Thornton, Colorado — A community is grappling with shock and sorrow after 14‑year‑old Jayden Benally was struck and killed late Saturday night in a hit‑and‑run crash, and police announced Sunday afternoon that the suspected vehicle has been found and the driver is now in custody.
The collision happened just before 9:45 p.m. on February 7 near the intersection of Huron Street and Thornton Parkway, a busy stretch just west of Interstate 25 where families and commuters often pass through. Police say Jayden was riding his small motorized bike northbound when a black 2013 BMW 328i slammed into him from behind at a high rate of speed.
Emergency crews raced Jayden to the hospital after the crash, but doctors were unable to save him. Thornton police closed the road for hours as investigators worked the scene and pieced together what had happened.
A Medina Alert was issued by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to help locate the vehicle involved. That alert described the car’s Colorado license plate as FBWX60 and warned that the BMW likely had damage to its front end from the crash.
On Sunday afternoon, Thornton officers confirmed they had located the black BMW and taken the driver into custody. Police have not yet released the suspect’s name, saying they will do so “when appropriate” as the investigation continues.
Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird issued a statement saying the department’s thoughts are with Jayden’s family and loved ones, and emphasized the community’s role in helping to bring the case to a close. License plate reader technology and tips from the public played a part in tracking down the vehicle, officials said.
Investigators continue to work the case, urging anyone with further information to contact the Thornton Police Department. The loss of a young life has left neighbors shaken, and many are still processing how quickly a quiet night turned into tragedy.
