No Charges Filed: Jeffco Family Grapples with Injustice

A Tragic Hit-and-Run Case Leaves a Family Without Closure

A local family in Arvada, Colorado, is struggling to find peace after learning that no charges will be filed in the death of their loved one. The incident involved a hit-and-run crash that followed an altercation between two drivers. Dave Brlej, a 67-year-old grandfather and school bus driver, was killed in the event. His wife, Debbie, expressed her deep frustration and sorrow, emphasizing that the lack of legal action feels like a failure of justice.

The case began on September 6 of last year, just after 6 a.m., when police responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of 64th Avenue and Indiana Street. According to the incident report, Debbie’s husband was found on the ground, gasping for air. He was on his way to work as a school bus driver when the incident occurred. The family learned that the accident stemmed from a road rage situation involving Dave and another driver.

Debbie described the emotional toll of the event, saying, “Coming back here is not easy. It’s like ripping a Band-Aid off of an open wound. It’s not a good feeling.” She emphasized that she felt someone needed to be held accountable for her husband's death, but the decision by the District Attorney not to file charges left her feeling helpless.

According to the district attorney, Alexis King, the case could not move forward because it would rely solely on the other driver’s statement against Dave. Since Dave was not able to give his side of the story, the DA determined there wasn’t enough evidence to pursue charges. Debbie finds this unfair, believing that a jury should have had the opportunity to decide the matter.

The police report details the perspective of the other driver, who claimed he was in fear during the incident. He explained that he pulled into a car wash parking lot, with Dave following him. The driver said he felt threatened after witnessing Dave pounding on the hood of his car. He later called the police, unsure if he had hit a person or a curb. An eyewitness confirmed seeing Dave hit the hood of the car, which led to the collision.

Debbie questioned why the driver wasn’t tested for drugs or alcohol, given the severity of the incident. However, the police explained that they required probable cause to proceed with an impaired driving investigation. The driver voluntarily met with detectives and did not show any signs of impairment, according to the department.

The family also raised concerns about the driver’s history of road rage incidents. The report noted that the driver had previously accused someone of pulling a gun on him, though no weapons were found during the investigation. Despite this, the family hopes the DA might reconsider the case if further evidence comes to light.

In a statement, the Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office expressed sympathy for the family and explained that the decision not to file charges was based on the insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. They emphasized their ethical obligation to only pursue cases where there is a reasonable likelihood of success.

Despite the lack of legal action, the Brlej family continues to seek answers and closure. They hope their experience can prevent others from going through similar pain. Debbie urged people to let go of road rage, stating, “Road rage has to stop. I don’t care if somebody cuts you off, pulls out in front of you, doesn’t use a turn signal. People need to let it go.”

The family remains committed to advocating for change and ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again. Their story highlights the emotional and legal complexities of road rage incidents and the lasting impact on families affected by them.