North Denver Resident Runs After His Own Stolen Car, Warns Neighbors
An auto theft in North Denver was caught on camera early Monday morning, leaving one resident shocked and frustrated as he watched his car disappear before his eyes. Carlos Valdez was warming up his black Honda CRV outside his home on West 78th Circle when he briefly stepped away. In just moments, a masked thief jumped in and sped off, leaving Valdez to chase after his own vehicle in vain.
“I was just saying goodbye to my girlfriend when we made eye contact, and I started running,” Valdez recalled. “I tried to grab the door, but by the time I reached it, they had already taken off.” Unable to catch up, Valdez focused on memorizing details of the getaway car, including its Texas license plate. His girlfriend, Adrina Atencio, shared his frustration, explaining that the car was his first big purchase, and its loss left them feeling helpless. “We’re grateful no one was inside—no kids, no pets—but it’s still a violation,” she said.
The suspect, wearing a hood and mask, remains unidentified. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an auto theft detective is investigating the case. Valdez and Atencio hope sharing their experience will remind others to stay vigilant, lock their vehicles, and avoid leaving them unattended while running.
