Rush-hour drivers in Aurora got an unexpected sideshow Thursday evening when a suspected car thief tried to bolt from police, weaving through busy intersections before ditching the vehicle and making a short-lived run for it. Officers chased the man down within seconds and took him into custody. Authorities identified the suspect as 36-year-old Cory Thompson.
According to the Aurora Police Department, officers spotted and pursued a suspected stolen vehicle during the evening commute as it moved through heavy intersections. The department said the vehicle eventually came to a stop, at which point the driver jumped out and ran, only to be caught moments later.
Police said Thompson was arrested on charges that include felony eluding, motor vehicle theft, driving without a license, criminal possession of a financial transaction device, and possession of dangerous drugs. The department added that Thompson has been arrested seven times previously, many of those cases involving allegedly stolen vehicles taken from Aurora residents and nearby Denver-area neighbors. Officers said they closed in quickly, stating that they apprehended Thompson less than 25 seconds after he bailed from the vehicle, according to the Aurora Police Department.
Repeat Offenders And Local Context
Aurora has been battling a surge in auto thefts and repeat offenders for years, and local coverage has highlighted the pressure that puts on residents and police. Sentinel Colorado reported the city logged more than 6,800 car-theft victims in a recent year, with city leaders pushing for stiffer penalties and data-driven enforcement to keep up…