Denver, Colorado — A suspected drunk-driving crash in downtown Denver left three young women injured early Sunday morning after a driver allegedly ran a red light and struck them in a crosswalk before dragging one victim underneath his vehicle for a significant distance.
Authorities say the frightening incident unfolded as crowds were leaving nearby bars and restaurants, prompting witnesses to rush to the victims’ aid and help free one woman who became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Police have identified the driver as Cesario Serrato, 56, who is expected to face multiple charges, including vehicular assault and driving under the influence.
Police Say Driver Ran Red Light Before Impact
According to investigators, the crash occurred near 20th and Larimer streets around 2:30 a.m.
Authorities allege that Serrato drove through a red light and struck three women who were legally crossing the street. The victims were reported to be between 19 and 24 years old.
Witnesses described seeing the vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed moments before the collision occurred.
One witness said they were standing nearby waiting to cross when they noticed the vehicle coming toward pedestrians.
“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.”
The impact reportedly threw two of the victims while a third became trapped beneath the vehicle.
Victim Allegedly Dragged Under Vehicle
According to a probable cause statement cited by local reports, one of the women was pulled underneath the BMW and dragged approximately half a block after the collision.
Witnesses said the vehicle continued moving instead of immediately stopping.
“He had no intention of stopping,” one witness told local media. “I don’t even know if he was aware of what had just happened, because he continued driving.”
Authorities allege the vehicle only came to a stop after becoming caught in traffic at the next intersection.
Another witness, Xavier Thomas, said he initially chased after the vehicle before realizing a woman was trapped underneath it.
“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.”
As bystanders gathered, they reportedly began shouting that a victim was trapped under the vehicle.
“She’s under the car,” witnesses screamed after the driver stopped.
Bystanders and Officers Help Rescue Victim
According to investigators, officers and civilians worked together to free the injured woman. The probable cause affidavit states:
“Officers and bystanders had to lift the defendant’s vehicle from the passenger side to free [the victim] from underneath.”
Witnesses credited the quick actions of those at the scene with helping prevent an even more serious outcome. Thomas said officers and civilians lifted the vehicle together before removing the victim.
“Thank God we got her out in time, because we don’t know how long she would have been under there if that light was green.”
All three victims were injured in the crash, though authorities have not publicly released updated information regarding their conditions.
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Driver Allegedly Showed Signs of Extreme Intoxication
Following the collision, police said Serrato displayed what officers described as an “extreme level of intoxication.”
He was taken into custody and is expected to face charges related to the crash.
Court records reviewed by local media also indicate that Serrato was allegedly driving with a revoked license at the time of the incident.
In addition, records reportedly show a history of traffic-related offenses, including previous incidents involving alleged impaired driving.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and preparing formal charges.
The incident has renewed concerns about impaired driving and pedestrian safety in busy entertainment districts where large numbers of people gather during late-night hours.
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