Man Charged in Theft of Tractor/Downtown Chase (Busch)

NEWS RELEASE –

July 27, 2018

Contact: Ken Lane, 720-913-9025

MAN CHARGED IN TRACTOR THEFT/DOWNTOWN CHASE

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann has formally charged a man in connection with the alleged theft of a Denver Water tractor and other crimes that concluded with a chase through downtown Denver.

Thomas Busch (dob: 02-17-1981) is charged with 23 offenses: one count of menacing (F5), three counts of aggravated motor vehicle theft (F6, F4), three counts of failure to report an accident or return to the scene (T2), four counts of careless driving (T2), one count of vehicular assault (F5), one count of leaving the scene of an accident (F4), three counts of second degree criminal trespass (M3), three counts of criminal mischief (F4, F5, M1), one count of criminal attempt to commit aggravated motor vehicle theft (F6), one count of vehicular eluding (F5), one count of resisting arrest (M2), and one count of cruelty to a certified police working dog (M1).               Charges were filed yesterday.

Among the incidents for which he is charged, it is alleged that on Friday, July 20, 2018, Busch stole a private motor vehicle and a Denver Water tractor and, while driving the tractor, was involved in hit and run accidents with passenger motor vehicles, evaded police pursuit, and destroyed additional property as he drove through Denver, eventually driving into downtown Denver. Police officers rammed the front end of the tractor with a squad car at 15^th and Market Streets, disabling the tractor.  The defendant was allegedly combative and fought officers as they attempted to arrest him, requiring the use of a K-9 service dog to subdue him.  A timeline of the alleged criminal events is attached.

The defendant is scheduled to appear on July 30, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 2300 for 2^nd advisement.

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