Driver jailed in Lakewood hit and run death

Thomas William Boyle

LAKEWOOD – A pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver Monday evening and a 48-year-old suspect faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide after he was caught by while fleeing the scene of the accident, Lakewood police said Tuesday.

Lakewood Police Department spokesman Steve Davis identified the victim as Raymond Rivera, 48, of Denver.

Rivera was crossing Harlan Street at West Alameda Avenue about 6 p.m. Monday when he was hit by a vehicle police later identified as a white Ford van driven by Thomas William Boyle, 48, Davis said. The van was traveling north when it allegedly struck Rivera.

The driver of the van fled the scene in the vehicle, but witnesses gave investigators a description of the fleeing vehicle and Boyle was stopped and arrested a short time later as he drove east on West Third Avenue near Sheridan Boulevard.

Investigators suspect that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident and toxicology results are pending. Boyle was jailed on charges of vehicular homicide, felony hit and run, driving under the influence and careless driving resulting in death.

Davis said investigators may decide to file other charges, as well.

Boyle’s case will be heard in Jefferson County District Court.