Police identify two killed in car-pedestrian incidents

LAKEWOOD – Police Tuesday identified two men who died in car-pedestrian incidents

Joel Vargas-Ramirez

within hours of each other over the weekend.

One of the victims, identified as Olivas-Ruelas, 31, is believed to be the victim of a homicide resulting from an incident at a Lakewood bar that spilled into the parking lot in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police say Olivas-Ruelas was targeted by Joel Vargas-Ramirez, 28, who was at the wheel of a pickup truck when he allegedly ran down Olivas-Ruelas after a confrontation at a nightspot in the 5400 block of West Alameda Avenue.

The other weekend traffic victim was identified as Adam Brewster, 31, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after he was hit by a vehicle as he crossed Wadsworth Boulevard near West 17th Avenue Friday evening.

Police say Brewster’s death is unlikely to result in charges against the driver, who has not been identified by police.

Investigators believe Brewster was struck as he stopped and kneeled down in as he crossed Wadsworth in front of the oncoming vehicle.

“The pedestrian (Brewster) had dropped something and was kneeling down in the right lane of northbound Wadsworth to pick up the items, when the collision occurred” shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, according to LPD spokesman Ty Countryman.

Countryman said neither alcohol nor excessive speed are believed to be factors in the accident.

Results of toxicology tests conducted during an autopsy are pending.

In the other death, Vargas-Ramirez, 28,remains in the Jefferson County Jail without bond after his arrest in the early hours of Saturday morning. He is facing a possible first-degree murder charge after he allegedly ran down and killed Olivas-Ruelas.

“It appears that during the argument, as one of the individuals was leaving the establishment they hit another one” of the people involved in the confrontation, according to LPD spokeswoman Sheridan Foster.

Police later located and arrested Vargas-Ramirez in connection with the death. He also faces charges of driving under the influence and driving under suspension. Police say Vargas-Ramirez is a “habitual traffic offender.” The investigation remains open and investigators want to talk to anyone with information about the incident and Foster urges witnesses to call Lakewood Police investigators at (303) 987-7111.

Foster said other charges could be filed as the case develops.