UPDATE: Our investigation of this fatal auto/pedestrian crash has revealed the following: Dalton M. McCreary, 22, and Jordan Mulumulu 18 24, both from Aurora, were walking northbound on S. Chambers Road, crossing E. Iliff Ave. in the east crosswalk. Both were crossing on a green traffic signal/walk signal when a black in color 1998 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Christopher O’Neil Tarr, 41, of Aurora, was eastbound on E. Iliff Ave. at a high rate of speed. Tarr ignored the red signal light and lost control of his vehicle. The Toyota struck Dalton in the crosswalk, flipped over onto its roof, went down a landscaped embankment on the northeast corner, and into the Walgreen’s parking lot where it rolled back upright onto its tires. Tarr attempted to flee the scene northbound through the parking lot in the Toyota and several witnesses gave chase. The Toyota was forced to stop due to its damage from the collision prior to leaving the parking lot. McCreary was transported to a local hospital and died shortly thereafter due to his injuries. Mulumulu later stated to investigators, just prior to the Toyota coming at them McCreary yelled at him to “look out” and pushed him out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, saving his life.
Tarr and the front seat passenger, Robert Taylor, 54, of Aurora, were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Tarr was later arrested and held on a $50,000 bond for Vehicular Homicide at the Arapahoe County Jail. Tarr has posted bond and was released pending charges on 08/24/16.
The Photo Red Light system installed at this intersection captured this horrific crash with video and photos, all of which have been turned over to the DA’s office as evidence for prosecution.
We have filed the following charges with the District Attorney’s office:
Vehicular Homicide
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drugs, or both
Any additional media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the 18th Judicial District PIO.
Mugshot of Christopher Oneil Tarr, Date of Birth: 10/7/1975
Lieutenant Michael McClelland
Traffic Section Commander
303.739.6326
Information previously released on August 22, 2016:
On August 22, 2016, at about 12:10 A.M., Aurora Police Officers responded to an automobile versus pedestrian accident at East Iliff Avenue and South Chambers Road. A 1998 Toyota 4Runner was eastbound on East Iliff Avenue at a high rate of speed. The 4Runner tried to turn north onto South Chambers Road but lost control in the turn and started to slide. A group of pedestrians was walking northbound in the east cross walk. One of the pedestrians was struck as the 4Runner slid eastbound through the crosswalk. The 4Runner then went up onto the north sidewalk and rolled over and into a parking lot on the northeast corner of the intersection. The 4Runner landed on its wheels and tried to leave but the engine died before it could get out of the lot.
The pedestrian that was struck was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to their injuries. None of the other pedestrians were hit. The driver and a passenger in the 4Runner were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Speed and alcohol are considered factors in this accident. None of the identities of any of the involved parties are being released at this time.
The Aurora Police Department reminds drivers not to drive if they have been drinking.
Sergeant William Revelle
Traffic Section
303.739.6374
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