Broomfield police suspect man of theft, hit-and-run with truck and trailer
A 36-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after he was suspected of stealing a truck and trailer that was later involved in a hitand-run.
James Ortiz, who hometown was not available, is facing charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree motor vehicle theft, theft of $20,000 to $100,000, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, felony menacing, and two counts of violation of bond conditions, according to a news release from the Broomfield Police Department.
According to the Broomfield Detention Center, where Ortiz was in custody Wednesday night, he will also face charges of criminal possession of one financial device, violation of a protection order and fraud.
Because of Ortiz’s violation of bond conditions, he is no longer eligible for a bond in Colorado.
He is also facing charges in Arapahoe County of aggravated motor vehicle theft and driving with a suspended driver’s license. He was charged May 26, 2021, according to online court records.
He was previously convicted of a DUI in Adams County in 2006; possession of drug paraphernalia in Adams County in 2008; criminal mischief in Adams County in 2010; and driving after revocation prohibited in El Paso County in 2014.
About 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Broomfield police responded to a report of a hit-and-run involving a truck and trailer on the shoulder of U.S. 36, near the Wadsworth Boulevard exit, the release said. It was determined that the truck, trailer and tools inside the trailer were reported stolen in Westminster.
As officers arrived at the scene, they saw the suspect, later identified as Ortiz, running away. The suspect entered the Harvest Station Apartments at 11775 Wadsworth Blvd., kicked in a door to one of the apartment homes and barricaded himself inside. The resident of the apartment was not home at the time.
A shelter-in-place alert was immediately sent out to Harvest Station residents, the release said. Officers knocked on doors to alert residents about the situation and prepare them to evacuate. The suspect threatened officers and resisted arrest, the release stated. A loaded gun was also recovered at the scene. The Broomfield SWAT team was called to assist and arrested the suspect within 40 minutes.