Police: Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians jump dramatically

DENVER — According to Denver Police crime statistics, hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians are up 48 percent from when you compare the first eight months of this year to the same period in 2011.

There were 33 hit and run auto, pedestrian accidents in 2011 and 49 accidents in 2012.

Sunday night, a man walking on E. 17th Ave.  near Garfield St. became the latest victim.

Shawn Crane, 48, was killed after being hit and dragged behind the vehicle that was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed.

Denver police later arrested 48-year-old Mark Deleon after he called Aurora police to turn himself in.

Police found his SUV in the 4200 block of Albion St. at 6:30 Monday morning.

Denver police spokesperson John White told us, “There are a number of reasons why drivers leave the scene of accidents. Sometimes they are drinking and afraid of being caught by police.”

But under a new law that took effect in July 2012, drivers who leave the scene face the same punishment as drunk drivers: up to 6 years in prison.

Deleon is being held for investigation of Vehicular Homicide charges as well as Duty to Report an Accident involving Fatal Injury, a class 3 felony.