Cesario Serrato, 56, is facing vehicular assault and DUI charges after Denver police allege he ran a red light in downtown Denver early Sunday morning, struck three women in a crosswalk, and then dragged one of the victims approximately half a block beneath his BMW before finally stopping.
Background
The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. near 20th and Larimer streets as nearby bars were closing for the night, according to police statements cited by KDVR. A portion of the incident was captured on cellphone video by bystanders, showing witnesses rushing to help lift Serrato's vehicle off the victim he allegedly dragged.
Witnesses described watching the women crossing the street before being struck at a high rate of speed.
"We were waiting there to cross the street, and the females were right next to us, and I saw the vehicle coming at us at a high rate of speed," one witness told KDVR. "That's when I grabbed my sister and somebody that was in front of me and pulled them back, and unfortunately, I couldn't react fast enough to pull the females out of the way, so I saw them get struck."
Another witness, Xavier Thomas, told local ABC affiliate KMGH that he chased after Serrato's vehicle as it continued down the street.
"I chased after him, not knowing that she was actually under the car at first, and so he stopped at the next light, only because there was a couple of people in front of him," Thomas said. "All of the cops came together, and we lifted the car to get her out, and thank God we got her out in time."
Thomas recalled hearing witnesses screaming, "She's under the car" as Serrato finally came to a stop.
"He had no intention of stopping," another witness told KDVR. "I don't even know if he was aware of what had just happened, because he continued [driving]."
The Charges
Serrato is expected to face charges of vehicular assault and DUI in connection with the crash, according to Denver police officials.
A probable cause statement alleges that one victim, a 21-year-old woman, "was pulled underneath the vehicle" Serrato was driving and "dragged approximately half a block," KDVR reports. Two additional victims, ages 19 and 24, were thrown by the impact of the collision.
"Officers and bystanders had to lift the defendant's vehicle from the passenger side to free [the victim] from underneath," the probable cause statement states.
Police say Serrato allegedly showed an "extreme level of intoxication" following the crash and was arrested at the scene. Court records reviewed by Law&Crime indicate Serrato was driving with a revoked license and has a history of traffic offenses, including two incidents within the last 10 years in which he was allegedly driving while impaired.
Key Takeaways
- Three women between ages 19-24 were struck in a crosswalk near 20th and Larimer streets around 2:30 a.m. Sunday
- A 21-year-old victim was dragged approximately half a block beneath Serrato's BMW before the vehicle stopped
- Officers and bystanders lifted the car to free the trapped victim
- Serrato allegedly showed "extreme level of intoxication" after the crash; blood alcohol testing is pending
- He was driving with a revoked license and has prior impaired driving incidents within the last decade
- Charges include vehicular assault and DUI, with more expected as investigation continues
What's Next
Denver police say their investigation remains active. Toxicology results from Serrato's blood sample are pending. Additional charges may be filed as prosecutors review the full evidence gathered at the scene, including cellphone video footage and witness statements. No court dates have been set as of publication.