Homeless Couple Victims of Hit-and-Run, Advocacy Group Claims Police Won’t Investigate
A homeless couple living in their RV in Denver became victims of a hit-and-run crash last month, but a local advocacy group claims that the Denver Police Department has refused to investigate the incident. According to the Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND), police have declined to pursue the case or obtain insurance details from the responsible party to cover the damage, citing the couple’s homeless status.
HAND released a statement alleging that the police’s refusal to investigate was influenced by anti-homeless sentiment, leaving the couple with significant damage to their RV and trailer. The statement emphasized that this type of treatment differs from typical hit-and-run cases, where police investigate and work to secure insurance for repairs.
Video Evidence of Damage and Police Interaction
HAND provided a video showing the damage to the RV and the couple’s interaction with the police. The footage was taken in a parking lot at 5775 E. 45th Ave., where the police and fire trucks were present. The couple had already provided their insurance and license plate information, yet Denver Police remained silent on the allegations and stated they needed more details regarding the crash location. The department’s response will be updated if they release further comments.
Ongoing Harassment by Police
This couple has faced ongoing harassment from the police despite their RV being struck. According to HAND, two days after the crash, the couple parked near a hotel where the woman was set to leave for a medical appointment. They were told they could park there temporarily, but security and police pressured them to leave. Later, while the woman was away, police threatened to tow their RV, and they were harassed for parking on a public street.
The couple, who move from block to block, were also threatened with a ticket for violating the “poverty tow” law, which prohibits parking large or “junk” vehicles on public streets for more than two hours a week. This law gives police broad authority to decide when a vehicle is a “junk” vehicle, allowing them to issue warnings or tow the vehicle at their discretion.
Potential Towing and Shelter Offer
At the time of HAND’s statement, the couple’s RV was facing imminent towing, leaving them without a home. Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for Denver’s Department of Human Services, confirmed that the couple was expected to be offered shelter at one of Denver’s All in Mile High locations. However, he did not provide additional details on the incident.
HAND’s statement highlighted the challenges faced by the couple, who rely on their RV for survival, and criticized the police’s actions as contributing to the hardships faced by the homeless community.
