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A seasoned criminal, who authorities claim possesses one of the most extensive criminal records they’ve encountered, is once again in custody following a high-speed chase in Aurora late Monday night. During the pursuit, officers reported that a blind passenger in the stolen vehicle was desperately asking to be released.
“This criminal history might just be the longest I’ve come across,” remarked the Aurora police in a statement shared on social media after the arrest.
The situation began around 3 a.m., when the city was largely quiet, as Flock camera technology notified officers of a stolen car in the vicinity of Scranton Street, just below Smith Road.
Patrol teams swiftly tracked down the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver ignored orders to halt and accelerated away, leading to a chase through the city.
Larry Barnes, aged 55, was apprehended following this pursuit involving a stolen car. He is now facing a series of charges related to the incident.
Police video captures the urgency as an officer said, “The car is taking off — stolen vehicle pursuit, pursuit, pursuit. … We’re going to be going westbound … speeds are 61.”
“Sigh. Another runner. No worries, we got you,” the department said in the post.
Officers detained the suspect after he attempted to run after a police pursuit in Aurora. (X/@AuroraPD)
Officers tracked the vehicle using city traffic cameras as the pursuit moved toward Quebec Street and Exposition Avenue, where they executed a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end.
Aurora police stopped a stolen vehicle during an overnight pursuit Monday after the driver fled a traffic stop. (X/@AuroraPD)
The suspect then attempted to run, but officers quickly closed the distance. Video shows the tense takedown as an officer commands, “Get on the ground. Let me see your hands. Put your hands behind your back,” before the suspect is taken into custody.
Inside the vehicle, officers made a troubling discovery. A blind female passenger told police she had repeatedly begged the driver to pull over during the chase, raising serious concerns that she was being held against her will. Investigators say that account led to a kidnapping charge.
The driver was identified as 55-year-old Aurora resident Larry Barnes, whom police describe as a prolific car thief with a lengthy and troubling history of arrests, including numerous drug distribution cases, assault on a peace officer, burglary and other offenses.
A search of the stolen vehicle uncovered more than 30 grams of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, further compounding the charges.
Barnes was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, possession with intent to distribute, driving under the influence and felony eluding. Police also confirmed he had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest.
Aurora police credited proactive patrol work and real-time technology with getting Barnes off the streets before the situation could escalate further.
“Safer Aurora streets, no matter the hour. That’s how we do,” the department said.