The stolen car continued on Mt. Bierstadt Street, lost control of the car and struck a male pedestrian.  This male was also transported to the hospital in critical condition. The pursuit lasted approximately two minutes. Both of the victims in this crash were later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The Adams County Coroner’s Office will identify the victims.   

The male suspect was taken into custody and is being treated for serious injuries received during the crash.  There was also a female passenger in the suspect vehicle who was also treated for injuries at a hospital. The suspect is identified as 25-year-old Nicholas Vilarina. 

“Today has been a very difficult day for our community. Loss of life is never easy, in this case, the loss of people who were going about their everyday lives,” said Chief Paul Southard. “Our hearts are heavy for the families and friends of both individuals whose lives were tragically cut short, as well as the other victims of the crash.” 

The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Investigation Team and the North Metro Accident Investigation Team will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and subsequent crash.  As per standard protocol, the officer(s) who were involved in today’s incident will be on paid administrative leave.  For more information on how this investigation team works, please follow this link: http://www.adamsbroomfieldda.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Critical-Incident-Investigation-Team.pdf