Thornton Police arrest suspect in fatal hit-and-run motorcycle crash

The Thornton Police Department has arrested 38-year-old Genaro Rubio Barron in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a motorcycle that occurred at Thornton Parkway and Huron Street on Sept. 11 at 7:48 p.m.

During this investigation, officers learned that a pickup truck was traveling northbound on Huron Street and turned left to westbound Thornton Parkway in front of a southbound motorcyclist. After the motorcycle and truck collided, the driver of the truck fled the scene. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and on Sept. 14, died from those injuries. The motorcyclist’s name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office and notification of next of kin.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, Rubio Barron turned himself in to authorities and identified himself as the driver of the truck involved in the crash. The truck Rubio Barron was driving was located and had damage consistent with the crash. Rubio Barron was taken into custody and charged with careless driving causing serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious bodily injury, and driving without a drivers license. His initial bond was set at the maximum allowable amount of $5,000 surety or $500 cash; however, after his arraignment the bond was reduced to $1,000 surety or $100 cash. Rubio Barron posted the $100 cash bond and was released.

After the motorcyclist died, Rubio Barron's charges were amended to careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and he remains out on bond.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Under Colorado law, the arrest and filing of criminal charges are merely formal accusations that an individual committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that has not yet been shared with investigators is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.