AURORA | A 26-year-old woman faces numerous traffic-related charges after deputies attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen that later crashed into another vehicle at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, seriously injuring that car’s driver, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Deputies were in the area of Storelocal Storage, 1995 S Valentia St., when they saw a car with a license plate that had been reported stolen.
Deputies later determined the car itself had also been reported stolen, according to the sheriff officials.
When deputies approached the vehicle to contact the driver, the driver fled and sped toward another deputy, authorities said.
The car then struck a closed security gate, causing extensive damage to both the gate and the vehicle according to investigators.
The damage to the vehicle was so extensive that it obstructed the driver’s view, endangering other nearby motorists, the deputies said.
The driver continued east on east on East Iliff Avenue, reaching speeds of about 70 mph before crashing into another car, according to sheriff reports.
A third car was struck by debris from the crash. The collision sent vehicle parts in multiple directions and caused a Prius involved in the crash to come to a stop in the westbound lanes of traffic, according to authorities.
The driver, identified as Leinaala La Shomb, 26, was arrested after the incident.
The driver of the other car was taken to a hospital after sustaining injuries deemed “serious.”
No sheriff patrol vehicles were involved in the crash. The Denver Police Department is investigating the crash, sheriff officials said.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing the car chase under agency policy.
Jail records show La Shomb faces charges including, misdemeanor drug possession, felony drug possession, felony assault, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, car theft, eluding, criminal mischief, as well as failing to appear on other past charges. Jail records show a total bond of about $11,000.
La Shomb’s next court date is Aug. 17. 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.