On March 6, 2024, at 6:48 am, deputies responded to the area of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Venneford Ranch Road in Highlands Ranch, CO., on the report of an automobile versus pedestrian crash. The pedestrian, who has been identified as Alexander Mackiewicz 13 years old, died at the scene.
The Douglas County Traffic Team was called in to conduct the investigation. After a thorough investigation, they were able to determine the following:
The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Highlands Ranch Parkway in the far-right lane.
The vehicle was approaching the intersection with Venneford Ranch Road, which is a traffic signal-controlled intersection.
The signal for the eastbound traffic was red.
Alex was traveling southbound in the crosswalk on Venneford Ranch Road, crossing Highlands Ranch Parkway.
The walk signal was activated when Alex was crossing.
Alex was riding on a “Onewheel”.
The vehicle entered and proceeded through the intersection.
The vehicle struck Alex on the opposite side of the intersection from which it entered.
The vehicle came to a controlled rest after the impact east of the intersection.
Alex was ejected off the “Onewheel” and came to rest against the curb line east of the intersection.
Nothing has been found to indicate the vehicle was speeding.
The driver has been identified as Ruben Amaro-Morones, DOB 10/22/71. Morones was taken into custody on March 13, 2024, and transported to the Douglas County Detention Facility. He faces charges of:
C.R.S. 42-4-1402 (2)(c) Careless Driving Caused Death
C.R.S. 42-4-1402.5 (2) Careless Driving Caused Serious Bodily Injury to a Vulnerable Road User
C.R.S. 42-4-604 Failed to Obey Traffic Control Signal
A charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“This was a tragedy that has impacted not only Alex’s family but the entire Highlands Ranch community. As with any fatal crash, our Office has done a thorough investigation to make sure all the facts are accurate. As the Sheriff, I take traffic safety very seriously, and we will continue to work hard to make our roadways safer through public education and traffic enforcement.,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly.
